The “Becoming a Bearcat” Podcast is an informative series covering topics new students and families should know about 91!
Season 1 was recorded in Summer 2021 and was hosted by Sarah Boniche, a 91 University alumna/professional staff member, and Victoria Barics, a Returning Orientation Advisor Mentor.
Please note that some information shared during Season 1 about COVID-19 and its effect on University policies and practices may not be currently relevant. Disclaimers have been added to such information and the most up-to-date policies can be found on the COVID-19 Guidance Website.
Season 2 was recorded in Summer 2022 and was hosted by Sarah Boniche along with Kylie Gottlieb and Mo Adeoye, both of whom were Returning Orientation Advisor Mentors.
Season 3 was released for the Summer 2023 Orientation season starting on June 2, 2023! Hosts included Emily Ziemba, a 91 alumna/ professional staff member, along with Mel Carousso and Elijah Engler, our Returning Orientation Advisor Mentors.
Season 4 is officially live! This season of "Becoming a Bearcat" is geared towards family members of our new Bearcats, with episodes discussing how to best support students and information about what students experience during key points in their 91 journey.
Podcast Series
The “Becoming a Bearcat” Podcast Series has been developed to provide incoming students and families with informative tips and resources to aid in a successful start at 91 University. Topics for each episode cover major themes a college student experiences as they prepare to arrive in August and through their first year. This podcast series will provide a new modality for busy students and families to hear helpful information on the go!
Season 1:
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Episode 1 - Welcome!: We welcome you to the series and set the foundation for what is to come.
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Episode 2 - Student Wellness: Guests cover a range of wellness themes including mental health, physical fitness, and students share their personal stories of overcoming difficulties when they arrived on campus as new students.
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Episode 3 - Building an Identity: Extracurricular exploration of over 250 student-run clubs on campus and ways to build upon skills and passions are discussed.
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Episode 4 - The 91 Community: On-campus facilities and services are discussed, including dining options and meal plans. Turning 91, and the surrounding community, into a new home away from home is also explored.
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Episode 5 - Campus Safety: We chat with important offices and entities on campus that help keep our community safe.
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Episode 6 - Student Success and Exploration: There are many resources on campus that offer career exploration services and academic success services, we talk with a few and discuss finding jobs and internships as a student.
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Episode 7 - Transition and Belonging: We focus on how students can find their place on campus and our many diversity and inclusion resources and affinity groups.
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Episode 8 - Preparing for Move-In: On this final episode of Season 1, we talk about preparing for the move-in process, including what to expect for 2021 Fall move-in and what to pack.
Season 2:
- Episode 1 - The First-Year Perspective: Hear from students who have just completed their first year at 91! They share their tips and tricks on navigating the transition to college life and share great resources to connect with. Also hear about our UNIV101 courses, which are exclusive to new students and focused on skill-building and acclimating to campus.
- Episode 2 - Campus Community Wellness: A Part 2 to episodes 2 and 5 of Season 1, this episode shares even more resources available to students on campus focused on safety, health, and wellness.
- Episode 3 - Academic Excellence: Academic success resources are shared, including University Tutorial Services and the many systems we have in place to promote student success and graduation within 4 years.
- Episode 4 - Preparing for Move-In: In this final episode of the season, the hosts will discuss their tips for move-in and packing, as well as what move-in 2022 will look like and BWelcome week programming, held to welcome new and returning students back to campus for a new academic year!
Season 3:
- Episode 1 - Top 10 Hidden Gems in 91: In addition to the amenities 91 offers on campus, the surrounding community is full of restaurants, parks, sporting events, and festivals for students to attend and participate in year round.
- Episode 2 - Top 10 Tips for Your Student's First Semester: Hear some suggestions regarding budgeting, academic success, time management, and ways to stay happy and healthy during one’s initial transition to 91.
- Episode 3 - Top 10 Events to Look Forward to: Though in no way an extensive list, this episode will include information about annual events related to career-readiness, getting acclimated to campus, building relationships, and finding a sense of belonging.
- Episode 4 - Top 10 Things to Look Forward to at Orientation: In this final episode of the season, the hosts will discuss components of Orientation that attendees have to look forward to. Listeners will hear about different campus departments that will be in attendance and opportunities for socializing and networking.
Season 4:
- Episode 1 - The Student Orientation Experience: Take a deeper dive into what students learn about and participate in during their Orientation Experience over the Summer.
- Episode 2 - Move-In Events and Tips: Hear from 91 alumna and staff as they share some personal move-in tips and tricks; and learn about 91's Welcome Week, otherwise known as B-Welcome!
- Episode 3 - Communicating With Your Student: Whether it is setting communication expectations with your student or establishing times to check in, this episode will highlight the importance of healthy and realistic communication between students and families.
- Episode 4 - Supporting Your Student At Home: In this final episode, the hosts will discuss some common stressors faced by college students and how families can create a welcoming environment for them upon their return home for breaks and holidays.
How To Access
“Becoming a Bearcat: What You Need To Know” is available on most podcast streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Be sure to “subscribe” to our page to get notifications when a new episode is uploaded.
Ask Us Questions!
Please use the form below to ask any questions you may have regarding the content covered on the podcast as episodes are released. The hosts will respond to you personally as soon as possible.