October 7, 2024
Beginning a new academic journey with unfamiliar faces and surroundings can be daunting, but SCI UBelong is making it easier for students. Developed by Director of Outreach and Alumni Engagement Mackenzie Ball, Director of Student Success Lynnsey Doane, and Director of Advising Rachel Parkes, the program fosters community among incoming first-year students at SCI.
The program took place daily from Aug. 12-16. Each day, students met with staff, faculty, and student mentors in both large and small groups to connect with their peers and get involved in the SCI community.
“Participating students engaged in a week of academic, professional development, and social activities aimed at building community and confidence,” said Parkes. “Our goal is to help students succeed as SCI students by fostering connections and enhancing their college readiness.”
Students attended field trips, such as on the Gateway Clipper and on the Pittsburgh Bus Company Double Decker Tour bus throughout the city, and panels on topics like imposter syndrome and various industries within computing and information. Students also met with Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Rosta Farzan, the University Counseling Center, the Frederick Honors College, and many student organizations.
“Via various workshops and social activities, SCI UBelong gave students extra time to familiarize themselves with the university and the school before the semester starts,” said Doane. “It encouraged students to connect with peers and utilize the resources available to support them throughout their time at Pitt.”
SCI UBelong originated as an expansion of WiCStart, a week-long summer program for incoming female students at SCI. Due to WiCStart’s success, Ball, Doane, and Parkes extended the program to all students to benefit from additional support and resources, resulting in SCI UBelong.
“I had an ultimately great experience at SCI UBelong, and I met my now best friend, Margo,” said Zoe Holm, a first-year student intending to major in Computer Science. “It gave me a sense of belonging. I was able to get the lay of the land, explore Pittsburgh, and learn the bus system. One thing I took away from the experience is that I’m not alone.”
Programs like SCI UBelong are essential to developing a shared identity among students at SCI. Students have the opportunity to connect with peers, staff, faculty, and mentors to feel at-home at SCI as the school year kicks off.
“We had a great week, and getting to know the students is always my favorite part,” said Ball. “We watched a group of strangers become friends and form a cohort, and by the end of it they had created a group chat between all of them. We hope that they will carry those bonds with them as they move through their freshman year in SCI. Bridge programs like SCI UBelong are so important for students to build community and to create a sense of belonging to the school.”
--Alyssa Morales
