September 1, 2023

Welcome to the 2023-2024 Academic Year

Dear Goucher Family and Friends,

Welcome to the 2023-24 academic year! The Office of Student Engagement is so excited to have students on campus and cannot wait to share with them all the great opportunities to connect with the Goucher community this semester.

We are wrapping up Welcome Week, which began on Wednesday, August 23, and included events such as Target After Dark, an Orioles game, professional headshots, trivia, Coffee with the Counselors, and so much more!

If your student was not able to attend the Involvement Fair, that's OK! We encourage them to stay connected with our Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) via CampusGroups. This platform unites student organizations, departments, and offices on campus to connect for events, post-event outreach, and resources for success. Students can explore upcoming events, programs, and meetings hosted by our RSOs. The Office of Student Engagement will also send weekly What's Happening emails advertising RSO and department programs.

This year, the Office of Student Engagement will implement a new tradition called Goucher Pride Fridays! We are encouraging students, staff, and faculty to wear their Goucher blue & gold each Friday throughout the year. There will be giveaways and opportunities for students to connect with campus partners. Students will receive information from OSE via email each week on who will be co-hosting the event with us!

In collaboration with our programming board, the Student Engagement Team (SET), we are gearing up for Get Into Goucher (GIG) on Friday, September 8! GIG is an annual campus-wide event designed to celebrate the new year and will culminate at the end of Welcome Week. This year's event has a rock 'n' roll theme and will include attractions such as:

  • Inflatables
  • Arcade games
  • Silent disco
  • Food trucks
  • Giveaways & more

We will also be looking for the best #GoucherFit for the student who comes dressed in the best rock 'n' roll themed outfit! Students will receive additional information regarding registration and important guidelines for GIG via their Goucher email as the event approaches.

Additionally, our Student Government Association will continue running their key initiatives on campus. First, the Aunt Flow project provides free menstrual hygiene products to students in residential and public restrooms around campus. Next, we are in the final stages of our Textbook Assistance Program, which kicked off in August. Students are in the process of receiving their textbooks/class supplies at this time. In November, we will send out information about our Break Transportation Assistant Program, which provides students with an Uber voucher to and from the airport or train station. SGA understands the many costs associated with being in college; they are looking forward to supporting your student's success with financial support. If your student has an interest in Student Government or has a concern they would like to share, please encourage them to reach out to SGA@goucher.edu.

Family and friends, we look forward to a great year in OSE; please encourage your student to get involved and connect with the Goucher College community. This is their home away from home, and we want to ensure they get the most out of their experience. Stay connected with us on Instagram @goucher_ose or via email at ose@goucher.edu.

With Gopher Pride,

Erica Gardner
Director of Student Engagement
Office of Student Engagement