Orientation Welcomes Students with Fun-Filled Activities and the Power of Giving Back
Touro University California campus buzzed with excitement as more than 300 students lined up outside Lander Hall on the morning of Tuesday, July 25th, for the much-anticipated three-day new student orientation.
Touro University California (TUC) campus buzzed with excitement as more than 300 students lined up outside Lander Hall on the morning of Tuesday, July 25th, for the much-anticipated three-day new student orientation. Nervousness and excitement filled the air as students from the College of Pharmacy, College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the College of Education and Health Sciences gathered to begin their academic journey.
Representing a diverse mix of backgrounds and hometowns, the students came from various parts of California, including Union City, San Jose, Lake Arrowhead, Orange County, Chino, and June Lake. Some even ventured from as far away as Washington DC and Maine, seeking education at TUC to pursue their dreams.
The orientation was organized by Student Affairs, staff, and the Student Government Association (SGA), led by President Shivani Majmudar, a second-year Physician Assistant and Public Health student. The orientation schedule was packed with engaging activities, like panels, ice cream socials, and dodgeball. A day of service volunteer event was designed to help the students acclimate to the campus environment while instilling a sense of community and service. Ten different volunteer opportunities from Vallejo to Fairfield mobilized the new students to renovate, clean, paint, and pack at local nonprofits like the Florence Douglas Senior Center, Humane Society of the North Bay, and Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.
During their visit to the Food Bank, the students got a tour of the warehouse, witnessing firsthand how the organization distributes shelf-stable, refrigerated, and frozen foods to people in need. Under the guidance of Andrea Garcia, the Vice President of Advancement, the students bagged fresh produce, including carrots, plums, and onions, destined for distribution sites. After a day of hard work in the community, students had a chance to cool down with an ice cream social.
The orientation also facilitated a unique bonding experience, combining new students with returning ones in a lively dodgeball tournament. The friendly competition fostered friendships and camaraderie, helping new students quickly integrate into the Touro family.
As the orientation concluded, the campus was abuzz with laughter and newfound connections. Students expressed gratitude for the warm and supportive environment TUC provided, easing their transition to a new phase of life away from home. Reflecting on the event, Shivani Majmudar said, "Our primary goal is to promote diversity, visibility, and interprofessional friendships. I am thrilled to witness how our efforts have brought together this diverse cohort into one supportive community."
With this inspiring start, Touro University's new students are now equipped to embark on their educational journey with the knowledge that they are part of a compassionate and inclusive academic family. The orientation laid a foundation for their success as they pursue their passions and make a positive impact on society through their chosen fields of study.