NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University will hold seven sessions of its freshman orientation program, Freshman Connection, beginning May 20.

Four sessions will be on the Natchitoches campus on May 20-21, May 27-28, June 3 and July 8-9. The program will be held on the Shreveport campus June 17, the Alexandria campus June 22, the Leesville/Fort Polk campus June 24.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 $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.

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, you will be prepared for your first semester in college.

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 Ebenezer Aggrey and Abigail Ramos of Baton Rouge, Treyvin Aucoin of Rayne, Jacob Boyter and Nick Knotts of Haughton, Natalee Cook of Vivian, Nicholas Cooksey, Gabbie Lawrence, Jazz Rasouliyan, Jordan Richardson and JirNecia Ward of Bossier City, Matthew Courville, Malaya White and Bailey Willis of Opelousas, Sheridan Duet of Thibodaux, Scott Fowler of Natchitoches, Kellen Haymon of Anacoco, Travis Jimenez of Belcher, Zoe Johnson of Morgan City, Juliana Lummus of Houston, Madison Pleasant of Marthaville, Maddie Smith of Minden, Jacob Stone of Kilgore, Texas, Gracie Sylvia of Many and Slade Thomas of Farmersville, Texas

Student Coordinators are Katie Kennedy of Baton Rouge and Matt Nelson of Natchitoches.

For more information, go to https://firstyearexperience.nsula.edu/freshmanconnection/