The newest members of the Oswego family will enjoy a week full of activities titled Laker Launch, starting on Aug. 15, to learn more about college life and their new home.

Move-in Day for incoming freshmen will stretch across two days -- Sunday and Monday, Aug. 15 and 16. The Gold Team (moving in Aug. 15) and Green Team (moving in Aug. 16) will have separate schedules introducing them to the campus, key people and helpful services across the week. All incoming students are invited to a series of evening special events as well.

"It has been such a challenging and fluid environment in education at all levels since the beginning of the pandemic, and students have found themselves adapting to ever-changing circumstances,” said Daniel Roberts, director of campus life and the program’s coordinator.  “What we wanted to do with Laker Launch was provide our students with some stability and support as they transitioned to campus.”

New students will connect with vital support service and the faculty and staff ready to help them succeed while also enjoying social activities and learning more about possible experiences with Oswego’s groups and organizations, Roberts noted.

“The goal is that before the first day of classes, SUNY Oswego will already feel like home," Roberts said.

Keeping the week of activities fun and helpful will be Laker Links, current students who serve as mentors and contacts for the incoming students. This role is similar to what Laker Leader guides do during New Student Orientation, but with broadened responsibilities and focused on successful transition.

"Laker Links are a vital component to the program,” Roberts said. “We currently have 25 current Lakers that will help mentor these new students, lead them through the Laker Launch experience, and be a resource for them after the program ends."

Topics covered during the daytime sessions include inclusivity and belonging, a campus job fair, how to succeed in a new classroom environment, community support and responsibilities, health and wellness, advisement, mentorships, experiential learning, Project Serve volunteering and opportunities to learn more about the campus environment.

The Welcoming Torchlight Ceremony at 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20, will culminate the more structured part of the schedule with the time-honored tradition of officially connecting the college’s newest students with the Oswego family. The annual Welcome Picnic, 5 to 7 p.m. in the Academic Quad, and a Pre-Torchlight Party, sponsored by SAPB starts at 7 p.m. in the quad and the South Lawn, will precede the ceremony.

Other evening activities welcoming the incoming class will include:

  • 7 to 10 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16: Rec The Night, an evening of fun, games, giveaways and food sponsored by Campus Recreation and SAPB
  • 8 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17: SAPB Presents John Rudnitsky, an actor, writer and comedian who has appeared on the Hulu miniseries “Catch-22,” HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Saturday Night Live” and other movies and series
  • 8 to 11 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 18: SAPB Outdoor Movie: “A Quiet Place II”
  • 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19: SAPB Presents Christian Sparacio, a concert featuring the eclectic singer and songwriter

Laker Launch starts to wrap up on Saturday, Aug. 21 with Taking Care of Business, where Laker Links will help connect new students with attractions and services in the Oswego community.

For more information, visit the Laker Launch website.