The mission of the Office of Student Success and New Student Programs is to provide a comprehensive program which will assist all new students in their transition to the institution, expose new students to the educational opportunities within Northwestern State University, and to initiate the integration of new students into the life of the institution. The Office of Student Success and New Student Programs strives to guide students toward planned activities, programs, and services that keep them involved, focused, and enrolled. Creating a student-centered campus environment will enhance student growth - both academically and socially - and is the key to achieving lasting retention results.
GOALS:
The goals of the Northwestern State University orientation programs are divided into four categories:
1. Institutional Understanding
a. To assist
students in understanding the purpose of higher education.
b. To assist students in understanding the mission of Northwestern
State University.
c. To assist students in determining their purpose in attending
Northwestern State University.
d. To assist students in developing a positive relationship
with faculty, staff, peers, and other individuals in the community.
e. To help students understand the institution's expectations
of them.
f. To help students identify costs in attending the institution
both in terms of dollars and personal commitment.
g. To provide an atmosphere and sufficient information to enable
students to make reasoned and well-informed choices.
2. Academic Understanding
a. To provide information concerning academic policies, procedures,
requirements, and programs.
b. To explain the process for class scheduling and registration
and provide trained supportive assistance to accomplish these
tasks.
3. Student Transition
a. To develop a familiarity with the physical surroundings.
b. To create an atmosphere that minimizes anxiety, promotes positive
attitudes and stimulates an excitement for learning.
c. To provide opportunities for new students to discuss expectations
and perceptions of the campus with continuing students and assigned
mentors.
4. Services and Opportunities
a. To provide information about and opportunities for self-assessment.
b. To promote an awareness of the university's extra-curricular
activities, club and organization opportunities.
c. To provide referrals to qualified counseling and advising
services.
d. To provide information and exposure to available support services.