Under the leadership of Alena Kush, Director, Student Life & Student Affairs, the Office of Student Life creates the parts of the Mercy experience that happen between classes.
That means student organizations and leadership opportunities year-round. Students can look forward to a full fall calendar, with something on it for everyone, starting with Week of Welcome and the Club Fair. The fun continues through the new monthly Signature Events series, from Founders' Festival to Frost Fest.
We asked Alena Kush and Victoria Costa, Associate Director, Student Life, to talk about how students can find their community at Mercy.
Q&A
What services and resources does Student Life offer to students?
Student Life helps students find their community, get involved and make the most of their Mercy experience. We support student organizations and leadership opportunities, campus events and traditions, first-year programming and programs such as Mercy Navigators, Orientation and Student Government Association (SGA). Whether a student wants to join a club, take on a leadership role, attend an event or simply find their place on campus, Student Life is here to help them get connected.
What upcoming September events should faculty and staff encourage students to attend?
With so many ways to meet new people and explore campus involvement, September is the perfect time for students to find something that interests them.
Some events we'd recommend are:
What other programs or events are you most excited about this fall?
We're excited about all our events, but this fall we're launching our 'Signature Events' series which will take place monthly throughout the semester. Events include:
How can faculty and staff help students connect with Student Life and get involved on campus?
Faculty and staff play an important role in helping students feel connected beyond the classroom. Encourage students to attend an event, visit the Club Fair, join a student organization or explore a leadership opportunity. If a student isn’t sure where to start, send them our way! Student Life can help connect students with the programs, people and resources that are the right fit for them.
Where can faculty, staff and students find the latest information about upcoming events and involvement opportunities?
The best way to stay up to date is to check Engage, where students can explore upcoming events, student organizations and opportunities to get involved. Students and campus partners can also follow Student Life communications and social media (@MercyStudentLife) for event reminders, updates and highlights throughout the semester. Encourage students to check regularly—new opportunities are always being added!
Stop by our offices on all campuses and meet our team! We’re excited that welcomed 3 new* professional staff members to our team and are adding more this coming semester – don’t worry the faces you’re used to are still here!
- Alena Kush- Director- Main Hall 223L
- Victoria Costa- Associate Director- Main Hall 223H
- *Thomas Tolley- Associate Director BX & MT- MT 330/ BX2160
- *Jacob Finklea- Assistant Director- Hudson 118
- *Kiara Valera- Administrative Assistant- Main Hall 223I
- Sodary Castillo-Guerrero- Coordinator (MT)- MT 330
- Jordan Officer- Coordinator (BX)- BX 2160
