Gator Day 2023 Schedule

Once you look at the scheduled sessions below,
register for sessions at this link.

Gator Day Eve — Monday, October 23, 2023

Time Event
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Gator Eve Frenzy Program

Campus Center

Get ready for Gator Day with Student Life!

Gator Day at a Glance — Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Gator Day Check-In 9:00am-4:00pm Campus Center Lobby
Faculty Sessions Check in at 9am in Tippie.
*A Student Networking Hour & FREE light breakfast will be served from 9:00am-10:00am in the Campus Center Lobby
Students can check in for their Gator Day experience and collect their special gifts.
Gator Day gifts are first come first serve until gone. Coffee, juice and water will be available. Food is also available for purchase in McKinley’s.

Sessions from 10:00am – 10:50am

Time Event
10:00 am - 10:50 am

Event Planning 101

Schultz Banquet Hall

How to use Allegheny College offices/resources to go further
Learn the tips and tricks for planning and executing events on campus at Allegheny College. This session will be led by Allegheny’s very own Director of Events who will share the many ways you can ensure your next event on campus is a success! Student leaders are highly recommended to attend this session.

presented by: Lynn McManness-Harlan, Director Conference & Event Services

10:00 am - 10:50 am

Professional Experiences with the CBE Fellows

Pelletier Library Collaboratory

Experiential Learning Experiences (Study Away, Travel, Fieldwork, Hands on Learning)
Allegheny College students can participate in a wide variety of summer experiences over the summer months including internships, research, volunteer work and self-designed learning experiences. To celebrate Gator Day, the CBE Fellows will present a panel discussion and networking event to share their experiences in the Business and Economics field with ideas about how students can make the most of their summer!

presented by: Meredythe Baird ’24, RJ Swanson ’24, Lucia Jueguen ’24, Andrew Strobel ’24, Reece Smith ’24, Graham Kralic ’25, Zula Stenger ’25, Nicholas Tysiachney ’25, Colin Elder ’25

10:00 am - 10:50 am

I just can’t decide! Navigating choices of consequence as a second-year student.

Campus Center 301/302

Major/Minor Exploration
Let’s face it – life as a second-year can be a bit overwhelming. Whether it’s your major/minor, study away opportunities, which student orgs to invest in, or who to spend your time with, the choices can be exciting and complicated all at the same time. Come to this session for some decision-making guidance that can help you think through it all. We will also talk through the logistics of the major/minor declaration process.

presented by: Amy Stearns, 2nd Year Class Dean

10:00 am - 10:50 am

Political Science Info Session and Open House

Quigley Auditorium

Major/Minor Exploration, Department Open Houses or Events
Major/Minor information, co-curricular opportunities including internships, Law & Policy program; open house with refreshments.

presented by: Brian M. Harward, Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science

10:00 am - 10:50 am

Acing the Interview with AI – Big Interview

Campus Center 206

Career Development, How to use Allegheny College offices/resources to go further
Want to Crush Your Next Interview? Feel More Confident and StandOut? There’s no better preparation for an interview than practice. Allegheny College signed-on with Big Interview to provide students with a 24/7, go-to resource, that will prepare them for the most challenging interview situations. Now you can get immediate feedback on your interview answers and delivery – from eye contact to filler words to vocabulary and more. Come to this workshop to get started with Big Interview!

presented by: Office of Career Education Staff

10:00 am - 10:50 am

Greater AggreGator: Finding Sources for Your Research

Campus Center 303

Study Skills & Time Management/Resources (including Tutoring, Writing and Speaking), Undergraduate Research, How to use Allegheny College offices/resources to go further
Looking for citations for your research? Need to read more about your research topic? Doug Anderson will guide students in using the library’s online resources to find articles, books, media, and more. Learn about all the library has to offer!

presented by: Doug Anderson, MSLS, Research and Instruction Librarian

Sessions from 11:00am – 11:50am

Time Event
11:00 am - 11:50 am

DEI Community Needs Assessment

Student Session will be at Grounds for Change / Staff & Administrator Session will be in the Pelletier Collaboratory / Faculty Session will be in Carr 238
Various Locations (see description)

Inclusion & Diversity
This will be a facilitated conversation about diversity, equity, and inclusion on Allegheny’s campus. There will be one listening session for students, one for staff, and one for faculty.
Student Session will be at Grounds for Change / Staff & Administrator Session will be in the Pelletier Collaboratory / Faculty Session will be in Carr 238

presented by: ODEI Assigned Facilitators

11:00 am - 11:50 am

The (Un) Gap Year

Campus Center 301/302

Experiential Learning Experiences (Study Away, Travel, Fieldwork, Hands on Learning), Career Development, How to use Allegheny College offices/resources to go further, Service Learning & Post Grad Experiences
Many students find a break between college and health professional schools both a welcome break and a chance to improve their credentials. We will talk about some of the interesting and productive options for that interim year (or two).

presented by: Kirsten Peterson, MA Senior Assistant Dean of Student Success for Health Professions Advising

11:00 am - 11:50 am

Show and Tell in Computer and Information Science

Alden 101

Major/Minor Exploration, Department Open Houses or Events
Curious what you can learn in CMPSC courses? Wondering about computer science, data science, informatics or software engineering majors or minors? Interested in co-curricular opportunities in computing? Join us the Department of Computer and Information Science as the current students showcase projects they developed in their courses and as a part of their co-curricular experiences!

presented by: Computer and Information Science students

11:00 am - 11:50 am

Careers in Student Affairs

Campus Center 206

Career Development, Service Learning & Post Grad Experiences
Did you know working at a college is a career choice? Join members of the Student Experience Division at Allegheny College as we share with you the exciting field of Student Affairs in Higher Education. Listen to our personal journeys of discovering this profession and consider if this career field might be for you! October is also National Careers in Student Affairs month. The panel will discuss graduate school preparation programs, tips for applying and explore graduate assistantships to fund your degree program.

presented by: Staff Members from the Division of Student Experience

11:00 am - 11:50 am

Discovering Resources for Health and Wellness on campus / Stress Management and Self-Care

Tippie Alumni Center T. Room

Health & Wellness (Mental, Physical, & Spiritual Health)
We will discuss where we can find opportunities for wellness at Allegheny College. We will identify these resources and talk about how they can fit into a model for stress management and promote self-care.

presented by: Josh Guthrie ’09 – Wellness Case Manager

11:00 am - 11:50 am

From AIDS to Zika & Everything in Between

Carr 120

Major/Minor Exploration, Department Open Houses or Events, Experiential Learning Experiences (Study Away, Travel, Fieldwork, Hands on Learning), Career Development
Students in the Global Health Studies program explore the many determinants that create health – and disease – both at home and around the globe using interdisciplinary lenses. Come find out what makes this major / minor program so unique! First and second year students who are interested in understanding the foundations of a just society, want to create healthier communities, or who are planning careers in health, medicine, policy, law, and others, are welcome to hear from student panelists about their varied experiences and learn what pathways our graduates have explored.

presented by: Global Health Faculty & Students

11:00 am - 11:50 am

Resumes that Get a Response

Quigley Auditorium

Career Development, How to use Allegheny College offices/resources to go further
What makes one person’s resume stand out from the hundreds that may be submitted for any one openning? What’s the secret to beating applicant tracking software? Attend this workshop and leave with a resume that connects.

presented by: Career Education Staff

Noon – 12:50 – Lunch & “Gator-Done” Den of Student Services – Campus Center Lobby

Sessions from 1:00pm – 1:50pm

Time Event
1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

Taming the MCAT

Campus Center 301/302

Career Development
Standardized tests are part of the medical profession and the MCAT is the start of that testing. The score often means the difference between acceptance and denial. Studying is definitely required! Join us to learn about the test and the best ways to prepare for it.

presented by: Kirsten Peterson, MA Senior Assistant Dean of Student Success for Health Professions Advising

1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

From Another Place/In Another Language. Could THIS be your story?

Campus Center 303

Major/Minor Exploration, Experiential Learning Experiences (Study Away, Travel, Fieldwork, Hands on Learning), How to use Allegheny College offices/resources to go further
Explore ways to include study abroad and of another language or study abroad in English into your Allegheny story. International Studies and World Languages & Cultures faculty facilitate a dialogue with students who have stories to tell from abroad (in English!) and experiences with learning another language of the world on campus. Participants can have tea, receive advising, and win prizes in a “toma y daca” game of give and take.

presented by: Barbara Riess, Chair WLC, Sami Alkyam, Chair International Studies, a student panel

1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

Thinking About Law School

Campus Center 206

Career Development, How to use Allegheny College offices/resources to go further
This session is for anyone considering applying to law school. We’ll talk about how to put together a strong application, what to expect when you enroll, and some careers you might consider once you’ve earned your degree.

presented by: Dean Phillips,JD, Attorney at Law & Class of 2019

1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

Curriculum Review & Using Self Service to Track Your Progress Towards Graduation

Carnegie 101

Major/Minor Exploration, Course Selection/Registration/Curriculum Review
This session will assist students in understanding the College’s curricular requirements including the seminar series, distribution, major, and minor courses while using Self-Service’s academic tools to track progress towards degree completion. First years and sophomores are encouraged to attend.

presented by: Erin O’Day-Frye, Dean of Student Success and interim First Year Class Dean

1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

How to get Started in Undergraduate Research

Quigley Auditorium

Undergraduate Research
Would you like to get involved in research or creative activities but you’re not sure how to get started? Have you heard about other students participating in research but you don’t know how they got started? When can I start doing research on campus [hint: now!]? Join Professor Matt Venesky, the Director of the Office of URSCA (Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities) and other faculty members to learn about the Office of URSCA and how it can help you get involved in research and creative activities on campus… even as 1st and 2nd year students! This panel will cover information such as identifying an area of interest, how to find a mentor, and what will be required of you. At the end of the session, you will have a plan of action for taking the steps necessary to get involved.

presented by: Professor Matt Venesky, the Director of the Office of URSCA (Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities) and other faculty members

1:00 pm - 1:50 pm

Balancing Books and Bodies: Prioritizing Student Well-Being

Tippie Alumni Center T. Room

Health & Wellness (Mental, Physical, & Spiritual Health)
The AC Health & Wellness program aims to educate and inspire students to take proactive steps towards maintaining and improving their physical, mental, and emotional well-being through attainable steps customized to each individual’s needs.

presented by: Tannaz Latifi, Fadi Alkhafaji, Gunnar Bretell, Joesphine Corey, Sarah Karns, Colin Elder, Katherine Schott, Gideon Sullivan

Sessions from 2:00pm – 2:50pm

Time Event
2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

Gearing Up: Paths to Grad School in Psychology

Carnegie Hall Room 110

Service Learning & Post Grad Experiences
A panel of Psychology faculty members will answer questions posed by students in Psi Chi about the graduate school options in psychology and related fields (e.g., social work), how to prepare for graduate school during and after undergrad, and what graduate school is really like.

presented by: Psi Chi & Ca

2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

“Begin with the End in Mind”: Thriving as a First and Second Year College Student

Campus Center 301/302

Experiential Learning Experiences (Study Away, Travel, Fieldwork, Hands on Learning), Career Development, How to use Allegheny College offices/resources to go further, Inclusion & Diversity, Health & Wellness (Mental, Physical, & Spiritual Health)
Have you ever considered the following questions: Who am I? Who do I want to be? What should I do in college? How can my experiences at Allegheny help me attain my goals? In this session, 1st and 2nd year students will reflect and learn success strategies from staff who are part of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

presented by: Dean Heather Moore Roberson, Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Dean Dom Turner, Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Ms. Natalie Brown, Interim Director of the IDEAS Center

2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

The Truth About COMPS

Campus Center 206

Study Skills & Time Management/Resources (including Tutoring, Writing and Speaking), Undergraduate Research
Hear from Faculty COMP Advisors about what to expect from your Senior COMP! Advisors will share their strategies and advice for completing a successful Senior Project. This session is sure to put your mind at ease that COMPS are not as scary as you might think! Together we will confronts the myths about COMPS

presented by: Kelly Pearce, PhD Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Sustainability; Andrew Bloeser, PhD Assistant Professor of Political Science; Ishita Sinha Roy, PhD Professor of Communications and Media Studies

2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

Why major in Biochemistry?

Steffee B102

Major/Minor Exploration
Join the Biochemistry faculty and upper-class students for a meet and greet to learn about the Biochemistry major and why it might be right for you. This session is targeted at First- and Second-year students who are exploring possible majors. Refreshments and snacks will be served.

presented by: Biochemistry Faculty and Students

2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

“You’ve got answers? We’ve got questions!”: Exploring questions with History, Public Humanities, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Jewish Studies

Arter 209

Major/Minor Exploration, Department Open Houses or Events
Interested in learning more about History, Public Humanities, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and/or Jewish Studies? Come meet the students & faculty asking the questions.

presented by: Faculty members in History, Public Humanities, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Jewish Studies

2:00 pm - 2:50 pm

Society of Physics Student Poster Session

Carr Hall Lobby

Department Open Houses or Events, Undergraduate Research
Come see what research our members have done and learn about the physics major

presented by: Society of Physics Student Members

Sessions from 3:00pm – 3:50pm

Time Event
3:00 pm - 3:50 pm

Handshake: How Strong is Your Grip?

Tippie Alumni Center T. Room

Career Development, How to use Allegheny College offices/resources to go further
Perhaps you’ve activated your Handshake account and thought, “What’s the big deal?” Don’t miss out! Handshake is a tool that you can have work for you, prompting enployers and graduate programs to contact YOU. Learn how to maximize opportunity in this interactive session. Bring a laptop, tablet, or phone and we’ll log in and work together.

presented by: Jim Fitch, Associate Director for Career Exploration

3:00 pm - 3:50 pm

“Begin with the End in Mind”: Thriving as a First and Second Year College Student

Campus Center 301/302

Experiential Learning Experiences (Study Away, Travel, Fieldwork, Hands on Learning), Career Development, How to use Allegheny College offices/resources to go further, Inclusion & Diversity, Health & Wellness (Mental, Physical, & Spiritual Health)
Have you ever considered the following questions: Who am I? Who do I want to be? What should I do in college? How can my experiences at Allegheny help me attain my goals? In this session, 1st and 2nd year students will reflect and learn success strategies from staff who are part of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

presented by: Dean Heather Moore Roberson, Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Dean Dom Turner, Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Ms. Natalie Brown, Interim Director of the IDEAS Center

3:00 pm - 3:50 pm

Info session on student internships at the Gettysburg National Military Park

Arter 209

Undergraduate Research, Experiential Learning Experiences (Study Away, Travel, Fieldwork, Hands on Learning), Career Development
Are you interested in the American Civil War? Join summer ‘23 Gators at Gettysburg interns to learn about summer ‘24 internship opportunities at the Gettysburg National Military Park. Internships cover a multitude of academic fields, and all students and disciplines are welcome.

presented by: Summer ’23 Gettysburg interns, Public Humanities and History faculty, Career Education experts

3:00 pm - 3:50 pm

Budding Biologists!

Steffee B201 and Steffee "Fishbowl"

Major/Minor Exploration, Department Open Houses or Events
The Biology Department will continue its annual Gator Day tradition of faculty introductions via biology haiku or limerick. If you are interested in biology, come meet the faculty and current students to learn about the major, research opportunities, study away possibilities, and more!

presented by: Faculty and Students of the Biology Department

3:00 pm - 3:50 pm

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Tried and True Study Techniques from Those That Came First

Campus Center 206

Study Skills & Time Management/Resources (including Tutoring, Writing and Speaking)
Join Assistant Dean for Tutoring and Academic Support Carene Shipley and several upperclassmen students for a roundtable session on the study tips and exam prep skills they’ve found to be the most beneficial throughout their academic career at Allegheny. Attendees will gain insight from students that were once in their shoes and leave with a refreshed mindset on study techniques.

presented by: Assistant Dean for Tutoring & Academic Support, Carene Shipley & Allegheny Students

3:00 pm - 3:50 pm

“How deep was the mud? A Trauma 101 preview”

Campus Center 303

Experiential Learning Experiences (Study Away, Travel, Fieldwork, Hands on Learning), Career Development, Inclusion & Diversity, Service Learning & Post Grad Experiences, Health & Wellness (Mental, Physical, & Spiritual Health)
Ever ask yourself, “What is wrong with them?” or “Why did they react like that?” Well, join this session and explore answers to some of those questions. This presentation is a prelude to an in-depth Trauma 101 training. You will learn the basics about Trauma and its effects on individuals and communities. Understand how to begin to develop a trauma informed lens and improve community relationships. Together we can change the narrative from “What’s wrong?” to “What happened?”

presented by: Maria Rosado-Husband, Trauma Informed Community Development Community Organizer – HOPE Initiative, Advocate – Women’s Services Inc., Family Partner Lead – Systems of Care

Sessions from 4:00pm – 4:50pm

Time Event
4:00 pm - 4:50 pm

Italy GL 2024 Information Session

Campus Center 301/302

Experiential Learning Experiences (Study Away, Travel, Fieldwork, Hands on Learning)
Join Professors Shannan Mattiace and Mark Cosdon for an information session on the 2024 Italy GL travel course. Earn four credits for this interdisciplinary exploration of Italy grounded in Italian language and culture, the Renaissance, and Italy’s evolving contemporary landscape. Amelia, an ancient and beautiful hill town, is the course’s starting point. Here, students live with families and study Italian intensively. Customs, mores, and manners are learned first-hand through a range of activities and field trips. Subsequent extended study in Florence, Naples, Pompeii, Capri, and Rome demonstrate the interconnectedness of the liberal arts through careful consideration of the historic past, the impact of tourism, the challenges of environmental responsibility, immigration, and the shifting Italian nation.

presented by: Professors Mark Cosdon and Shannan Mattiace

4:00 pm - 4:50 pm

NaviGatoring a Chemistry Major or Minor

Doane Hall of Chemistry, Room C103

Major/Minor Exploration
Please join the Chemistry Department for an opportunity to discuss the courses required for completion of a chemistry major or minor. There will also be opportunities to talk with Chemistry faculty about research, either during the academic year or during the summer. Current chemistry majors will be available to share their own research experiences on and off campus. The session is geared towards first year and sophomore students, but all are welcome!

presented by: Chemistry Department

4:00 pm - 4:50 pm

Summer of a Math Major

Arter 101

Major/Minor Exploration, Department Open Houses or Events, Undergraduate Research, Service Learning & Post Grad Experiences
Hear from current Math Majors about their Summer Internship experiences and get information about finding your next internship possibility. Speakers include: Ethan Borsh — Summer REU Peanut Le — Summer work with Gifted and talented at Johns Hopkins, and Isabelle Wakefield — Summer internship.  (There will be a reception held after in Arter 104)

presented by: Ethan Borch (’25). Peanut Le (’24), Isabelle Wakefield (’24) all are Mathematics Majors

4:00 pm - 4:50 pm

“How deep was the mud? A Trauma 101 preview”

Campus Center 206

Experiential Learning Experiences (Study Away, Travel, Fieldwork, Hands on Learning), Career Development, Inclusion & Diversity, Service Learning & Post Grad Experiences, Health & Wellness (Mental, Physical, & Spiritual Health)
Ever ask yourself, “What is wrong with them?” or “Why did they react like that?” Well, join this session and explore answers to some of those questions. This presentation is a prelude to an in-depth Trauma 101 training. You will learn the basics about Trauma and its effects on individuals and communities. Understand how to begin to develop a trauma informed lens and improve community relationships. Together we can change the narrative from “What’s wrong?” to “What happened?”

presented by: Maria Rosado-Husband, Trauma Informed Community Development Community Organizer – HOPE Initiative, Advocate – Women’s Services Inc., Family Partner Lead – Systems of Care

4:00 pm - 4:50 pm

Opportunities in Environmental Science & Sustainability

Carr Hall Lobby and Rooms 238 & 239

Major/Minor Exploration, Department Open Houses or Events, Experiential Learning Experiences (Study Away, Travel, Fieldwork, Hands on Learning)
Come and learn from juniors and seniors in the Environmental Science & Sustainability (ESS) program about the major as well as opportunities for study abroad, internships, fieldwork and other ways to learn about and help protect our natural environment.

presented by: Third and Fourth Year ESS Students

4:00 pm - 4:50 pm

Greater AggreGator: Finding Sources for Your Research

Campus Center 303

Study Skills & Time Management/Resources (including Tutoring, Writing and Speaking), Undergraduate Research, How to use Allegheny College offices/resources to go further
Looking for citations for your research? Need to read more about your research topic? Doug Anderson will guide students in using the library’s online resources to find articles, books, media, and more. Learn about all the library has to offer!

presented by: Doug Anderson, MSLS, Research and Instruction Librarian