Orientation preps students for campus life

[NewsCopy]

Kelly Skarzynski said learning her way around the University of Louisiana campus was only one benefit of attending a recent two-day summer orientation session.

Skarzynski, a native of Monroe, Conn., was visiting the University for only the second time. The incoming freshman first visited the campus during a swing through the state to check out several colleges.

Skarzynski, 18, chose the University after visiting colleges in Louisiana, Arizona and Florida.

“I really liked the campus and the people are really nice, but I didn’t know what to expect, didn’t know anyone. I’ve met a lot of people who have made it comforting, and the tour has been really helpful,” said Skarzynski, who plans to pursue a degree related to business or marketing.

Skarzynski is one of about 3,000 new students and parents welcomed to the University each year through orientation sessions and programs.

The Office of Orientation coordinates sessions during the fall, spring and summer semesters.

During orientation, which all incoming freshman must attend, new students meet with an academic advisor, register for classes and can discuss important transition issues. Incoming students also tour the campus, learn about programs and resources and interact with other students through activities such as skits and social events.

One motivational speaker was Thomas Morstead, punter and kickoff specialist for the New Orleans Saints. Drafted in 2009, he was a member of the Saints team that won Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. The “Times-Picayune” has rated Morstead among the top 25 Saints players prior to the start of the team’s 2013 training camp.

In addition to new-student orientation, the University offers several sessions tailored for other participants, such as adult learners, parents and transfer students.

About 40 volunteer members of the Student Orientation Staff guide many activities during orientation.

To prepare for Orientation, SOS students participate in an intensive leadership development course, and learn group problem solving, conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, multicultural understanding, program planning and team building.
“The SOS leaders are wonderful, knowledgeable and friendly,” said Marcus Webster, 18, an incoming freshman from Alexandria, La., who plans to major in psychology.

The final orientation session before the Fall 2013 semester will be Aug. 22. The registration deadline is Aug. 20.

For more information, visit the Office of Orientation’s website at http://ulorientation.com/new-student-orientation

UL Press

[DaddyCajun]

Wonder what the overall enrollment will be? Do we break 17,000 this Fall 2013? Orientation is/was fun!

[Benchwarmer]

How many of you worked orientation. It was a great experience. I can honestly say it was one of the most beneficial opportunities I ever had. As an orientation member I:

1) Was able to meet every pretty girl entering USL;
2) Was able to meet some great upper class students who seemed to know every pretty girl entering USL;
3) Met every pretty girl entering USL;
4) Was able to complete my class schedule early and get any teacher I wanted; and oh yea
5) See 1, 2 & 3 above

[MelRock]

I spent 2 years on orientation staff in the 80's, I loved it and you are right you meet every freshman girl coming to the university.

[LuLu]

How many of you worked orientation. It was a great experience. I can honestly say it was one of the most beneficial opportunities I ever had. As an orientation member I:

1) Was able to meet every pretty girl entering USL;
2) Was able to meet some great upper class students who seemed to know every pretty girl entering USL;
3) Met every pretty girl entering USL;
4) Was able to complete my class schedule early and get any teacher I wanted; and oh yea
5) See 1, 2 & 3 above

Is this a "throwback" or what? Isn't it UL, now?

[moorecajun]

Is this a "throwback" or what? Isn't it UL, now?

LuLu, I am going to take a wild guess and say the University was still USL when Benchwarmer went to school, as it was when I did.

It was SLI when Frenchie went there.

It was a farm when Boomer went there.

[cajunfan337]

LuLu, I am going to take a wild guess and say the University was still USL when Benchwarmer went to school, as it was when I did.

It was SLI when Frenchie went there.

It was a farm when Boomer went there.

I have to admit, you have been golden lately wih your zingers. Plus one to you sir.

[HoustonCajun]

Wonder what the overall enrollment will be? Do we break 17,000 this Fall 2013? Orientation is/was fun!

Wish they had an Athletics orientation as well, sort of like Texas A&M does. Get the freshmen oriented to attending football games and what to do and yell at the games. Take them to all of the athletic facilities.

[Turbine]

Wish they had an Athletics orientation as well, sort of like Texas A&M does. Get the freshmen oriented to attending football games and what to do and yell at the games. Take them to all of the athletic facilities.

Utah's student section went from nothing to one of the best in the Country in about 5 years using the method you suggest.

[raginsaints]

The Peppa Pit can teach a class.

[Hudsheen#Fired]

The Peppa Pit can teach a class.

we definitely need more for basketball, I am about to graduate lol

[moorecajun]

Utah's student section went from nothing to one of the best in the Country in about 5 years using the method you suggest.

I really, really like their student section . would absolutely love us to start something like that.

We
We will
We will win
We will win this
We will win this game!
We will win this game! We will win this game! We will win this game!

Or something equally catching.

[Hudsheen#Fired]

I really, really like their student section . would absolutely love us to start something like that.

We
We will
We will win
We will win this
We will win this game!
We will win this game! We will win this game! We will win this game!

Or something equally catching.