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| Summer 2006
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CAMPUS NEWS |
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Though the hustle and bustle on campus during the academic year starts to slow each May, the summer months are filled with interns, summer students, and conference groups. No summer at AU would be complete, though, without excited incoming freshmen and their families during the five New Student Orientation sessions. NSO gives incoming freshmen the opportunity to take placement exams, finalize their first-semester schedule, receive their AU ID card, spend a night in the residence halls, and learn more about academics and campus life. This summer, 1,185 students among five sessions broke into groups and participated in activities, all the while meeting fellow incoming freshmen and current AU students. These important two-day sessions are filled with information that helps incoming freshmen become acclimated to AU. They are introduced to the slogan AU students know well before they graduate: “Ideas into Action and Action into Service.” Rick Treter, director of Residential Life, makes sure they understand the dos and don’ts of living in the residence halls. And orientation would not be complete without introducing students to the world of AU’s Academic Integrity Code and the ramifications for violators. Orientation leaders, who are current students, also make sure the two days are fun and memorable. Leaders discuss transition issues and situations students are likely to encounter while in college. There are many in-group activities to help incoming freshmen learn about each other and themselves. Tiffany Sanchez, director of New Student Programs, says incoming students have reported these bonding activities as one of the most valuable parts of orientation. Students also have the opportunity to meet campus vendors, club representatives, and staff from various university offices during the club and resource fair. While incoming students are learning their way around campus with their peers, parents are also getting a crash course in the workings of AU. There are sessions about how to deal with their student’s transition to college, academics, the Career Center, the Health Center, public safety on campus and in D.C., AU technology, housing and dining, the library, clubs, and much more.
For many students, NSO solidifies their choice to attend AU. Even if incoming students don’t keep in touch with those who were in their orientation groups, the daily programs and group sessions really introduce students to AU and give them a chance to explore AU's unique culture. Students are stepping into a world of possibilities just by coming to Washington, D.C. Orientation helps them realize the opportunities and connections AU will afford them. Students unable to attend an NSO session are required to participate in Freshman Fundamentals in late August. Approximately 275 students will attend that session, making the 2006 incoming freshmen class the largest in many years at about 1,460 students. During Welcome Week, a week before classes begin, some first-year students will participate in Discover D.C. and the Freshman Service Experience, a community service program throughout the greater D.C. area. August 25 marks the university’s Opening Convocation, All-American BBQ, and the Writer as Witness capstone event. This year, incoming students are required to read Love in the Driest Season, by Neely Tucker. Tucker will come to campus as a special guest to discuss his book and field questions from the audience as part of the popular innovative program. -Tara
Shlimowitz '08 |
Incoming
Freshmen and Parents Introduced to Life at AU
Parents
walk away “relieved to find that AU is a friendly place with services
and resources that are here to promote student success and safety,”
says Sanchez.