Ithaca College 's Center for Student Leadership & Involvement and Office for New Student Programs offer specially designed programs to ease the transition and to encourage new students to meet new friends.
These jumpstart programs each has a different focus and occur concurrently. They are scheduled to begin prior to the official start of the Fall semester.
All three programs are completely funded by the Center for Student Leadership & Involvement and the Office for New Student Programs. There is no cost to the participants.
Lead-In
Lead-In is designed to help new students transition to Ithaca College and get a jumpstart on their college leadership experience. In this program, participants will explore leadership topics, become acquainted with the IC campus, and meet new friends. As a part of Lead-In, participants will participate in a challenge course and learn about their own leadership style as well as spend time with fellow students. Current student leaders serve as small group leaders and mentors for the new students. They will share their own leadership and involvement experiences as well as serve as campus resources. This program will help you to successfully navigate your first semester. Previous leadership experience is not required.
Community Plunge
Prepare to roll up your sleeves! Community Plunge is the opportunity for new students to get a head-start on volunteering in the Ithaca community. Participants will spend Friday and Saturday working with a variety of local service organizations. Past service opportunities have included: making a nature trail wheelchair accessible, painting at a local charity, assisting with summer camps and preparing lunch for residents of an elderly community. All participants are divided into teams of approximately eight students led by two Team Leaders. Team Leaders are current students who share your interest in community service and will serve as site liaisons. The team leaders will be volunteering with you, and are a valuable resource for information and advice.
E.C.H.O. (Experiencing Connections By Heading Outdoors)
ECHO will help you make connections with your new community. Participants head out of the residence halls and classrooms and into the great outdoors. Participants camp overnight on the beautiful grounds along the Finger Lakes Trail. Campers stay in tents and enjoy the night sky, each other's company, and activities led by students, faculty and staff! And of course, no camping trip would be complete without a campfire! The program is designed for a group of 60—70 first year students, each with a unique background, different experiences and a full range of camping and hiking skills. No camping or hiking experience is required. Whether you've never been hiking or you have gone hiking and camping for days, weeks, and months at a time, ECHO is ready for you. Having your own tent or backpack is appreciated, but students who do not bring their own tent or backpack will be provided with one for the trip. However, students must provide their own sleeping bag.
