Students to begin checking in Thursday

Freshmen and transfer students will begin arriving to campus Thursday, Aug. 16, for New Student Orientation, the annual event which helps enrollees and their guests take care of unfinished business and become familiar with the campus and its programs and offerings.

Upon arriving, the new students will find a temporary “one-stop shop” in the ballroom of the Student Center.

Deena Kennell, CSC director of career and academic planning services, said orientation organizers strive to make students’ transition to college as streamlined as possible. Except for having to pay their bill at Crites Hall, almost all other functions will be available in the Student Center. The services include financial aid counseling, parking tag sales, student ID production and reviews of course schedules.

“Going to college is a big step, and want to make sure students feel as comfortable as possible as they start this new chapter,” Kennell said.

Dr. Randy Rhine, CSC interim president, will make his first address to the “class of 2016” as they gather at Elliott Field for a class photo late Thursday afternoon.

Friday will feature programming for the students and their guests, including presentations, panel discussions and an information fair.

A number of events are scheduled for fun, including the Backyard Beach Party from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday. Students will dance to the sounds of New Wave Time Machine, a 1980s tribute band.

The ‘80s theme will carry on in the opening days and weeks of the semester, as the Office of Student Activities and other campus clubs and organizations have developed a full schedule of social events. One of the events, Find the Flamingo, will challenge students to find pink flamingos at area businesses and campus offices – another effort to help students become familiar with the campus and greater community. Also, businesses have been invited to set up displays in the Student Center for the annual Uptown on Campus next week.

People may visit www.csc.edu/orientation for a schedule of events and other orientation information. Any changes to the schedule will be reflected on a printed version that students receive upon signing in.