NATCHITOCHES – While incoming students registered for classes and met with advisors during Freshman Connection, their families spent the day learning how to support them through the transition to college.
Parent Connection, held alongside Freshman Connection, gives parents and family members an overview of the academic, financial and student support resources available at Northwestern State University before the fall semester begins. The one-day program allows families to meet university staff, faculty and current students while asking questions about topics ranging from financial aid to campus housing.
The program is designed to complement student orientation by helping families understand what resources are available throughout their students’ first year and what to expect before move-in and the start of classes.
Jessica Phillips of Bossier City attended the July 9 Parent Connection session while her student participated in Freshman Connection.
“I came in blind and had tons of questions. I was worried I had messed things up or hadn’t turned everything in that I was supposed to, but within minutes of getting here, all of my questions had been answered. Everybody has been very helpful,” Phillips said.
Phillips said her family chose NSU after visiting campus because her daughter immediately felt welcomed.
“When we visited campus, everyone was so accepting, kind and wonderful. She felt very comfortable, right at home and excited to come back as a student,” Phillips said.
Throughout the day, parents toured campus locations their students are likely to visit, learned about financial aid and scholarship resources, explored campus services during Coffee Break and Browse and heard from upperclassmen about topics including time management, budgeting, social life and adjusting to college.
Erica Morgan of Coushatta also attended Parent Connection while her student completed Freshman Connection.
Morgan, an NSU alumna whose son also graduated from the university, said her family’s positive experiences at NSU played a role in her student’s decision to attend the university.
“I’m familiar with how things work and I had a great experience. He had a great experience here, so it was an easy decision,” Morgan said.
Parent Connection concluded July 9 alongside Freshman Connection, which welcomed more than 1,000 incoming students during orientation sessions held throughout the summer in Natchitoches, Shreveport, Cenla and Leesville/Fort Polk.