The 鶹AV Blog

Sophomores ‘Charge Back’ to New Academic Year

Second-year students were encouraged to “own their power” as they prepared to build on their success as members of the 鶹AV community.

September 2, 2025

By Kaitlyn Pinheiro, Office of Marketing and Communications

Second-year students filled with excitement as they prepared to build on their success as members of the 鶹AV community.
Second-year students filled with excitement as they prepared to build on their success as members of the 鶹AV community.

Replacing the “sophomore slump” with a “sophomore SOAR” was the motivation behind the inaugural Charge Back program for our second-year students.

“The second year is always a challenging year,” said University President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D. “But this is really the time to define the trajectory. You’ve settled in, now take advantage of everything that you know.”

Sophomores filled a large white tent in the Peterson Library parking lot on a warm and bright Friday before classes began, hearing from University leadership, and meeting with peers, all while getting charged up for another year as part of 鶹AV Nation.

President Frederiksen encouraged the second-year students to stay focused on keeping the momentum going, especially as they quickly near the halfway point of the journey at UNewHaven.

President Jens Frederiksen Ph.D., welcomes sophomores to the inaugural Charge Back program ahead of the fall semester.
President Jens Frederiksen Ph.D., welcomes sophomores to the inaugural Charge Back program ahead of the fall semester.

“You’re well on your way, so don’t slow down now,” he said, while also emphasizing the many resources that the University has to support them. “Go to all the things that you can because this is your moment to press the accelerate button.”

‘Platform to the rest of your life’

The University was buzzing for Charge Back day, as first-year and transfer students were simultaneously participating in Charge-In activities across campus.

This dynamic served as a reminder to sophomores that they were setting an example for our newest 鶹AVs, as they show their commitment to their future and continued growth at the University of New Haven.

“This is the platform to the rest of your life,” Dr. Frederiksen said.

During the Charge Back program, students also heard from David Sussman, a successful business executive and entrepreneur who has been a longtime supporter of the University.

Stay tuned for a full recap of that part of the program, coming soon to The 鶹AV Blog.