SophoMORE Week embraces new experiences

The Office of Sophomore Initiatives has kicked off SophoMORE Week, Sept. 20-26. Throughout the week, the office has been hosting events intended to familiarize the new sophomores with the office's services and prepare them for the challenges the year ahead will offer.

"SophoMORE Week is an introduction of the department to the [sophomore] class and the community. It gives a preview of the programs we offer and introduces the questions sophomores may begin to ask themselves," said Kim Becker, Sophomore Initiatives' assistant director. It also introduces a new leader; Sophomore Initiates director Christina Spearman is new to the office this year.

The office opened in 2005 at the request of former Loyola president Fr. Harold Ridley, who wanted more attention given to the sophomore experience. According to the SophoMORE Week website, Student Initiative offers help with "developing relationships, choosing a major, deciding whether or not to study abroad, finding an internship" and many other decisions associated with sophomore year.

"Students should participate [in Sophomore Initiative programs] because they are fun and affordable, it's beneficial to get guidance and assistance, and there are opportunities to socialize with other sophomores," Becker said.

Senior Ryan Nisley, one of the student coordinators for Sophomore Initiatives, agrees. "The programs are a great way to build relationships before going abroad, build core friendships and meet people through new activities."

What SophoMORE activity does Nisley suggest? "Mystery bus," he said. "I coordinated that, and it will be my first mystery bus, too, so I'm looking forward to it as much as the sophomores. It will be a lot of fun, and we'll get to learn about what Baltimore has to offer on the weekends."

Becker recommends the Wednesday night soccer doubleheader. "At 5p.m. at the women's game, we'll have a tailgate for the first 100 sophomores. There will be free pizza and wings, backyard games, raffle prizes and giveaways, and, of course, Greyhound soccer."

Several activities and useful resources mark the uniqueness of this week. The Sophomore Initiatives office hosted an open house and informational session at the beginning of the week, and on Wednesday, the Career Center will host an open house at noon.

On Thursday, the sophomore workshop series will begin with at 7 p.m. with "To study at Loyola or abroad?" The Mystery Bus pulls out at 6 p.m. on Friday bound for an undisclosed location, and Sunday features a sea-kayaking trip sponsored by Outdoor Adventure Experience.

Both the Mystery Bus and the Sea Kayaking trips have limited space and require a fee. More information on all of these programs can be found on SophoMORE Week posters and the Sophomore Initiatives website.

"Most events are open to all sophomores and many are free; otherwise, it's just a small fee," Becker said. Students can sign up for trips by visiting the Office of Sophomore Initiatives in Seton Court 4508A. Activities are advertised on their website, Facebook page, and through emails and mailers.