Charging Up your First Year

The 6 OC members are back on campus getting everything ready for you to arrive! They discuss what they are excited about at orientation, advice for first-year students, they reflect on their favorite memories from their first-year, and ever a bit of what to expect this next week!

OC Ben is back on the podcast to share his favorite things to do in Schenectady. From must-try restaurants to local attractions and hidden gems, we cover all the spots that make this city worth exploring

In our next episode, Aileen is again joined by Talya as co-host to break down all things move-in! From what to pack (and what to leave behind), to why submitting your ID photo matters, to tips for settling into your new space, we've got you covered. Whether you're counting down the days or feeling a little overwhelmed, this episode is full of helpful info, friendly advice, and a few laughs...

In this episode, OC Ahdaf joins as co-host to catch up on what he’s been up to this summer and share his excitement for the start of the year. We dive into what you can expect on Shared Experience Day, a special part of Orientation designed to help you build connections and explore something new with your classmates. Be sure to keep an eye on your applicant portal checklist, the Shared Experience...

In this episode, Aileen is joined by Orientation Committee member Mason for a casual chat about what he’s been up to this summer, what he’s looking forward to when everyone arrives, and why he’s excited to welcome the Class of 2029 to campus. We also talk about how move-in day is officially next month(!) and share a reminder to join us at First-Year Spark if you can, our special summer meet and gr...

In this episode, we're joined by Orientation Committee member Kassie (she's also your incoming Student Forum President) to chat all about one of the most exciting parts of your first year: getting involved! Kassie shares what she's looking forward to next year and why Club Expo is your go-to first step for getting involved at Union. Whether you're into music, sports, gaming, or just want to try so...

Welcome back to Charging Up Your First Year ! In this episode, we’re joined by OC Marissa to chat about some of Union’s favorite campus traditions (from cherished events to waiting in line for t-shirts) that help make Union feel like home. We only had about 20 minutes, so while we didn’t get to cover every tradition, we hit some highlights that we hope get you excited for what's to come.

In this first full episode of Charging Up Your First Year , Aileen is joined by Orientation Committee member Ben to talk about what a typical day looks like for him as a Union student. They also highlight many academic support resources available to help you succeed and share important reminders about forms and deadlines in your applicant portal.

In this introduction episode, you'll hear from Charging Up Your First-Year hosts Aileen and Talya as they introduce themselves and share information on what this podcast will be about. This series is intended for Union College's class of 2029 incoming students and their families and supporters. This series will assist in your transition to Union College and help to prepare new students for...

On this surprise episode, Aileen and Ally got to sit down with some of the members of Bon Appetit, Union College's new dining vendor to talk all things food on campus! We hope you're as excited as we are to try all that's new!

On our final(!?!) episode of the season, (almost) all of our Orientation Members come back to join Aileen and Ally to talk about what they've been up to this summer and how excited they are to welcome the class of 2028 to campus in just a few weeks!

Aileen and Ally are joined by Union's First Year Community Directors, or CDs, our professional staff members who oversee our first-year buildings, Ana Bourque and Samantha Kardash. Together, they discuss what to pack and what not to pack as you prepare to move-in!

Aileen and Ally are joined by Katie Davin, Assistant Director of Student Activities and returning guest, Emily Rocha to talk about what to expect in your first year and the launch of our new Bolt Points program!

Ally and Aileen are joined by Roger Woolsey, the Executive Director of the Career Center in Becker Hall to talk about the Career Center and interacting with his area as a first year student and beyond.

Lots of acronyms in today's title, but Aileen, Ally and Gisselle are joined by our guests for this week, our CDO, Chief Diversity Officer, Jen Mitchell and our Assistant Director of  OIA, or the Office of Intercultural Affairs, Niamaya Canady to talk about DEIB or Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging on campus.

OC Ben returns to join Ally and Aileen and out special guests: Director and Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Outreach, Kevin Trigonis and Ben Deangelis to talk about their office, engaging with the community and the many fun things to do in Schenectady!

Aileen and Ally are joined by Dr. Marcus Hotaling, Director, Eppler-Wolff Counseling Center in our Wicker Wellness Center and Amanda Tommell-Sandy, the Assistant Director for Health Promotion and Student Wellness. Together they talk about Wicker Wellness Center, your mental health while preparing for and in college, and current students share what they were most nervous about coming to Union Colle...

Aileen and Ally are joined by Dean Schurick, Dean of First-Year Students, Lesly Clay, Director of Student Success, and Laura Galt, Interim Director of Accommodative Service as they talk about different academic resources on campus and each of their specific roles and areas on campus. During this week's Lighting List, current students share their favorite study spots on campus and best study ti...

This week, OC member Gisselle joins Aileen and Ally as they welcome our special guests Audrey Carlton, Assistant Director in the Office of Financial Aid and Dianne Winter, Bursar. Together they chat about all things billing, financial aid, and work study jobs at Union College!

Special Episode this week for our parent and family supporters! Aileen, Ally and Sree are joined by Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Michele Angrist and Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Annette Diorio to talk specifically to our parent and family supporters about supporting your student and being partners in this transition to college. During thi...

This week, OC member Jamie joins Aileen and Ally as they welcome our special guests Emily Rocha, Director of Student Activities and Sage Stinson, the incoming Student Forum President. Together they chat about getting involved on campus through clubs and/or Student Forum (Union's student government). Remember Club Expo takes place on September 6th!

This week, OCs Ben and Lena return to join Aileen and Ally and our special guests, Jim McLaughlin, Director of Athletics and Beth Tiffany, Senior Associate Director of Athletics to talk all things athletics at Union, from being a student-athlete, to participating in intramurals, going to the gym, or attending a sporting event as a Garnet Charger fan!

This week Aileen and Ally are joined by OC member Lena, and Pre-O leaders Dylan, Georgia, and Xander to talk all things Pre-O. We dive into what you might see during our Community and Culture Pre-O, Leadership Pre-O, and our Outdoor Pre-O. Don't forget, registration for Pre-O begins on June 3rd.

Ally and Aileen are joined by Dean of Studies, Michelle Osborn, and Director of Academic Advising and Enrichment, Tom Jordan, as we discuss and intro to academics at Union and the (very important) Advising and Registration Form in your applicant portal.

This week Orientation Committee member Ben and Director of Residential Education and Housing, Catie Straube join Aileen and Ally to talk all things living on campus!