In late January, Hamilton welcomed the January admission students from the Class of 2024 to the Hill for their own student orientation.
January admits, or “Jans’’ as they are colloquially called, spend their first semester of freshman year off the Hill. According to the Office of Admissions, students are selected to be Jans based on their “demonstrated independence and intellectual curiosity,” which leads Admissions “to believe they will make good use of the fall semester.” Jans can either choose to participate in Hamilton-sponsored programs for credit or independently spend their fall semester. In a typical year, the majority of Jans participate in Hamilton’s sponsored program via Arcadia University in London where they take credit-bearing and pre-approved courses.
This year, there are 77 total new students for the spring semester; 39 are traditional January Admission students, 32 are first years who deferred their start from fall 2020 to spring 2021, and 6 are transfer students.
Of the Jans, 27 participated in Hamilton partner programs: 24 took courses through the London Arcadia program, 2 completed SEA Semesters, and one did an SFS program (School for Field Studies). Additionally, 12 Jans pursued individual options.
Jans, like everyone else since the advent of COVID-19, were affected by many changes and restrictions. For the Jans in London, they had a mix of remote and in-person classes, while having to navigate lockdowns. Nonetheless, many students were able to benefit from the opportunities a Jan semester presents.
Lily Rizzoli ’24 is one of these Jans who chose to study in London this past fall. “It was such an amazing experience to have gone there. Even though there were obviously quite a few lockdowns, we were able to make the most out of the city and visit some of the best spots in London.”
Aliana Potter ’24 interned for her Congresswoman, Lori Trahan. The internship ended up being remote instead of on Capitol Hill, but Aliana found it “extremely rewarding despite that.”
Natalia Peters ’24 participated in a three-month backpacking expedition with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and went white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and canyoneering in Wyoming and Utah. Fiona Morison ’24 also did a NOLS program with similar activities and became Wilderness First Responder certified.
To familiarize, integrate, and welcome the Jans to campus, they have their own orientation when they arrive on the Hill. Due to COVID-19, orientation looked slightly different this year. January Orientation ran from January 25 through January 31. The first five days of orientation were entirely virtual and included all new students. Students who were on campus were quarantined on those dates, so large presentation-style sessions were prioritized. The weekdays focused on introductions within orientation groups, getting unpacked, and providing helpful information about Hamilton resources and policies. The weekend centered on more social opportunities and exploring campus. Jans met with their orientation groups at night over Zoom and partook in campus-wide social programming hosted by Sadove Student Programming, allowing them to integrate with non-Jans. There was also a hybrid Matriculation in the Chapel, campus scavenger hunt, RA-hosted snow activities, and snowshoeing in the glen, among other things.
Tessa Chefalo, Director of Orientation and First-Year Programs, explained the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions and the positive impact of this year’s orientation leaders.
“Of course there were modifications throughout to ensure social distancing, but we also wanted to maintain the casual group time that allows for conversation, questions, and ideally the start of some friendships. The orientation leaders this year were incredible! They are all Jans from the class of 2023, and their intentionality, careful planning, and dedication to creating a welcoming experience for our newest students was the most crucial part of January orientation.”
Nicole Tichner ’24, a Jan who went to London, reflected on her time at Hamilton thus far. “My transition has been pretty amazing! Obviously, it’s hard the first few weeks of college, and being a Jan during COVID-19 makes it even harder, but I genuinely feel like everyone has been so friendly and welcoming. The campus is so pretty right now, and I really like my classes.”
Arden Hauck ’24, a Jan who took online classes at a local college, waitressed, and interned for a dog trainer for her fall semester, has already begun to feel the strength of the “Hamily.” “My transition to Hamilton has honestly been better than I thought it would be. From the get-go, it was obvious to me that this is a very special place. The older kids especially have been so kind and supportive in ways I never expected and it has made all the difference for me. The professors are dedicated, passionate, and helpful, and I have found myself constantly inspired by them… every day I am acutely aware of how lucky I am to be here.”
Jackie Cleary ’23, a January Orientation leader, provided some helpful advice about campus life based on her own experience as a former Jan. “It takes time to feel comfortable… Even without COVID, it was a struggle to feel immersed in the community, so I can only imagine that it will take even longer for them this year. But it’s ok that it takes time! No matter what time of year you start on campus, it is going to be a while before you’re adjusted.”
Chefalo also shared guidance and encouragement for this year’s Jans. “I first want to acknowledge that the first semester (and year) of college always presents many unknowns, opportunities, and possibly many challenges… Arriving on campus in the winter — and mid-pandemic — doesn’t necessarily simplify this! But, I think my advice is the same as it would be for new students any semester: be willing to be a little bit uncomfortable, as this often leads to real connection. Uncomfortable might mean trying a totally new activity, taking the initiative to invite someone new to a meal or for a walk, reaching out for support when you need it, joining a meeting/event on zoom even if you don’t know anyone, or just being the first to say hello.”