Northwestern State University will hold seven sessions of its freshman orientation program, Freshman Connection, beginning May 23.
Four sessions will be on the Natchitoches campus on May 24-25, May 30-31, June 19-20 and July 9. The program will be held on the Alexandria campus June 4, the Leesville/Fort Polk campus June 6 and on the Shreveport campus June 13.The fee is $100 for the sessions on the Natchitoches campus and $60 for the sessions on the Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville/Fort Polk campuses. Those attending the sessions on the Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville/Fort Polk campuses should be planning to take all classes on that campus. The two-day sessions on the Natchitoches campus include a one-night stay in campus residence halls.
Participants in Freshman Connection will be placed in a small group with a Connector, who will guide individuals through the orientation program. Connectors are current Northwestern State students who share information about what can be expected at NSU and will offer support and guidance about the high school to college transition.
Those who attend Freshman Connection can expect small group sessions with connectors, opportunities to connect with future classmates, an introduction to NSU student services and involvement opportunities, a chance to become familiar with the campus and an opportunity to meet with an academic advisor who will help participants understand their major and schedule of classes and register for the fall semester.
A program for parents, Parents Connection, and for siblings of incoming students, Kid Konnection, will also be held.
Current Northwestern State students serving as Connectors are Zack Breaux of Cut Off, Paul Bryant of Ruston, Luke Conway of Pineville, Jess Easley of Minden, Margaret Gates, Nick Hawkins, Matt Salinas and Tori Spraggins of Bossier City, Dyllan Hawkins and Kristen Prejean of Lafayette, Maddy Hensley of Anacoco and Emmy Hinds of Many.
Also serving as connectors are Katie Kennedy of Baton Rouge, Kierra Linden of Crowley, Mallory Martinez of Jennings, Jessica Mullican of DeRidder, Matt Nelson and David Thibodaux of Natchitoches, Lilly Roach of Bryant, Arkansas, Erin Sandwell of North Sioux City, South Dakota, Sarah Sargent of Lake Charles and Char Wilson of Shreveport.
Student coordinators are Daniel Crews of Shreveport and Meredith Phelps of Natchitoches.