The “Becoming a Bearcat” Podcast is an informative series covering topics new students and families should know about ɫ! Each season has a unique focus, with episode topics ranging from campus resources and success tips to community engagement and important need-to-knows.
A new season of the podcast has been released each Summer since 2021. The podcast is hosted by a professional staff member within the Office of New Student Programs, with guests such as campus partners and student leaders.
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 5 is in production and will be released during July 2025! This season will highlight new initiatives and programs hosted by departments across campus and how students can actively participate in them.
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 ɫ University. 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 ɫ Community: On-campus facilities and services are discussed, including dining options and meal plans. Turning ɫ, 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 ɫ! 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 ɫ: In addition to the amenities ɫ 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 ɫ.
- 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 ɫ alumna and staff as they share some personal move-in tips and tricks; and learn about ɫ'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.
Season 5:
- Episode 1 - Center for Civic Engagement: Implemented in recent years, hear about how the Civil Dialogue Project has grown and continued to impact students and their personal growth.
- Episode 2 - Office of Sustainability: Learn about the many ways ɫ faculty, staff, and students work together to create a more sustainable campus community.
- Episode 3 - Campus Recreation: This episode will highlight the various ways students can get involved with campus recreation, with a specific focus on up-and-coming improvements and renovations to the facilities.
- Episode 4 - International Education and Global Initiatives: Start to understand and dissect common myths about the study abroad process, all while hearing about some of the unique offerings through ɫ and the SUNY system.
- Episode 5 - New Student Programs: In this final episode of the season, the host will discuss a newly implemented initiative through the Office of New Student Programs known as the Walk OAs.
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.