Students Find Lots of Answers at Orientation

Some of Sam Houston State University's 2,700 new students take a lemonade break during an orientation session at the Lowman Student Center. --Photo by Mark Gonzalez

"Everything everyone needed to know was at orientation," said Shawn Kabnar, an incoming Sam Houston State University freshman from Groveton High School.

New student orientation at SHSU is designed to get students acquainted with college life at SHSU. Freshman orientation, a one and a half day event being held weekly every Thursday and Friday, started June 1 and will be running through July 28.            

Transfer student orientations are one-day events held on Fridays. Two transfer student orientations have already taken place with one more scheduled Aug. 11.

This year, incoming freshmen are required to go through orientation. That might sound like a drawback to some, but there is a reason.

"Studies have shown that college students who go through student orientation are more likely to succeed in college," said Nancy Jeffcoat, orientation director at SHSU.

Success academically is the highest priority of the new student orientations. This is why "Academics First," a session aimed at informing students on how to succeed academically, is one of the first sessions parents and students attend.

"We have 'Academics First' because we want to emphasize that academics are your number one priority while in school," said Jeffcoat.

Another session called Orientation Leader Panels is designed to inform both students and parents about college life. There are two separate orientation panels that are held, one for students and one for parents.

Although students coming to a new student orientation are given a lot of information, they are also being shown a good time. Bearkat Bash, a party that takes place in the Kat Club, is one of the high points for students.   At the Bearkat Bash, students can dance, play pool, get refreshments and above all meet new fellow students.            

This summer, around 2,500 freshmen and 200 transfer students are expected to attend the SHSU new student orientation. Any student who enrolls late for the fall semester or cannot attend an orientation session should contact the Orientation Office at 936.294.1782.

"If you see some people walking around campus with orange nametags, take part in new student orientation and welcome them to Sam," said Jeffcoat.

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SHSU Media Contact: Mark Gonzlez
June 15, 2006
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