HELLO CLASS OF 2029!
A warm welcome from the First-Year Dean!
Your first year of college marks a major milestone and we are so excited that you chose Sarah Lawrence for this journey! The First-Year Experience is a year-long series of traditions and programming led by Gryphon Guides, who serve as academic peer mentors for first year and new transfer students. The goal of the FYE is to instill Belonging and Flourishing at Sarah Lawrence College by:
- Educating and advocating for the use of academic resources across campus
- Modeling and practicing how to forge and maintain healthy social relationships; and
- Building diverse and inclusive community through active engagement and compassion.
This website will guide you through your next steps and introduce you to the First-Year Experience.
For more information, visit the New Student Portal on MySLC. The Required Checklist is where you will find a list of items that all new students, including transfer students, must complete prior to arriving on campus.
We are here to answer any questions you have as you prepare to join us on campus and we cannot express how thrilled we are to work with you this year!
Move-in Day
Meet the Dean
My name is Nahal Kaivan and I am the First-Year Dean. Your experience of entering Sarah Lawrence and making the most of all we have to offer is of utmost importance to us. As your First-Year Dean, I am part of the Dean of Studies team. My commitment to and close collaboration with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is infused in all First-Year Experience, orientation and ongoing programming. I am a Clinical Psychologist who is fiercely committed to the growth and development of undergraduate students navigating institutions of higher learning. I am always here and available to meet, welcome and join with all first year students at Sarah Lawrence College so that your transition to college and integration into a new community is as fruitful as possible.
Meet the Team
Sifiso Mabena
Sifiso Mabena is the Assistant Director of Student Life at Sarah Lawrence College. Born in Zimbabwe, Sifiso brings a unique global perspective to her role in student affairs. Her background in multidisciplinary arts and education informs her innovative approach to fostering student engagement and community building on campus.
Raised on the principles of Ubuntu, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity, Sifiso is passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. She specializes in developing programs that encourage students to share their experiences, collaborate with one another, and explore their identities in a supportive setting.
Gryphon Guides
Gryphon Guides (GGs) are academic peer mentors for first year and new transfer students. They work within the First Year Experience as Orientation Leaders during virtual and in person orientation events from May - August, and transition to their role as academic peer mentors during the academic year. Gryphon Guides offer support to new students through drop-in co-studying hours, individual outreach, and FYE programming. They provide resource referral, link students to academic support systems, and answer questions related to coursework, co-curricular, and extracurricular opportunities on campus.
Orientation Leaders
Orientation Leaders are upper-year students who support the First-Year Experience during New Student Orientation in late August. They lead Orientation events for a small cohort of first year or new transfer students, such as Belonging and Flourishing sessions, post-process discussions, and large class-wide events. Orientation Leaders will reach out to their cohorts of new students in mid-August and will be available to answer questions, provide support, and assist with the transition to campus through the first day of classes.
For more information on Gryphon Guides, Orientation Leaders, and the FYE team, visit the New Student Portal on MySLC.