SCNM Class of 2013 On August 5, 2009, seventy-one new students walked through the doors at Southwest College to begin their four years as Naturopathic medical students. Of the seventy-one students, seven students are from Canada, Iran, Korea, Taiwan, Trinidad, and Tobago.
The New Student Orientation, led by Dean of Students Stephanie Mehrtens, consisted of three full days of activities, introductions, and preparation for the next four years. Each day began with Morning Yoga led by a current SCNM student and closed with an off-campus activity with SCNM Student Ambassadors, Leslie Whelan and Saman Rezaie.
The first day of Orientation included a meet-and-greet breakfast and welcome with faculty, staff, and the SCNM administration. The day then progressed with informational sessions from Student Services, the Registrar’s Office, the IT Department, and a lunch with peer mentors. The highlight of Day One was the Sharing Circle/Talking Stick Ceremony, led by SCNM alumna, Dr. Yolanda Rodriguez.
The Sharing Circle/Talking Stick has its roots in Native American Traditions with the emphasis on creating community and finding common threads and allies. Each new student is invited to attach a meaningful artifact, article, or memento to the talking stick and briefly share its meaning with the group in a moving ceremony setting the tone for the journey ahead.
The morning of Day Two takes the new students through their first registration process and the SCNM Library and services. The day continues with sessions from student organizations including the Naturopathic Society and the Student Government Association as well as information from Facilities and the Financial Aid Office. Students are also introduced to various support systems at the College including the on-site Counselor and how to maintain balance while in medical school. Over the lunch hour, the new students participate in a Q & A panel with the SCNM Faculty and close the day with the Water Ceremony led by Dr. Kareen O’Brien, previous SCNM Dean.
The morning of Day Three is full of the learning tools available to students and an introduction to the Career Services Department. The remainder of the day consists of information and a Q & A panel for the family and friends of the new class. Discussion topics are based on what to expect from your Naturopathic medical student and how to best support and maintain a healthy and balanced relationship during the next four years.
To celebrate the completion of New Student Orientation and the beginning of the new adventure for the seventy-one students, the last day of Orientation closes with the Stethoscope Ceremony and a friends and family barbecue.
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