NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Freshman Connection concluded its summer orientation program July 9 after welcoming more than 1,000 incoming students with the help of 24 Freshman Connectors through sessions held in Natchitoches, Shreveport, Cenla and Leesville/Fort Polk.
Freshman Connection is designed to help incoming students prepare for their first semester by connecting them with academic advisors, registering for classes and introducing them to campus resources before the fall semester begins. Throughout the summer, students and their families met with faculty and staff, learned about university services and began building relationships with classmates and Freshman Connectors.
“It is an all-encompassing experience where we holistically develop the student,” said Dr. Mary-Katherine Maggio, assistant director of First Year Experience.
Sessions were held throughout the summer on Northwestern State’s Natchitoches campus and at regional locations in Shreveport, Cenla and Leesville/Fort Polk, giving incoming students opportunities to complete important enrollment steps closer to home before arriving on campus this fall. Freshman Connection included four sessions on the Natchitoches campus and three sessions at Northwestern’s instructional sites in Cenla, Leesville and Shreveport.
“This summer was so much fun. We had the best experience,” Maggio said. “I think what made this summer so special was the students who attended. They were excited, they were prepared and they asked all the right questions.”
Freshman Connectors, current Northwestern State students, guided participants throughout each session by leading small groups, answering questions and sharing their experiences as Demons.
“What makes the first year experience important is this is the foundation you are building on for the rest of your college years,” said Freshman Connector Camilia Adger of Shreveport. “These are your first stepping stones from high school into adulthood.”
Incoming students said Freshman Connection helped them feel more prepared for the transition to college while giving them an opportunity to meet classmates, learn about campus and ask questions before the semester begins.
Freshman Connection is coordinated through Northwestern State’s Office of First Year Experience and Student Engagement. In addition to meeting faculty and staff members, students become familiar with campus services, involvement opportunities and academic expectations before arriving for the fall semester.
Registration for the fall semester will continue through Aug. 16. Information about registration is available at vic.nsula.edu.