New Students Settle In

09.16.2010 —Bay Path College students settle into classes.

LONGMEADOW, MA—With the start of the Fall 2010 semester, Bay Path College welcomed more than 200 new, traditional undergraduates to its Longmeadow Campus. Bay Path President Carol A. Leary officially greeted the Class of 2014 and transfer students to the College by personally visiting the residence halls to invite students and their families to dinner. During their New Student Orientation, the young women were introduced to the many Bay Path opportunities, and learned more about life on campus, commitment to community service, and ethical behavior.

New students joined upperclasswomen, faculty and staff to volunteer at community organizations throughout Springfield, Holyoke and Hadley, including American Red Cross, Goodwill, Square One, Head Start, Land of Providence and River Bend Farm. The incoming class also attended an ethics presentation, where they signed the College’s Honor Pledge.

Following the weekend orientation, first-year undergraduates joined returning students and Bay Path faculty and staff for the longstanding tradition of Campus Awakening. At dawn, students and the campus community solemnly proceeded to Deepwood Circle on the Longmeadow Campus, where President Leary formally greeted them and lighted a candle reflective of the guiding power of wisdom. Other candles were lit in turn, and the entire group formed a circle in front of Deepwood Hall to represent the strength of community. The students, faculty and administration read and provided words of inspiration to begin the new academic year with energy, anticipation and spirit.

Nearly 50 percent of the new students reside in Massachusetts, and roughly 95 percent of the class is from New England. Bay Path also welcomed students from Thailand, Jamaica, Korea and Saudi Arabia. The most popular majors among the incoming students are forensic science, liberal studies, occupational therapy, forensic psychology and criminal justice.