Students smile at involvement fair

With the arrival of a new class of students and our returning Panthers, we are looking forward to a drumbeat of events designed to inform, engage and entertain our campus community. A combination of annual, time-honored institutional events, as well as some fun planned for the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, will ensure our campus buzzing along through the fall.

What are the major milestone events planned for this semester?

August

On Thursday, August 28, take an opportunity to get to know the more than 55-plus clubs and professional organizations at the Involvement Fair in the Albert M. White Gymnasium from 5:30 – 7 pm. The popular event is co-sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership and the Student Government Association. This is the perfect opportunity to see where your interests fit in best.

After your first week of classes, you can kick off the weekend with some soaking fun at Splash into the Semester at the South Hall Courtyard on Saturday from 6- 7 pm. Enjoy water guns, water balloons, and snow cones!

Then on Sunday, August 31 from 2 – 3 pm, wind down with your new friends and meet more at a Picnic on the Campus Green.  Relax and have some laughs while enjoying fruit, crackers, meats and cheeses.

Oh, and DON’T set your alarm clock before bed on Sunday, August 31 since Monday is Labor Day and there are no classes – time to sleep in. Woot! Woot!

September

On Thursday, September 4, join ACPHS Alum, Gavin O’Brien ’17, PharmD, and learn about paid opportunities for students in health-care fields offered by the US Public Health Service, Commissioned Corps., such as internships during school breaks which include a housing allowance, and/or full-time pay and housing allowance during your final year of school plus an Ensign’s commission and a job upon graduation. Not all majors qualify, so check Engage@ACPHS for details.

On Saturday, September 20 from 8:30 am – 1 pm, the Center for Student Success will host The PharmD Residency and Fellowship Symposium in SC 201/202 and the Rite Aid Lounge. This provides an opportunity for PharmD candidates to learn about additional training, specializing in a specific area of pharmacy, pursuing careers in academia, or who simply want to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace should consider a pharmacy residency.

At the end of September, ACPHS will host its time-honored White Coat Ceremony to welcome first-year Doctor of Pharmacy students into the initial stages of the pharmacy profession. The event takes place on Friday, September 26 at 4 pm in the Gym.

 

October

Reunion Weekend kicks off Friday, October 3-5. All alumni are welcome to join the festivities including Alumni soccer and basketball games, an Alumni Awards Celebration Dinner, a Milestone Brunch, and Alumni Spirit Night.

The School of Health Sciences will reprise its popular event, Can You Handle the Truth: Part 2 on Friday, October 10 from 9 am – 1 pm. Led by ACPHS faculty and students from our psychology, forensic psychology and forensic science programs, interested students will have a unique, interactive opportunity to see, hear and decide the verdict in the fictional case of Ignatius M. Innocent.

On Monday, October 13, get a respite from classes in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day.

Students can learn more about our new BS in Nursing at Discover Nursing on Friday, October 17. Designed as an immersive and inspiring day designed for high school and rising college students eager to explore the dynamic world of nursing. This hands-on experience offers a glimpse into the science of nursing and the critical role nurses play in health care.

Also on Friday, October 17, the Center for Student Success and Student Life will host their annual Career Fair from 2-4 pm. Location TBD.

The American Pharmacist Association Academy of Student Pharmacists at ACPHS will host the Health and Wellness Expo at Crossgates Mall this month – date still being finalized. The annual event is open to the entire community and will feature a variety of free services such as blood pressure screenings, flu shot clinics, bone density screenings, and much more. Watch for more details.

Students stand in front of tables at health expo

Panther parents and families will be back on campus in October for Family Weekend. There will be a variety of events and speakers planned, so stay tuned for more details, including the exact date and times, online.

Also in October, our admissions team will host the first of two Open Houses for prospective students on October 25 in the Gozzo Center. The day provides an opportunity for students to tour campus, learn about academic programs, meet faculty, and attend sessions designed to help guide students on their interests.

November/December 

The School of Health Sciences will also reprise another popular forensics event: Only Murders in the Psych Building: Part 2 on Monday, November 10 from 9 am – 1 pm. Participants will consider the investigation, evidence, and testimony to determine the viability of defendant’s “insanity” type defense in the continuing murder case and panel discussion. Participate as investigators, jurors, advisors, consultants, and observers, as ACPHS students present fascinating and timely issues in forensic science and psychology. Determine the case strategy and direction of the prosecution and defense. Hear from Capitol Region experts – lawyers, psychologists, police, investigators, and medical professionals.

The second Open House will take place on Saturday, November 15 in the Gozzo Center. Stop by and share your reasons why you chose ACPHS with these prospective students.

The campus will break from November 26-28 to honor the Thanksgiving holiday.

Students are encouraged to rest in advance of finals week which will begin on December 8 and end on the 12th. And once the semester ends, there is an extended opportunity to recharge for the spring semester which won’t commence until Monday, January 12, 2026!

To keep abreast of all events and opportunities, be sure to check out Engage@ACPHS, read Campus Connections enews on Tuesdays, and follow our social channels – Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.