AIC welcomes new students
 |
SPRINGFIELD--President Vince Maniaci and his staff had their work cut out for them, as they welcomed a new class of students to American International College. As part of the Orientation Day program, Maniaci put on his t-shirt, shorts and baseball cap, and helped students carry boxes, stereos and refrigerators into their new dorm rooms.
But, this year was a little more challenging for the AIC president, as he helped a record number of students into the dorms Sunday, September 2.
"I try to memorize the names and faces of all the new students, but this year took a little longer," said Maniaci. "One thing for sure, I got plenty of exercise on Sunday."
"It's been a very good recruiting year," said Peter J. Miller, vice president of admission services at AIC. "Overall our enrollment is up nearly 13 percent, and for the first time in recent memory, our residence halls are full."
More than 580 new students arrived, including more than 380 freshmen, a 30 percent jump in first year students.
Miller said the new class includes students from 13 different U.S. states, as far away as California and Florida, and 11 foreign countries, including Austria, Israel and Iraq.
Health Sciences tops the field of popular majors among new students, including 170 nursing students. Other popular majors include, business, criminal justice and psychology.
The Orientation program began at 9:00 a.m., as parents arrived to help students into their new environment. "We have a great program that is aimed at making the parents feel just as comfortable as the students," said Blaine K. Stevens, vice president for student affairs at AIC. "Parents meet with the peer mentors, the upperclassman who will be working with their sons and daughters, so they will have a good idea what the students can expect during their first year at AIC.
Stevens said there were also social events for both student and parent on Orientation Day, including an afternoon picnic on the campus quad. "We also provide parents with a guide to the Springfield area, which lists hotel accommodations, restaurants, and other sites of interest to get parents familiar with the area," Stevens said.
Booths were set up around the campus quadrangle to provide families with important information about food services, parking, student employment, and various clubs and organizations, such as the pep band and the theater group.
Students took a break on Monday with a trip to Six Flags in Agawam. Orientation concluded on Tuesday with the Convocation in the Griswold Theatre.
American International College
1000 State Street
Springfield MA 01109
(800) 242-3142
inquiry@aic.edu