Purpose of the Sophomore Experience Program
The purpose is to provide activites/programs that connect sophomore students (30-60 credit hours) to the community of Berry College. This program is a joint venture between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. The program was launched in 2005-06 primarily because there is much attention paid to freshman at Berry through BCC 100 classes and the First Year Experience Program but very little attention is paid to second year students. Enter "retention." Many sophomores are not engaged with a major either because they remain undeclared or because the major course work stars at the junior year.
Last year the program hosted a "Fall Festival" (welcome back dinner), book discussion, sophomore slumber party in February and a service project in March. The college wide Sophomore Experience Committee meets regularly to make recommendations to the staff.
S.E.T: What is the Sophomore Experience Team?
The sophomore Experience Team consists of juniors Stefanie Stevens and John Luke Weaver and reports to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Julie Bumpus. The staff works hand in hand with the Sophomore Experience Committee to provide activities/events that will help sophomores connect to Berry Colelge and, cosequently, will increase retention of students with 30-60 hours at Berry College.
What is the Sophomore Plan for 2006-07
A Welcome Back Barbeque was held August
29, 2006 in the street in front of Dana Hall.
Over 200 sophomores attended and enjoyed
dinner together.
The new event involves creating a Pop Rally for sophomores which will take place on Thursday January 25 in the Ford Gymnasium. The Pep Rally will involve prize giveaways to sophomores, such as various gift certificares to local stores and restaurants, "Dean for a Day" certificate (a student becomes the Dean of the Students for a day), etc. The S.E.T has recommended that we get a high definition television for the grand prize. The giveaways will draw sophomores to the Pep Rally but the main purpose of the event is to give students a chance to sign up for events/activities that have been created by the faculty of various academic departments. the activities/events will be held in February, March and April. Sophomores must dress in Berry colors or something "Berry'ish" to be admitted to the Pep Rally.
The S.E.T. will set up booths around the Ford Gym where the department/school representatives will talk with students about the activites/events. For example, a History professor such as Dr. Marvin might offer a chance for Sophomore students to come to his house for dinner and an evening discussion on a fascinating historical event. A representative from the History department like a senior History major or a staff member of the Evans School could be there for students to sign up for the event.
Pep Rally Schedule:
7:00 - 7:10 p.m.
Sophomores admitted into Gym only if wearing Berry apparel
7:10 - 7:20 p.m.
Evening program explained by S.E.T; pep band, small giveaways
7:25 - 7:55 p.m.
Sophomores visit with school reps and sign up
8:00 - 8:20 p.m.
Giveaways, pep rally, grand prize giveaway