Largest Incoming Class Begins Fall Semester
New IPS students Po-Yee Yeung and Katie FlickerHistory was made once again when the largest entering class arrived on August 20th for New Student Orientation at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences. The nine-year-old graduate school of psychology experienced a 40 percent increase in overall enrollment for the 2008-09 year.
In a classroom filled to capacity, new students were warmly greeted by the faculty and staff as morning orientation got underway. Founder and Academic Dean Gladys Sweeney, Ph.D., shared with the students the remarkable history of IPS and the Institute’s vision for the future. Each faculty member then proceeded to give a brief summary of their professional credentials and their role at IPS, including what led them to the Institute.
Students were also introduced to the staff and provided with an overview of the Institute’s policies and procedures. Afterwards, IPS President Fr. Charles Sikorsky, L.C. celebrated a community-wide Mass.
Immediately following Mass, a luncheon was held in the newly refurbished student lounge for all those in attendance. This provided a wonderful opportunity for new students to meet their peers and the rest of the IPS community.
“Looking around the room, I realized that all of my hopes and expectations had come to fruition, and meeting the other students really added to my enthusiasm,” said Kevin Kilcawley, M.S. Clinical student.
Returning M.S. and Psy.D. students had afternoon orientation where they were welcomed by Dr. Sweeney and introduced to the new faculty members. Students also met with their professors to discuss the coming year’s classes and curriculum.
Prior to orientation, both new and returning students were invited to attend a day-long retreat directed by IPS Chaplain Fr. James Swanson, L.C. The day included directed meditations, talks, time for personal prayer, the rosary, Stations of the Cross, and Mass. The faculty and staff attended a similar retreat a day earlier led by Fr. Charles.
“This is the first year IPS has offered the retreats, and we’re so pleased with the response. It’s such a beautiful and edifying way to begin the academic year,” said Student Services Coordinator Nancy Flynn.