For Immediate Release—Friday, August 24, 2007

Contact:
Mary E. McCrank
Media Relations Officer
(585) 245-5516
mccrank@geneseo.edu

New school year at SUNY Geneseo begins today with opening convocation and moving in day

GENESEO, N.Y.—The State University of New York at Geneseo will welcome students and faculty back to campus today and throughout the weekend with moving in day, events and activities.

More than 5,000 students are preparing to begin classes during the 2007-08 academic year at the 136-year-old institution, which this month was again recognized in national publications for offering its students an outstanding public liberal arts education. New students will start moving into the residence halls at 8 a.m. today—Friday, Aug. 24.

President Christopher C. Dahl will address members of the college community during his Opening Convocation address to be delivered to faculty and staff at 3 p.m. today. Dahl and Charlie Freeman, associate professor of physics, will address Geneseo's first-year class at the New Student Convocation, at 7 p.m. Sunday, August 26, on the College Green. The title of Freeman's speech is "Be a Genuine Enthusiast for Education and Knowledge."

Incoming class is academically accomplished

Geneseo continues to attract high school graduates who have achieved remarkable accomplishments. This year's first-year class of 975 registered students enters Geneseo with impressive academic credentials, according to Director of Admissions Kris Shay. The mean combined SAT averages this year are 1313, an increase over last year's average of 1292, and the mean combined ACT average this year is 29, up from 28 last year, according to preliminary data. In addition, the mean high school average remains steady this year at 93.

Volunteerism instilled in new students during first weeks on campus

First-year students will perform volunteer service during their second weekend away at college. Launched in 2005, the Geneseo 100 Volunteers project allows students the opportunity to spend the morning of Labor Day—Monday, Sept. 3—helping people in need by doing yard cleanup, painting and trail clearing. This program helps new students meet their classmates while also promoting volunteerism as a way of life at Geneseo.

Students to participate in variety of activities during Weeks of Welcome

Students will have a plethora of activities in which to participate to help them acclimate to college life during Geneseo's Weeks of Welcome, also known as WOW. WOW will run from Aug. 24 through Sept. 24. The goal of WOW is to help increase personal connections between students, faculty and staff and to promote a sense of belonging and community. The events also will help students understand the importance of academic excellence at Geneseo. Among the highlights of this year's activities are: a trip to Broadway to see "Avenue Q"; an overnight backpacking trip to a remote wilderness campsite; a performance by performance artist Leroy Williams; and a performance by Jabali Afrika from Kenya, a group that performs with a mixture of fusion and African rhythms. A full list of activities can be found at wow.geneseo.edu.

2007 awards for excellence presented to faculty and staff at Opening Convocation

The following awards for excellence are to be presented to Geneseo faculty and staff at the president's annual opening convocation today: Andrea Klein, director of campus scheduling and special events: President's Award for Outstanding Professional Service; Monica Schneider, associate professor of psychology: President's Award for Excellence in Academic Advising: Emilye Crosby, associate professor of history: President's Award for Excellence in Research and Creativity; J. Christopher Pruszynski, lecturer in the department of communication: Harter Faculty Mentoring Award; Kimberly McGann, lecturer in the department of sociology: Joseph M. O'Brien Award for Excellence in Part-Time Teaching; and Amy Sheldon, assistant professor of geological sciences: Art Hatton Award for Excellence in College Advancement. In addition, the James and Julia Lockhart Supported Professorship will be awarded to Beth McCoy, associate professor of English, and the Geneseo Alumni Supported Professorship will be awarded to Ganie DeHart, professor of psychology.

— ### —