Traditions
Annual Programs Sponsored by the Office of Student Leadership and Community Development
The Office of Student Leadership and Community Development offers many on-campus traditions that students can expect to participate in each year. This web page was created to help inform the Lincoln Center community of all the programs that will take place in the upcoming academic year.
If you would like to become involved in the planning of these programs or would like to get involved in student organizations, please visit the Office of Student Leadership and Community Development in Lowenstein 408.
New Student Orientation
The New Student Orientation program contains many traditions that are shared between all campuses of Fordham University, but here are a few identifiable Lincoln Center traditions within the program:
"Welcome to Fordham (insert new student's first name here)!" This greeting is literally screamed through a megaphone by an Orientation Leader as each new resident student walks onto campus for the first time. The new students and their families appreciate the personalized attention and it is a great way for the Orientation team to get to know the new students in those first few minutes on campus.
"We are ... Fordham!" This chant was introduced to the Lincoln Center community seven years ago and it stuck. It is our official Orientation cheer and it helps foster a sense of campus community during the three-day program. The chant reappeared at the Class of 2002 Diploma Ceremony and is now a Fordham favorite, so whenever you hear "We are" you know to reply with "Fordham!"
OL Trophy is passed around to Orientation Leaders who "do good things" during training and the three-day program.
The OL Break Room is a new tradition that rewards Orientation Leaders for working so hard to make Orientation a success. A classroom is converted into a stress-free zone for OLs during their small breaks. Highlights include massage therapy, relaxation toys, reading materials, food and beverage and other give-aways. This is a fun place to spend a few minutes during Orientation.
Freshman Talent Show. This program closes the three-day Orientation program and it features acts by new students and Orientation Leaders. The Orientation Video was introduced by Adam Santos-Coy (FCLC '04) at the Class of 2005 Talent Show, and has been appearing every year since.
Week of Welcome
Week of Welcome is an extension of Orientation, but it includes programming for the entire undergraduate community. Recurring Week of Welcome programs include: Club Fair, tickets to a Yankee Game, Lemonade Stand, SPARC DeCafe, the Jesuit Ice Cream Social and other start of the academic year programming. The purpose of Week of Welcome is to get students involved in programming and reintegrate into the campus community.
Freshman Family Weekend
Freshman Family Weekend is scheduled between the 6th-8th week of the fall semester and features a variety of programs for new students and their families.
SPARC's DeCafe
DeCafe is Fordham’s very own open mic coffee house where students meet once a month in the student lounge for snacks, drinks, and music. Each month the open mic changes with the themed month and new performances. Look for upcoming DeCafe nights coming up!
SPARC's Random Acts of Kindness
Random acts also correspond with the SPARC theme. Past random acts have included: free tokens (NY month), Mardi Gras beads (Fat Tuesday), candy and pumpkins (Halloween) and slices of pie (Thanksgiving). You never know when they are coming & they are random, so be aware and grateful for this fun free program.
Leadership Weekend
Leadership Weekend is an entire weekend devoted to the current and upcoming student leaders at Fordham. This off-campus retreat takes place during the beginning of the academic year to adequately ready student leaders for the upcoming school year. However, much of Leadership Weekend is beneficial for the years after Fordham!!!
Typically, Leadership Weekend centers on a single theme which sets the tone for the weekend. Past weekend themes have been The Anatomy of Leadership: Leadership Inside & Out, There’s No I in Team, and Leadership Construction. While the theme may change, the message of ethical leadership and its many different applications in peer relationships and business remains the consistent message.
Students return after a weekend away full of activities, seminars, ropes courses, and personal time with a greater understanding of their own potential and that of those around them. Lead on!!!
CAB/USG Winter Ball
The Winter Ball is Lincoln Center's annual formal dinner dance and it takes place in the Spring Semester. Past Winter Ball venues have included Tavern on the Green and the Rainbow Room. The Winter Ball is an elegant way to celebrate with classmates.
C-SAW: Commuter Student Appreciation Week
C-SAW is a week of programming designed by commuters for commuters and it is sponsored by CSA. C-SAW often features a Coffee Break, CSA's favorite food give-away program and other fun on-campus programming.
Spring Fling
Spring Fling features an afternoon of carnival games and attractions and other spring thematic programming. Big screen movie night and live on-campus musical artists have been successful Spring Fling programs. The Student vs. Administration Softball game in Central Park has been a favorite since its introduction in 2002, and has been a part of both Spring Fling and Week of Welcome since.
Senior Week
Senior Week caps off the Fordham experience and features five days of programming for seniors and their families. The long-standing tradition within Senior Week is the Senior Cruise, "Manhattan by Moonlight." Other traditions include the Baccalaureate Mass followed by the Family Reception on the Plaza.
Senior Leadership Awards
Late in the Spring semester every year, the Office of Student Leadership and Community Development, in conjunction with Student Affairs, presents awards to seniors who demonstrate exemplary leadership during their enrollment at the University. The recognitions include: Senior Leadership Awards, the Journalism Award and the Alumni Award. The recipient of the Alumni Award is presented with an engraved captain's chair embossed with the University seal.
