Sacred Heart University’s (SHU) annual First 50 Days event series kickstarted on Sunday, Aug. 25 to welcome first-year students into campus life. According to SHU’s website, these campus-wide programs are aimed at making new students feel at home and provide an opportunity to meet other students, faculty and staff. There is a wide range of activities to get involved in whether social, academic or athletic, but for those looking for more artistic endeavors, there are several events to look out for.
The First Year Experience (FYE) is a continuation of the New Student Orientation, supporting the transition of first-year students into college life and providing them with the resources they need. The FYE team coordinates a range of events to get involved with throughout the First 50 Days.
“It’s a way to get them involved with the campus life early on, I think it’s especially important to give them these kinds of outlets and resources from the beginning because it’s this time they are learning to adjust,” said senior Julia Fernandez, FYE Co-Coordinator.
Fernandez, who is an art student, wanted to incorporate different artistic elements and creative ideas into the FYE events. “Art at the Heart,” an event that is taking place on Thursday, Sept. 12, is one that she worked closely on.
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the 63’s lawn, students can paint a mural together. The FYE assistants there will be keeping track of what residence halls first-year students are coming from and whichever one has the most participation will have the mural hung up in their building.
“I don’t think we’ve done something like this before. Actually having the students come to this and have some pay-off by getting to walk through their dorm hall and knowing that they were a part of that and met people through it,” said Fernandez.
The Theatre Arts Program also has several events during the First 50 Days such as writing workshops and coffeehouses, but one that has many opportunities to get involved with is improv.
“The improv shows are hour-long fun events we have every month for people to come and watch. Every week, however, we have rehearsals where we work on our craft and get ready for the next shows,” said senior Joe Dunn, Improv Chair.
At rehearsals, there are three opportunities to perform giving everyone a chance to do a scene and get involved. According to Dunn, improv is very community-driven and a great way to meet new people as there is always a rotation of participants at rehearsals.
“If not involved already, it’s never too late to be doing improv. We love seeing new faces and giving people chances to perform. We meet Tuesday 9:30 p.m. – 11 p.m., and Wednesday-Thursday 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., all in HC 103,” said Dunn.
Crochet for a Cause, which began in the spring of 2024, is new to the First 50 Days. The club is open to all students, no matter their knowledge of crochet.
Their first 50 Days Event “Crochet-Along,” is on Sept. 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in HC 105. Participants will be given yarn and hooks to be taught how to make little bookmarks.
“It’s a small simple project that also includes a lot of the basics of crocheting so once you get down the first like few stitches you can pretty much do anything,” said senior Erin Edgar, President of Crochet for a Cause.
“It’s definitely a very unique club and I think it offers something that not a lot of clubs offer, it’s very relaxing and it has just good vibes. When you walk into the room everybody’s always so positive and excited,” said Edgar.
The First 50 Days, while aimed towards first-year students, are open to all students regardless of class year.
“These events keep things fresh, and you never know who you can meet. We have the luxury of being at a school that’s such a good size, there’s always opportunities to meet new people and you never know what kind of connections that you’ll make until you put yourself out there,” said Fernandez.
