New York City is home to nearly 8.5 million people. But at the NYU Stern School of Business, you never have to worry about getting lost in a crowd. Thanks to a range of community-building programming and events, you’ll get to know everything NYC and NYU. First, there’s the Signature Experience Series (SES), a set of only-in-New York experiences aimed at connecting NYU students to Stern and the city. Then, there’s the Cohen Arts and Culture Experience (CACE), which allows undergraduates to experience New York’s singular culture in small groups.
“NYU Stern is more than just academics. It does a great job of giving students opportunities to connect both inside and outside the classroom,” says first-year Amy Martinez-Reyes. “Stern has many goals for its students, including building a global perspective, encouraging a social impact focus, and simply fostering a community where students can grow and excel.”
Welcome (Back) to New York
“The Signature Experience Series was born out of the idea that if students can create community and find a sense of belonging with their classmates, it can be foundational to their success—however they define it,” explains Erin Potter. She’s the associate dean for student experience and dean’s special projects. Since 2020 Stern has started every year with reorientation. This online module reacclimates students and prepares them for what lies ahead. Next, students gather in small groups to participate in “a memorable event at an iconic New York City location,” explains Potter. “This takes place each fall at the beginning of the academic year. Students are reconnecting, excitement is high, and the weather is generally cooperative. Of course, one can never fully predict what fall will bring in New York!”
Ready, Set, Sightsee!
This year Amy attended the US Open through SES. “Even though I knew very little about tennis, it was exciting. I took lots of photos for all my tennis-loving friends back home,” she shares. “The friends that I attended the US Open with are still some of my closest friends. The event was a bonding moment for us.” In the past, students have visited Ellis Island, toured the Intrepid Museum, and explored the Museum of the City of New York. After the Class of 2024 completed reorientation, they enjoyed a three-hour dinner cruise of the New York Harbor with music and dancing. “SES brings each class year together each year,” concludes Potter. “This builds their community and allows them to celebrate the start of another year. By the time they graduate, they’ve built many memories together.”
Never a Dull Moment
Once the excitement of a new school year fades, New York City still offers countless things to do. But for many students, prioritizing—and paying for—all these amazing cultural events is a challenge. That’s where CACE comes in. Thanks to CACE, Stern students can experience New York’s most exciting artistic and cultural events alongside friends and faculty. Recent events include seeing The Book of Mormon on Broadway and taking a food tour of historic Chinatown.
Daniel McMichael, Class of 2024, saw the Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes and visited the Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. He’s a Business major with concentrations in finance and statistics. “Each CACE event is super exciting. They allow you to take time away from studying and have a mental reset. What’s more, CACE lets undergraduates break the mold and experience many attractions that New York residents tend to skip out on. By saying yes to the many opportunities Stern has offered me, I’ve met more people than I imagined possible. Plus, I’ve had incredibly unique experiences I couldn’t get anywhere else.”
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