ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — On Thursday, St. Bonaventure University will officially welcome more than 500 freshmen into the Bonaventure family during Welcome Days 2019.

After settling into their residence halls, freshmen will have the chance to attend the annual Candlelight Ceremony on the steps of Plassmann Hall at 9 p.m. that evening, followed by a block party.

“Welcome Days is one of my favorite times of the year at Bonaventure,” said Calsey Bump, a senior adolescence education and english major. “It’s such a great time for everyone to start bonding and making friendships that they’ll cherish forever.”

On Friday, incoming students will meet their peer coaches who are available to help and guide them through their first semester, whether they are struggling to find someone to sit with in the Hickey Dining Hall or have questions about registering for classes. They will also prepare for the transition to college life and learn about what is expected of them with various presentations and activities.

On Aug. 24, students will learn more about student life on campus with workshops on topics such as responsible drinking, stereotypes, and discrimination and diversity.

New students will participate in a “Day of Involvement” on Aug. 25, where they will learn about clubs and organizations available on campus.

“I’m looking forward to all the freshmen becoming acclimated to the Bonaventure culture and academics,” said Sarah Barnard, assistant director of the Student Success Center. “We have tons of events planned and I’m excited to see all of the freshmen together and getting to know each other.”

St. Bonaventure’s upperclassmen will begin arriving on Friday and transfer student orientation is planned for Saturday, with optional activities on Aug. 25.