Congratulations and welcome
to Anna Maria College!
In the months leading up to and through your first year at Anna Maria College this webpage can serve as a one-stop shop to all of the events, resources, and opportunities to make the most of your time at Ann Maria and that will help you be the most successful!
Transitioning to College
Orientation & Welcome Weekend
New, incoming students will attend Orientation & Welcome Weekend for opportunities to get introduced to campus life, connect with academic and social resources on campus, and meet their fellow AMCATs before classes begin.
New Student Checklist
Make sure that you’re all set for a successful start to your AMCAT journey! Submit all required forms by the deadlines provided.
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First-Year Residential Experience
Join us on campus during your AMCAT journey. Visit the Residence Life webpage for information on how to submit your housing application, the various housing options on campus, and other need-to-know information to make your on-campus experience positive!
Visit Residence Life Page
Save the Dates
Don’t miss key events.
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First‑Year Seminar
At Anna Maria College, the First-Year Seminar is a 3-credit course that helps new students feel at home while building the skills they need to succeed. Students strengthen their academics through time management, study strategies, and communication while also exploring personal wellness, belonging, financial literacy, and early career goals. Through interactive projects and campus connections, the course empowers students to confidently navigate college life and begin shaping their future.
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Honors Program
The Honors Program provides a rigorous intellectual challenge to students of all majors and opportunities in academics, leadership, culture activities, and community service for highly motivated scholastic achievers. Honors students follow a curriculum guided by themes that match the College’s commitment to developing research and writing skills, global and social awareness, and humanistic values in the Roman Catholic tradition.
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Library
The library is an essential part of your first year – librarians visit many classes such as FYS, ENG 103, and THE 210 to help you build skills to succeed at Anna Maria. Librarians can also meet with you one on one to find resources for your assignments, research projects, and support your leisure reading experience. Come check out the library on the lower level of the info commons for books, study space, printer access, and more!
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Academic Support
Student Academic Support Services (SASS) is here to help every Anna Maria student succeed—whether through tutoring, writing support, academic coaching, ADA accommodations, or career services. We provide a welcoming and inclusive space where students can build confidence, strengthen their skills, and explore their goals. By offering personalized support and equal access to resources, SASS empowers students to thrive both in the classroom and beyond.
Visit Student Academic Support Services
VPSA (Vice President for Student Affairs)
Meet Jessica Eckstrom, Vice President for Student Affairs. Jessica is a dedicated advocate for fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive student experience. She joined the Anna Maria College community in 2016 and has held her current leadership role since 2022.
Jessica earned a B.A. in Art History from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, an M.S. in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, and a Master of Public Administration from Anna Maria College.
Originally from South Carolina, Jessica has called New England home for the past 13 years. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dean of Students
Meet Drew Melendez, Dean of Students at Anna Maria College. Drew earned their bachelor’s degree in psychology and communication from William Paterson University of New Jersey and their master’s degree in counseling & college student personnel from Shippensburg University. Drew is passionate about helping students navigate the ins and outs of their college experience and helping students to make the most of their time at Anna Maria College through engagement outside of the classroom.
Drew provides guidance to students on campus life, community living, and the first-year experience. Drew helps students with their transition to Anna Maria College through oversight of Orientation, the First-Year Experience, and Residence Life.
Dean of Student Success and Retention
Meet Dr. Arlicia Miller, Dean of Student Success and Retention. Dr. Miller serves as the Dean of Student Success & Retention and is dedicated to helping students thrive from their very first day at Anna Maria. She has earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, and Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership. In 2024, she joined Anna Maria College. As a proud first-generation college graduate and an individual with intersectional identities, she brings a unique lens to supporting student success. She leads efforts to strengthen academic progress, retention, and overall achievement across campus. Dr. Miller also oversees the First-Year Seminar course, which integrates personal wellness, community and belonging, financial literacy, and early career exploration to empower students to confidently navigate college and launch their professional journeys.
International Student Support
Meet John Hamel, Director of International Student Programs and Services helps to support both undergraduate and graduate international students. He works with international students that are applying for admission and throughout the application for their student visa. He continues to help international students from their enrollment through their graduation. This includes providing advising services on a broad range of immigration, personal, financial, health, social, and cultural concerns. His work also includes ensuring compliance with federal regulations pertaining to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of State (DOS) and other governmental agencies. He is accountable for federal reporting by maintaining and updating student and exchange visitor information in the Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and other systems to meet SEVIS compliance. His office includes the development of workshops for students and faculty, on immigration regulations, career considerations (as related to OPT, CPT and Academic Training), health and cultural matters. Mr. Hamel has worked in higher education since 1985 and with international students and families specifically from 2003. Students are welcome to visit at any time. The chocolate in his office is always available and is always free.
Visit International Center
Health & Counseling
Health & Counseling provides skilled and compassionate services to the Anna Maria community. Whether it’s the flu, personal concerns, anxiety or general health questions, our combined goal is to provide quality care to our students and meet their health care needs. Health & Counseling provides medical services and psychological counseling.
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Public Safety
The mission of Public Safety at Anna Maria College is to provide safety and security for its members through a model of Community Policing. Public safety is on duty 24/7; call (508) 494‑9010 for immediate assistance.
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Title IX
At Anna Maria College, your safety, well-being, and sense of belonging matter. Title IX is a federal law that protects all students from sex-based discrimination. Anna Maria College has clear policies and caring staff who are here to support you.
Throughout your first year on campus, you will have an opportunity to attend Green Dot Training, attend events sponsored by the Title IX team and more.
First-Year Student Spotlights
"Anna Maria feels like a second home."
Luke, from Plymouth, MA, wrapped up his first year feeling confident and connected. Small classes and campus involvement helped him thrive.
Luke Joseph ’28 – First-Year Focus
Fire Science
“Say yes to opportunities and don’t be afraid to ask for help—everyone here wants you to succeed.”
Advice:

