Mission

The Orientation program facilitates the successful transition of new undergraduate students into Catholic University's intellectual, social, and faith-based communities; promotes student learning and development, encourages independence, and individual responsibility; and facilitates continued student success to graduation.

This is accomplished through programming that emphasizes the University's academic and community expectations and social and developmental resources and opportunities.

Through personal connections with peer leaders, faculty, and administration, new students and their families will develop an introductory understanding and appreciation of the intellectual, social, and service opportunities available, and gain knowledge of campus and community resources

Vision

Affect the University's retention efforts through a model orientation program that helps students feel welcome, connect with their new environment, explore their faith, understand expectations, and know where to seek support.

Establish a cohesive and comprehensive Cardinal Challenge program that more deeply explores what it means to be a student at CUA. Activities and programs will be directed toward student involvement, making connections with individuals and resources, academic success, and broadening student general knowledge of the University.

Sustain a rewarding student staff leadership experience that promotes interpersonal growth and development, and leads to an enhanced peer mentor relationship for new students.

 

Meet the Executive Staff!

 

Steve Kreider returns to the Office of Campus Activities as the Director after previously serving from 2006-2015 in various roles in OCA. Since leaving OCA, he has been working at Anne Arundel Community College in the Office of Student Engagement working primarily with the student organizations providing leadership training, logistical and event planning support, and financial management. He is excited to return to OCA and CUA to serve as the Director of a great department and looks forward to getting back into the feel of everything CUA. Attending Penn State for his undergraduate degree and The University of Memphis for his graduate degree Steve has a variety of experiences including residence life, student conduct, leadership development, and of course campus activities. Outside of work Steve is very actively involved regionally and nationally with Ultimate Frisbee playing, coaching, and serving as a head referee for DC's professional team. Steve and his wife have 2 adorable puppies who want everyone to follow them on Instagram at @taleswithwalter and @doodlewithlillian.

anischubert.jpeg Ani Schubert (Student Coordinator) is a Junior English Secondary Education major with a minor in Psychology, from Sicklerville, NJ. At Catholic, not only is Ani working towards a career in education, but she is a Writing Center tutor, a member of the University Honors Program, and a third-year member of the Orientation staff. Ani can always be found in the Pryz with friends or outside on the patio. Outside of classes, Ani loves to explore the city, try new restaurants and food, go monumenting, and is on a mission to find the best coffee shop!

Ani has learned so much during her time at Catholic, and the Orientation Program has given Ani a place to call home. The transition to college is a big deal, and it can be intimidating and exciting all at once! Orientation has given Ani the opportunity to meet so many incredible people and grow tremendously. As Student Coordinator, Ani wants to give her experience back and build a community that fosters love and support. She wants every incoming first-year student to know that they have a family straight from the get go. If there’s one piece of advice Ani could give to incoming students, it would be: “Try everything — explore the city, join a new club, or sit with someone you don’t know! There is so much to be discovered during college, so don’t hold yourself back. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to be perfect, be yourself! Now is the time to figure out who “you” are and what you want to do, so take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. I promise you are not alone and so many people are feeling the same way you are, whether that’s scared, nervous, or excited: so branch out! Everyone is in the same boat. The Orientation staff, and Catholic community, is here to support you 100% through your journey at Catholic, and I cannot wait to watch you all grow and do amazing things! Welcome home, we are blessed to have you here!”
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Anisa Ellis is a Junior Nursing Major working to become a Certified Nurse Midwife from White Plains, MD. Since being an Orientation Advisor her Sophomore year, she has enjoyed working at a local infant and early childhood nurturing center and in the Student Organization Services department of the Office of Campus Activities. During the Spring 2023 semester she hesitantly studied abroad in Rome and now can’t help but dream of going back! There she formed relationships and created memories she will forever cherish and returned with a few thrifted Italian pieces too! Since then she has taken pride in tutoring Nursing students and serves as a Peer Mentor in the Center for Cultural Engagement’s Take Flight First Generation Program. Aside from her studies, she is actively engaged in Black Student Alliance and is a supportive member of the Student Nursing Association. In her free time she looks forward to spending quality time with friends, finding new restaurants, and shopping around the DMV.

Between navigating young adulthood, past relationships, a new environment, discovering who you are and where you belong, the transition to college can be thrilling but intimidating. However, in her third year at Catholic, Anisa has realized that you are never alone. No matter the various backgrounds, appearances, or stories of the people you will meet, there is always someone to relate to and connect with. In being your 2024 Orientation Student Coordinator she hopes to encourage you to accept kindness, integrate yourself into the community, and find the beauty and commonality in others. “If you are considering​​ The Catholic University of America, welcome, and if you have committed, congratulations! I am appreciative of the opportunity to welcome you and am excited to know your story. I encourage you to keep an open mind, an open heart, and remember you are not alone. I hope to see you soon!”