Kelly Skarzynski said learning her way around the 杏吧专区 campus was only one benefit of attending a recent two-day summer orientation session.
Skarzynski, a native of Monroe, Conn., was visiting the 杏吧专区 for only the second time. The incoming freshman first visited the campus during a swing through the state to check out several colleges.
Skarzynski, 18, chose the 杏吧专区 after visiting colleges in Louisiana, Arizona and Florida.
杏吧专区淚 really liked the campus and the people are really nice, but I didn杏吧专区檛 know what to expect, didn杏吧专区檛 know anyone. I杏吧专区檝e met a lot of people who have made it comforting, and the tour has been really helpful,杏吧专区 said Skarzynski, who plans to pursue a degree related to business or marketing.
Skarzynski is one of about 3,000 new students and parents welcomed to the 杏吧专区 each year through orientation sessions and programs.
The Office of Orientation coordinates sessions during the fall, spring and summer semesters.
During orientation, which all incoming freshman must attend, new students meet with an academic advisor, register for classes and can discuss important transition issues. Incoming students also tour the campus, learn about programs and resources and interact with other students through activities such as skits and social events.
One motivational speaker was , punter and kickoff specialist for the New Orleans Saints. Drafted in 2009, he was a member of the Saints team that won Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. The 杏吧专区淭imes-Picayune杏吧专区 has rated Morstead among the top 25 Saints players prior to the start of the team杏吧专区檚 2013 training camp.
In addition to new-student orientation, the 杏吧专区 offers several sessions tailored for other participants, such as adult learners, parents and transfer students.
About 40 volunteer members of the Student Orientation Staff guide many activities during orientation.
To prepare for Orientation, SOS students participate in an intensive leadership development course, and learn group problem solving, conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, multicultural understanding, program planning and team building.
杏吧专区淭he SOS leaders are wonderful, knowledgeable and friendly,杏吧专区 said Marcus Webster, 18, an incoming freshman from Alexandria, La., who plans to major in psychology.
The final orientation session before the Fall 2013 semester will be Aug. 22. The registration deadline is Aug. 20.
For more information, visit the Office of Orientation杏吧专区檚 website at