Orientation set for new students at CSC

Long before they reach that milestone, the freshmen, as well as the transfer students, will be doing something out of the ordinary at CSC. They will participate in the first required New Student Orientation that the college has sponsored in a decade or more.

The activities will begin Thursday, Aug. 16 and continue through the weekend. Classes will begin Monday, Aug. 20.

The orientation has two primary goals, according to the program’s coordinator, Amanda Nipp. It’s designed to introduce the new students to the college and help them form a sense of community on campus

“We’re going to provide a lot of information that will be helpful to the new students and also have numerous community-building activities that will help the new student become acquainted with both their classmates and the college before they hit the books,” said Nipp. “It’s going to have a festive, exciting and welcoming atmosphere. We’ve put a lot of planning and work into making it a beneficial experience for both thee students and their parents or guests.”

The orientation is billed as mandatory and Nipp believes a vast majority of the new students will participate. Those who skip the session will still be charged the $45 fee. Nipp said the new students have received several mailings about the orientation and been told about the fee. She added that she’s not heard any complaints about the charge.

“We’re going to give them their money’s worth,” she said. “They are allowed to bring two guests who can participate through the first day and a half at no extra charge.”

The orientation committee is preparing for between 500 and 600 freshmen and about 1,200 participants overall, Nipp said.

Last spring, 25 upperclassmen were selected to help with the orientation. Each of them will be assigned to lead about 20 new students in discussions and various activities.

The orientation will begin at 3 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Football Field. Dr. Janie Park, the college president, will give the welcome at 4:30. Shortly after that, the class photo will be taken, followed by a picnic, sessions dealing with various aspects of the college experience and some fun activities.

The Chadron Ministerial Association will provide desert following the picnic.

Highlights Friday morning will include a presentation on what it takes to succeed in college by Dr. Lois Veath, vice president of academic affairs.

Veath and Dr. Randy Rhine, vice president of enrollment management and student services, will speak to the parents at 10 a.m.

An information fair for the new students and their parents is set for 11 a.m. in the Kline Center.

During the afternoon, Ann Burk, director of computer services, will give a program on the college’s technology and how it is may be used to enhance the academic offerings. Also, several upperclassmen will discuss the value of becoming involved in student activities and how to make the most of the college experience.

An all-college picnic will follow at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday’s schedule includes attending the football team’s scrimmage, the planting of trees on the hillside south of the college, a scavenger hunt and several optional fun activities. That evening a movie will be shown outdoors in the Kline Center Amphitheater.

Sunday’s schedule is rather relaxing with escorts available to transport the students to church, brunch in the cafeteria, walks on the trails behind the campus and an all-college dance planned.

This year’s freshman class is expected to be slightly larger than last year’s. In anticipation of the higher enrollment, Brooks Hall will be reopened this fall.

Volunteers from the community are being sought to help the freshmen move into the residence halls Thursday morning. Those able to help are asked to contact Deena Kennell at 432-6388.