Orientation has taken a more serious tone at Ball State this year as students express new concerns about beginning new lives at college. Many incoming freshman said that, while they are still nervous about new roommates and sharing bathrooms, safety has become 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 voice their concerns and have questions answered.
Pearson met Katie Moffit through orientation this week, though both are from Fort Wayne. They said they share similar concerns about the start of their college careers.
"I'm really nervous about getting a weird roommate," Pearson said.
The two agreed they were afraid of getting lost but excited about meeting new friends. They also agreed that they were concerned about campus safety because of the recent shootings and deaths around campus.
Corrie Wright, a student team coordinator, said orientation leaders try to address the tough issues with a positive attitude, and they must be able to relate their experiences at college to these groups of recent high school graduates.-รก
"We help them get used to campus and where things are," Wright said. "We want to help them prepare for their experience."
Many incoming students might be nervous as their freshman year approaches, but their questions are answered through the orientation process, Wright said.
Director of orientation Lisa Horst said orientation is a two-day process, but the sessions are continuous for six weeks over the summer.
During the first day of orientation, student leaders take incoming freshmen around campus with stops for sessions including the history of Ball State, the academic experience, Freshman Connections and Money Matters. At the end of the first day, everyone has the opportunity to meet at the student center for games and bowling.
Orientation student Amanda Horne said she was successful in high school as a member of the National Honor Society, yearbook staff and the cheerleading squad. Amanda Horne said she hopes to make the transition 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 her daughter will do well at Ball State. She made the trip from Indianapolis with Amanda and said she will miss having her daughter around.
"It will be quiet at home," Melissa Horne said. "She's always been there if I needed her."
The first fall without their child at home can also be a concern for parents. On the second day of orientation, parents leave their children and attend seminars where they can ask questions about expectations.
Junior Alyssa Ivanson's job this summer is orienting parents. She said the question parents ask most is where their son or daughter should set up a bank account. They want to know whether their child should open a bank account in Muncie or keep the one they have at home, Ivanson said.
While finances are often a concern for parents sending children to college, Horst said orientation doesn't cost the students or parents anything to attend. Horst said Ball State funds summer orientation.
During their final day at orientation, students learn about University Core Curriculum assessments, academic planning and receive a final presentation on making successful transitions. By the end of the process, orientation organizers say they hope students will feel ready to step up to college life in the fall.
"Overall, we want students to know that BSU is a place where you can be successful," Wright said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
