Ball State University will welcome its first round of about 180 incoming students to campus today for their freshman orientation as part of a large incoming freshman class.
The orientation group is the first of 22 sessions scheduled for the summer to introduce Ball State's campus to freshmen enrolled for the 2006-07 academic year.
Christopher Munchel, interim director of orientation programs, said freshman orientation offers students an opportunity to learn what will be expected of them academically, as well as familiarize themselves with college life.
Students are required to stay in a residence hall during their two-day orientation session, so the transition from home to college will be smoother, Munchel said.
Students visiting for orientation meet freshmen advisors and schedule their classes for fall semester. They also receive their student IDs and eat at a dining hall. Students also get their Ball State e-mail addresses and information on how to access the Ball State Web site's services.
Student orientation leaders take the incoming freshmen and their families around campus and are there to answer any questions they might have, Munchel said.
An addition to orientation this year is a trip to bridge the gap between Muncie and Ball State, he said.
"Family members have the option of going downtown to see what Muncie has to offer on day two of the program from 10:30 to noon," Munchel said.
This session marks the first visit to campus for an unexpectedly large freshman class.
Larry Waters, dean of admissions and enrollment services, said almost 4,000 students had paid their deposits to come to Ball State in the fall, and the number grows every day.
"It's a pretty large class and more students than we had expected," he said. "But we'll make room for them."
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
