A beautiful sunny day was one of the many things Brandeis' class of 2007 had to appreciate as they arrived on campus Sunday. At 8 a.m., the campus opened, full of orientation leaders, administration and many staff members, excited to greet the incoming first years as they and their families drove on campus. Orientation leaders greeted new students and assisted with the move-in process until mid-afternoon. Perhaps the tunes provided by WBRS made the process a little livelier.

"I think it went incredibly smooth. The orientation leaders and everyone else involved did an awesome job coordinating," said Ken Gantz '04, Orientation Special Programs Coordinator.

Bettina Rosenblum, a parent of a first-year expressed similar sentiments. "Move in went beautifully. I am amazed how well organized, friendly and easy to recognize all the staff is."

An official welcome came later on in the day when University President Jehuda Reinharz took the podium in Gosman Sports and Convocation Center to kick off "Brandeis Beginnings," the official Opening Ceremony of Orientation 2003.

Speaking to a gym packed with new students, families and university staff, Reinharz expressed jitters about his welcome address.

"I must say that I've done this ten times and I'm still nervous, but there is one group that is not nervous because they know they've done a great job," he said, referring to the Orientation staff.

Reinharz spoke of the many changes the incoming students may undergo throughout their four years at Brandeis, highlighting the intellectual impact he said Brandeis will have upon them.

Rick Sawyer, the Dean of Student Life took the podium next. He pointed out the fresh start students are given upon their entrance into Brandeis. He then asked the Class of 2007 to rise and presented them to Associate Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and First Year Services, Michele Rosenthal.

The final speaker was student Gabe Reif '04, the 2003 Orientation Coordinator. Reif -- like the speakers before him - spoke, from a student's point-of-view, of the changes every college student experiences. But he assured students that, "everyone is here to help. All that we ask is that you are eager learners."

As the new students emerged from Brandeis Beginnings, many were seen saying goodbye to their families, the excitement of beginning their new lives in college apparent on their faces. Soon after, they were met by their Orientation Leaders and the myriad of events that filled their following two days.

The programs, which included the New Student Barbeque, the "Playfair" and the"First-Year Fiesta," among others, kept the new students busy meeting their fellow classmates and learning the odds and ends of Brandeis.

"It's actually awesome," said first-year Adam Botwinick. "I love meeting new people."

"Oh my god, it rocks," agreed his fellow classmate Michelle Iorio '07.

Perhaps not so evident to the approximately 900 first years, were the many physical changes made to the Brandeis campus since last year. As they drove down South Street, the new students could hardly miss the brand new upperclassmen dorm, the Village. Although the incoming class is not directly affected by its opening this year, they will surely utilize this new space in future years, as it becomes part of the housing lottery.

In addition, each first year - like the rest of the University - was handed a brand-new high tech phone, which hooks up to the network. However, many of them found connecting to the internet difficult, as computer viruses prevented many computers from registering on the Brandeis network. UNet was aware of this problem, and was able to offer solutions to students facing these problems.

"I did have problems logging on, but it was probably my own fault," remarked Jonathan Lewis '07.

But aside from these seemingly minute problems, Orientation 2003 went without a flaw.

"I think it went almost scarily smooth. We say this every year, but it seems the best year yet," said President Reinharz.

At the "Cold-Play" program on Monday night, where first-year students were able to enjoy free Lizzy's ice cream, play on inflatables or just mingle with their classmates, many students expressed excitement for their future at Brandeis.

"It's fun meeting new people," said Nathan Kaplan '07, as he looked around at the sea of new classmates, the Brandeis class of 2007.