Younger siblings of residential students will get a peek at college life, Nov. 2-4, during the first Siblings Weekend to be held on the Sonoma State University campus. The event is intended for brothers and sisters between the ages of 5-15, but siblings of all ages are welcome.
"Our aim is to provide our residents, primarily our freshmen, an opportunity of having their sibs join them for a weekend of planned, safe activities," said Cyndie Morozumi, Director of Residential Life Programs. Students have the chance to educate their younger brothers or sisters about the college campus and college life.
"Freshmen are still very much in the throws of transition, and having family be a part of this new experience helps," says Morozumi. "With this millennial generation, family inclusion is a big part of their success and satisfaction, as is affinity to their school."
Homesickness often sets in with freshman who are away from home for the first time, she says and "reconnecting with their siblings helps them in the transition to college life."
SSU residential students are responsible for feeding and housing visiting siblings and must check with their roommates to make sure they are welcome to stay over on the weekend.
The schedule includes welcome activities, various events in each of the housing villages, as well as a game night, a video game event, craft stations and ice cream socials. On the Sauvignon Quad, a bounce house will be set up and a game of Sibling Feud will be held.
SSU is the first California State University system campus to offer a Siblings Weekend though it is common on other college campuses in the country.
The 2400-member Residential Students Association and the Residential Life Program are hosting the event.
For more information, contact Mo Phillips, Associate Director of Student Development, (707) 664-2804 or Cyndie Morozumi, Director of Residential Life Programs, (707) 664-4033.
