July 9
Orientation has taken a more serious tone at Ball State thisyear as students express new concerns about beginning new lives atcollege. Many incoming freshmen said that, while they are stillnervous about new roommates and sharing bathrooms, safety hasbecome a major issue.
"There were a lot of questions about shootings and suicides,"incoming freshman Bridget Pearson said.
During Summer Orientation, new students have two days to voicetheir concerns and have questions answered.
Pearson met Katie Moffit through orientation this week, thoughboth are from Fort Wayne. They said they share similar concernsabout the start of their college careers.
"I'm really nervous about getting a weird roommate," Pearsonsaid.
The two agreed they were afraid of getting lost but excitedabout meeting new friends. They also agreed that they wereconcerned about campus safety because of the recent shootings anddeaths around campus.
Corrie Wright, a student team coordinator, said orientationleaders try to address the tough issues with a positive attitude,and they must be able to relate their experiences at college tothese groups of recent high school graduates.�
"We help them get used to campus and where things are," Wrightsaid. "We want to help them prepare for their experience."
Many incoming students might be nervous as their freshman yearapproaches, but their questions are answered through theorientation process, Wright said.
Director of orientation Lisa Horst said orientation is a two-dayprocess, but the sessions are continuous for six weeks over thesummer.
During the first day of orientation, student leaders takeincoming freshmen around campus with stops for sessions includingthe history of Ball State, the academic experience, FreshmanConnections and Money Matters. At the end of the first day,everyone has the opportunity to meet at the student center forgames and bowling.
Orientation student Amanda Horne said she was successful in highschool as a member of the National Honor Society, yearbook staffand the cheerleading squad. Amanda Horne said she hopes to make thetransition into college with similar capability.
"I'm not as nervous as I am excited," Amanda Horne said.
Amanda's mother, Melissa Horne, said she is confident herdaughter will do well at Ball State. She made the trip fromIndianapolis with Amanda and said she will miss having her daughteraround.
"It will be quiet at home," Melissa Horne said. "She's alwaysbeen there if I needed her."
The first fall without their child at home can also be a concernfor parents. On the second day of orientation, parents leave theirchildren and attend seminars where they can ask questions aboutexpectations.
Junior Alyssa Ivanson's job this summer is orienting parents.She said the question parents ask most is where their son ordaughter should set up a bank account. They want to know whethertheir child should open a bank account in Muncie or keep the onethey have at home, Ivanson said.
While finances are often a concern for parents sending childrento college, Horst said orientation doesn't cost the students orparents anything to attend. Horst said Ball State funds summerorientation.
During their final day at orientation, students learn aboutUniversity Core Curriculum assessments, academic planning andreceive a final presentation on making successful transitions. Bythe end of the process, orientation organizers say they hopestudents will feel ready to step up to college life in thefall.
"Overall, we want students to know that BSU is a place where youcan be successful," Wright said.
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