ASDU Launches "First 6"

Associated Students of Dominican University (ASDU) designed a series of exciting, informative, and entertaining virtual events for the 2020 fall semester to help incoming and returning students get to know each other better. The series was called First 6 and kicked off August 26  with "The Exit Files: A Virtual Escape Room," the first of six events that were held as Zoom meetings.

The link to the event was accessed via the Student Life Weekly Newsletter, Issue 1, which was sent to all students on August 24. Links to upcoming events also were shared in future Student Life newsletters.

"The first six weeks of school are crucial in determining the student's overall involvement on campus. It is ASDU's mission to create a sense of community by bringing all of the students together with events," said ASDU Director of Programming Angelica Gonzalez Almanza '23, a Global Public Health major. "Ensuring the safety of students is our top priority, which is why the Senate Board and I have created virtual events that are fun, engaging, and creative for all of our peers. We are hoping to give them a sense of normalcy along with an opportunity to connect with others."

Added ASDU senior senator Maria Solorio Perez '21, an International Business and Marketing major, "The First 6 is always important for freshmen, transfers and even our continuing students, so they can engage with each other and feel welcomed to campus. This semester we hope to get each student engaged in the First 6."

Students had the pick of six events. The second one was the "Penguin Involvement Fair" presented by the Office of Student Engagement on September 2.

"My favorite event of the First 6 is the Penguin Involvement Fair because it gives students a chance to take a look at the clubs that Dominican students have a chance to be involved in, it gives students the opportunity to find their own experience at Dominican, and it is also a perfect time for students to interact with each other and to remain connected," said Edgard- Edgard Morazán '22, an ASDU junior senator and Biology major.

ASDU sophomore senator Mariela Andrade '23 agreed.

"The Penguin Involvement Fair provides everyone the chance to talk to new people and learn from other students about clubs or positions that they may be passionate about," the Biology and Music major said. "It is also a wonderful opportunity for new incoming students to see what Dominican’s community has to offer."

This was the complete list of events planned for the 2020 fall semester:

Wednesday, August 26
"The Exist Files: A Virtual Escape Room
7:30 p.m

Wednesday, September 2
"Penguin Involvement Fair" (presented by Office of Student Engagement)
12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 8
"Unpacking Microaggressions" (presented by ASDU's Student Diversity Action Committee)
8:10 p.m.-9:10 p.m.

Friday, September 18
"Kahoot Night: TikTok Edition"
7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Friday, September 25
"Virtual DIY Creature"
7 p.m.

Friday, October 2
"Virtual Casino Game Show"
6 p.m.

For more information, please email ASDUevents@students.dominican.edu