On Saturday, August 23, the UConn School of Nursing welcomed the class of 2029 at the annual Weekend of Welcome (WOW). The School of Nursing welcomed its largest class to date, enrolling 228 outstanding students from a competitive pool of 4,768 applicants.
Nearly every student was in attendance to hear from Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson, PhD, RN, FAHA, FHFSA, FAAN, as well as our Director of Student Success, Chelsea McTigue.
“Welcome Weekend is an exciting UConn tradition that marks the beginning of our students’ journey” said McTigue. It provides an opportunity to build a sense of community and support that will guide them through their time here and into their nursing careers. We are proud to welcome 228 outstanding students, each bringing unique strengths and perspectives that will shape their path as future nurses.”
Students were provided with information on the schools’ resources including advising to academic support. They were strongly encouraged to seek out supportive spaces, connect with campus resources such as our excellent student advisory staff, implement healthy study habits, and to lean on one another for support.
“As an advisor, the Dean’s Welcome at WOW is one of my favorite events of the year. I enjoy reconnecting with students whom the advisors and I met at summer orientation and seeing how much they have already grown,” said Abigail Clark, an academic advisor for the School of Nursing. “Having the entire cohort together for the first time is exciting, and the energy in the room is always palpable. Alongside connecting individually with students, we look forward to guiding our newest cohort as they begin their journey at UConn.”
The orientation included engaging activities spearheaded by Clark. Students played Bingo to find connections with peers and participated in a community art activity where they each set a goal that they intend to reach by graduation. This is a new tradition that the School of Nursing has introduced that highlights growth and community within their cohort and themselves.
“Incoming students each received a leaf on which to write a personal or professional goal for their time at UConn. The leaves will be assembled into a collective tree, representing both individual development and the impact of shared experiences, peers, and mentors,” said Clark. “At the class of 2029 Commencement, the tree will stand as a symbol of their collective journey and preparation to enter the nursing profession.”
Eight nursing student volunteers assisted with the day’s activities, offering valuable support to faculty, staff, and first-year students. Academic Advisors Lindsay Darcy, Catie Grosso, and Nichole Hauser, were also on hand, personally welcoming each student.
“This is an exciting time for the UConn School of Nursing,” said Dean Dickson. “Welcoming our largest class to date reflects the growing interest in the nursing profession and the strength of our academic programs. We are proud to support these students as they begin their journey to becoming the next generation of nurses.”
As the School of Nursing continues to grow, this is an especially exciting time for students beginning their first year. In Fall 2026, this class will help open the doors to the new home of UConn Nursing.
