University of Miami - Ibis Yearbook (Coral Gables, FL)

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TAMEKA BROWNLEE PERFORMS one of her favorite songs during the karaoke portion of new student Orientation. Photo by Josh Reinhard NICOLE LANTAGNE, womenis volleyball head coach and Sebastian the Ibis pump up the crowd at Orientation. Na more tickets ' wutl kw given out. rt 4 .i iiiui'll 5'01 Photo by Josh Reinhard FRESHMAN CHERYL TATUM WAITS PATIENTLY as her caricature is drawn. The cartoonist was one of the many vendors hired for Canefest. Student Life 1 18 i Welcoming Photo by Josh Reinhard STUDENTS ON THE COMMENCEMENT FIELD release balioons i unison signaling the star of a new year. The numerous activities of Orientation gave fresh- man many opportunities to meet their fellow class members. SEBASTIAN, CHEER- LEADEFtS AND BAND lead the students in uni- versity cheers in the backyard of President Shaiala's Coral Gables home. Photo by Sony Christoph AT THE CLOSE OF WELCOMING, orientation assistants take their turn on stage. After long hours of planning and preparation, they were thanked by new students with a round of applause.

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Students moving into the residential colleges anticipate freedom and cozy up to their new home away from home, STORY BY RACHEL LUHTA rom a freshman's perspective, the first week signified a new beginning, a new life away from the confinesicomforts tdepending on who was askedy of home, and a chance to broaden one's horizons academically and socially. The majority of freshmen-- approximately 1,400--arrived promptly by Saturday, August 18, with clothing, appliances, electronic equipment, and family in tow. Residential colleges overflowed with the arrivals, as did the parking lots, manned by security and posted with signs proclaiming time limits for each available space. Resident Assistants planned ahead for the influx. ttWe were prepared, but it still overwhelmed us. Just like when you prepare for a hurricane, you can never be fully ready? said Daniel Song, a junior Walsh Tower RA. Mothers and fathers, siblings, and even grandparents doubled as professional movers, unloading furniture and other personal mementos from vehicles, and hauling them up stairwells or into elevators. After traveling nearly cross-country, some still strained to adjust to Eastern Standard Time and the South Florida humidity. Complimentary bottles of water, ice cream, and Sno- Cones provided movers and students alike with temporary relief from the heat. Lines of four-wheeled carts, stocked past their brims, wound round hallways, through entrance doors, and across sidewalks and streets. F irst, however, check-in was completed at the lobby desk. Each new resident received his or her keys attached to a cloth chain for easy carrying, the keys that would unlock the door to home for the next nine months. Student Life I 17 ! Moving In F FIRSTWEEK RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES STAFFED FRONT desks as crowds of students checked in. RESIDENTS MOVING IN AT THE SAME TIME led to a shortage of available carts at Stanford, forcing people to carry their items. EARLY MORNING OPENING DAY IN HECHT parking lot, parents and students rush to load and unload their carts within the two-hour park- ing limit set up by the University.

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. K E i ii ' Photos by Sony Christoph SIDENT SHALALA HOSTS an afternoon buffet at her I Gables home, where she greets the incoming class, ding freshman Tess Dussling. This picnic is one of two .r student events held there annually. Inconhng students receive a warm UM welcome as they enter thekfhstyear of college Student Life I 19 ! Welcoming b FIRSTWEEK 11 STORY BY RACHEL LUHTA he first hectic days of a freshmanis campus life involved a major concept: adjustment. Within a matter of hours, newcomers faced crammed dorm space, sent worried parents on their way, and were left in a foreign setting with other strangers. Luckily, many found an instant friend in their roommate, and reassurance in activities like Orientation, which helped acquaint them with university life. After multiple phone conversations and emails, roommates greeted each other in person for the first time. Finally, unknown faces could be placed with names and brief descriptions. Some returning students paired up by choice, requesting to live with an old friend. Decorating commenced, along with organizing, as returners offered words of advice and past observations. iiNo matter how much you prepare, you cant be preparedji said sophomore Anthony Pedonesi. Later that Saturday, freshmen located their orientation groups to take part in getting-to-know-you activities designed to encourage interaction with other classmates. Led by a designated orientation assistant, students attended other festivities throughout the weekend, including tCane Kickoffi and various interest sessions. til was really glad I attended the iWe All Bleed Orange and Greeni session, because it made me feel like part of the school? said freshman Gina Griffith. On Aug. 21, President Shalala held a picnic at her Coral Gables estate. There, freshmen had a chance to unwind before their first semester of college began the next day.