Newsfeed
Printer-Friendly ModeFreshmen orientation extended to this weekend
Student Life provides 'Fresh Start' for all freshmen
August 25, 2005 —
A "convoy" to Northwood University for the Axe Bowl, transition to college activity and a Dining Services showcase will highlight "Fresh Start '05," a "next step" orientation initiative for the entire incoming freshmen body this weekend.
"This is meant for freshmen to get a good start in college and help them be successful," says Merry Jo Brandimore, director of Residential Life and the one in charge of the program.
The event is for the entire freshmen body, not just those living on campus.
"We want to dispel that feeling among commuter students that programs on campus are not for them," Brandimore says. "Maybe with this event commuters will feel more connected."
Activities start tomorrow at 8 a.m. with a program called "YOGOWYPI" Welcome, a "motivating start to your college life." It will last until 1:30 p.m., with lunch being provided in the Ryder Center East Arena.
Tomorrow's activities will be highlighted by "The Transition to College: Academic Essentials," an attempt to break barriers down between students and faculty and staff, following the Welcome event.
The program will feature small classes on course expectations, program planning, and academic support.
The classes will be given by, respectively, professors, academic advisors, and staff from places like the Zahnow Library and Writing Center.
"We want to let the freshmen know that it's okay to ask questions," Brandimore says. "Often times there are questions that arise throughout a students' first year that they don't even know they'll have. We try to provide those answers first."
There will also be a "Meet the Freshmen Barbecue" in the Courtyard, an all-campus picnic, at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday will begin at 10 a.m. with the "Convoy to the Axe Bowl." SVSU vans will take students over to Northwood University for the 31st Annual Axe Bowl. The first 100 freshmen will receive a free game ticket; all other tickets will be sold for $5.
While students are allowed to drive their own cars to the game, the vans leave at 10:45. Kickoff is at noon.
"We hope we get the students to come, to let (Northwood) know that SVSU is here," says Brandimore, who adds that the trip to Midland is not limited to just freshmen.
At 4 p.m. will be the Recreation Expo, put on by SVSU's Campus Recreation. Featured will be basketball, volleyball, kickball, and soccer tournaments at the University Village and intramural football fields, along with an aerobics program at the Ryder Center.
The night will be highlighted with various activities including a dance party and a showing of The Longest Yard.
The Bookstore will be open until 10 p.m.
Sunday will include the Student Resources Fair, where freshmen can "discover key University offices and staff," among other things. Students can bring their semester schedule and receive help finding certain classes.
To conclude the weekend will be the Dining Services Showcase, a way for freshmen to learn about SVSU's dining options.
Tomorrow and Sunday's events are "required," Brandimore says.
While she admits students cannot be penalized for not attending the events, she stressed that the programs on those two days are essential for freshmen to get a good start on their college experience.