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Wick Week: A Celebration of New Beginnings

First-year and transfer students embarked on their journey at Hartwick College Aug. 21 – 25 with Wick Week—a five-day celebration filled with fun, food, new friends and cherished traditions.

“Wick Week kicks off with Move-In Day, where our Helping Hands volunteers cheer on new students, guide them through check-in and help them settle into their residence halls,” said Colleen Bunn, director of residential life and housing, and community standards.

Colleen Bunn

"We always want Wick Week to feel like coming home. Students will spend the next four years here, so we want to create a supportive environment that sets them up for success and assures them that the College will be here for them."

Colleen Bunn

Director of Residential Life and Housing, and Community Standards

Understanding that students may face challenges during their transition to college life, the Wick Week experience includes a strong emphasis on wellness.

“It is paramount to have wellness events as we have no idea what knowledge students are coming in with, “said Health Promotion Coordinator Gianna Boveri. “And we want to arm them as best as possible and as soon as possible with facts, information and resources that will benefit them during their time at Hartwick.”

Elijah Polsinelli ’28, of Schenectady, N.Y., was among the many students who took advantage of everything Wick Week had to offer.

“It definitely helped me connect with future classmates, faculty, and staff in a fun and comfortable environment,” said Polsinelli. “This setting has allowed me to get to know professors. Being comfortable talking to them is a huge step since I am here to learn and grow.”

Associate Professor of Political Science and Coordinator of the First Year FlightPath Experience Amy Forster Rothbart says Wick Week is just as meaningful for faculty as it is for students. “We want students to see from the beginning that the faculty are human beings with our own foibles and interests and are here to engage with them and help them learn,” said Forster Rothbart.

Amy Forster Rothbart

"Frankly, seeing the new students arrive - and returning students come back - is one of the most exciting parts of the year for us."

Amy Forster Rothbart

Associate Professor of Political Science and Coordinator of the First Year FlightPath Experience

One of the most beloved aspects of Wick Week is the series of events devoted to introducing the students to the College’s rich history.

Hartwick College Class of 2028 with President Mullen and Swoop
Hartwick College student offers wellness opportunities to new students during Wick Week wellness fair
Hartwick College new students signing class banner before First Walk during Wick Week
Hartwick College new students with President Mullen on Founders' Way First Walk during Wick Week
Hartwick College new students with Swoop and class banner before First Walk during Wick Week

“My favorite part of Wick Week is the traditions that each incoming class becomes a part of,” said Major Events Coordinator Ryan Butler. “From signing the First Walk banner on Move-in Day to Opening Convocation and Matriculation to taking that honorary “First Walk” across Founders’ Way. These events create a sense of belonging.”

For first-year and transfer students, their Hartwick College journey is just beginning. And that’s another reason Butler treasures Wick Week—it offers a front-row seat to their personal growth. “Seeing who they are on day one and imagining how much they will grow during their time here is incredibly rewarding.”

August 29, 2024
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