Orientation begins Thursday

Deena Kennell, the lead organizer for orientation, said much of the programming for the event has been condensed this year to ensure that students get the most of it.

The orientation attendees will begin arriving Thursday, when the college’s mandatory orientation begins. The lion’s share of the day has been reserved as time for students to move into the residence halls. Students also are being encouraged to take care of business, advising and computer network issues that day.

Kennell, CSC director of internships and career services, said organizers have been planning a variety of activities for the new students and their guests. Each student is allowed to bring their parents or up to two other guests.

Kennell expects the condensed format to be more popular with students.

“Last year, I think we presented too much information for too long,” she said. “This year, because most our informational sessions are scheduled for after the students get moved in, I hope the attendees are more focused and take better advantage of the information that is being presented to them.”

The students will gather at Don Beebe Stadium on Thursday afternoon for a welcome session and class photo. On Friday, the students and their parents will attend sessions about a variety of topics associated with college life.

Kennell said the sessions, which are being conducted by a wide range of college employees, will serve students throughout college. The attendees will meet with representatives of their respective academic departments, ask questions of business services employees, hear insights from a student panel, and meet with two of the college’s three vice presidents.

Saturday morning, the students will have the opportunity to participate in one of two projects that have become tradition at CSC. They may join groups to paint the C on C Hill or plant trees in that area. A tailgate lunch will follow Saturday’s mock football scrimmage at Elliott Field.

The CSC residence life personnel have scheduled a number of evening activities for the event. In addition, both the Student Center and Nelson Physical Activity Center will be open.

Kennell said nearly all CSC employees play a part in making the orientation successful, and that two of her coworkers, Lisa White and Jenna Finerty, have been instrumental in the planning.

More information about orientation, including a schedule of events, may be found at http://www.csc.edu/orientation/.