UPIKE First

UPIKE welcomed 244 new Bears to campus the week before fall classes began. In a newly-rebranded program called UPIKE First, incoming first-year students were treated to a week of activities to help them to get to know each other and begin to build important connections on campus.

Students participated in numerous activities including “the climb” up the iconic 99 steps. The tradition of ascending the steps together symbolizes the beginning of their academic journey, with students descending the steps together in four years as a graduating class. Another beneficial activity was a scavenger hunt, “Pikey’s Passport to Success,” where students visited various departments on campus to learn their way around. COVID-19 restrictions prevented many incoming students from receiving a full tour of UPIKE prior to their arrival. This activity helped students feel comfortable in these new spaces, learn about resources available to them and engage with staff.

“UPIKE First Week is more than a few days of fun. The sooner new students feel comfortable and connected, the better,” said Director of Family and New Student Connections Stephanie Stiltner. “The goal of all of these activities was to demystify college for our first-year students and help them feel comfortable using resources. I couldn’t be more pleased with how everyone on campus welcomed our new students. We really rolled out the orange carpet for them.”

Service lies at the heart of the UPIKE experience and is part of every student’s journey. The Saturday before classes began all incoming students participated in Service Day, led by UPIKE Chaplain Rob Musick. Students rolled up their sleeves to spend the day helping others and giving back to the community in more than 20 locations spanning over seven counties.