NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University will hold seven sessions of its freshman orientation program, Freshman Connection, beginning May 24.
Four sessions will be at the Natchitoches campus on May 24-25, May 31 – June 1, June 15 and July 12-13. The program will be held on the Alexandria campus on June 20, the Leesville/Fort Polk campus on June 21 and the Shreveport campus on June 22. There is also a session for parents called Parent Connection and a session for younger siblings, Kid Connection.
The fee is $100 for the sessions on the Natchitoches campus and $65 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.
During the program, those attending will have a chance to meet with university administrators, visit with faculty and staff and learn more about campus life. Participants will be introduced to the academic programs and services provided by the University, such as academic advising and support services. Upon completing the registration process at Freshman Connection, students will be prepared for their first semester in college and will leave with a fall schedule in hand.
The Parent Connection program runs concurrently with day one of Freshman Connection but is a separate program to meet the specific needs of parents and families. Parent Connection will provide an overview of the academic and co-curricular resources available to your student at NSU. Parents will meet professional staff, faculty members and current students who will share valuable information on college success. Parents can learn where and how to get support for your student, meet other families of NSU students, ask questions and feel confident in your student’s ability to succeed in college.
Kid Konnection is designed exclusively for siblings (ages 5 – 12) of new NSU students to help them learn more about their big brother or sister’s new home. Activities include arts and crafts, a campus tour and meeting Vic the Demon. Participants will receive lunch, an afternoon snack and fun NSU stuff. In order for a sibling to participate in Kid Konnection, they must have a parent/guardian attending Parent Connection.
Current Northwestern State students serving as connectors are Alayna Charles of Opelousas, Bradie Villemarette and Brooke Straight of St. Francisville, Bryce Juneau of Cottonport, Caiden Matthews, Kaci Young and Natalie Mangandi of Shreveport, Christopher Richard of Abbeville, Chris Soileau of Kinder, Coree Nash of Jena, Gabi Lacheney of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, Jairus Killings of Syracuse, New York, Kate Evans of Benton, Tyra Jones of Evergreen, Madison Cook of Vivian, Makynli Delcambre of New Iberia, Mary Scruggs of Natchitoches, Tyler Meina of Monroe, Zach Remedies of Zwolle, Jesus Bravo of Joaquin, Texas, Jorge Vargas Martinez of Cartagena, Colombia, Zachary Cooper of Winnsboro, Kameron Burns of Haughton and Travis Jimenez of Belcher.
For more information, go to nsula.edu/freshmanconnection.
