On September 1, 2015, the entirety of Kean University was buzzing with life as students hustled to their first day of class.

In order to curtail the overwhelming nature of the first day of school, the university hosted the first event of the year, the Cougar Kick-Off. As an introduction to the school year, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. students were invited to the Miron Student Center (MSC) patio to take part in all the festivities.

The Kick-Off was a combination of countless activities. A DJ (DJ Wallah), student groups, vendors, and countless others from the Kean community organized outside the MSC for everyone to enjoy. The event provided pretzels, water ice, shirts, flip flops, free food, notepads, and other Kean University paraphernalia.

DJ Wallah performing at the Cougar Kick-Off
Jason Darling l The Cougar's Byte

Students waiting in line for some free snacks
Jason Darling l The Cougar's Byte

The array of activities and the social atmosphere attracted students from every direction. Kiana Anderson, junior communication major, explains why she enjoyed the Kick-Off, “[you get the] chance to interact with new faces and it makes you a little more comfortable,” she stated.

The Kick-Off was sponsored and supported by MSC in partnership with campus life activities for student success (C.L.A.S.S.). Sasha Wright, junior therapeutic recreation major, is an MSC employee who took an active role in the Kick-Off. She stated, “It [the Kick-Off] brings them out of their room, helps them find friends, and learn more about the different organizations, events…it’s a fun way of communicating with fellow peers.”

As a collective effort, the office of student government, Student Organization, C.L.A.S.S., contributed to making it possible. While all of these offices have different concentrations, in a fusion of effort and resources, they were able to create a memorable first day.

The focal points of the event were information and involvement. For many first year students, whether they are freshmen or transfers, one of the most challenging aspects of transitioning to a new environment is knowing where and how to get information. The Kick-Off provided all attendees with information and resources pertaining to both current times and the future.

Separately, many students do not recognize the importance of involvement. Being involved on a college campus has the potential to significantly impact a student’s life and future. Laurie Ranaivoarivao, junior interior design major, works for the office of student government. She states, “[the Kick-Off] introduces new students to everything they can get involved in to make the new year enjoyable and beneficial…our main message is to get involved so they can get the most out of their college experience.”

Being that Kean University has a high percentage of commuters, making sure to engage commuting students is a way to improve their time spent at the university. Wright states, “commuters have a habit of going home right after class, this will help them to get familiar with Kean.”

Kean University focuses on providing a rich collegiate experience that is a culmination of education, involvement, and growth. Amani Parrish, junior chemistry major, recently transferred to the university. Parrish explains what she is looking forward to for the upcoming year, “…meeting new people, furthering my education, and getting more involved because I see everyone has a lot to offer…[I] just [want] a positive school year.”

Kean University recognizes how crucial the first day is as, in many ways, it sets the tone for the rest of the year. At the risk of sounding cliché, a good beginning is more than half the battle.

Students interested in what the student organization has to offer this year
 Jason Darling l The Cougar's Byte

Students receiving free designed t-shirts
Jason Darling l The Cougar's Byte