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Show 12A Signpost Tuesday, September 23, 1986 Historical first: freshmen required to attend orientation JaNae Barlow Manageing Editor For the first time in Weber State's history, new students were required to complete orientation this summer before they could sign up for fall classes. A total of 17,000 students and 135 parents attended the 25 scheduled orientations, which is a considerable number above last year's 889 oriented students. Julie Arbuckle, director of academic advisement, the organization sponsoring the event, said attending college for the first time without academic advisement is like going on a journey without a map. She said through the group orientations, new students can find answers to questions they would not ask or know who to ask. She said also that students stimulate each other to ask relative questions during the sessions. "We are hoping to establish this as an ongoing requirement in the future." She said the orientations were designed to "let the student experience the challenge and stimulation of college without the confusion." As one example of this confusion, she cited a problem that many graduating students have of returning to school an extra quarter to take a literature class. The problem, she said, is that they don't see the fine print on the general education requirements worksheet in the course catalogue that says a literature course is required for all degrees. Another reason for holding the orientations is because some studies show students who are oriented to college have a higher success rate and tend not to drop out. "I think it's very important to academic life," Arbuckle said. The orientations, which were an attempt at making a boring subject more up-beat and exciting, were a four-hour process. They consisted of an over-view of all student service agencies, a slide presentation about all the different activities they can get involved with, entertainment and group table presentations with eight to 10 students per advisor. Different orientations were set for students with declared majors and one for those without declared majors. Also, there were sessions for transfer students, for returning students, a couple of evening orientations, an over-nighter and one for parents. Arbuckle said she was especially pleased with the parent's orientation because of the large turnout (135 parents) and because of their interest. Academic advisement plans to continue this orientation process throughout the year with group workshops on various subjects. The first two will be held this week on Thursday, Sept. 25, and Friday, Sept. 26, at 11:30 a.m. in Building 1, room 120. These workshops will cover how to add and drop classes, how to change audit or creditno credit to a letter grade and vice versa, a brief review of other general education requirements and other relevent questions. Arbuckle said if students cannot come The theme for ASWSC this year is "The Turning Point' because we are committed to helping you: a. Beef up your resume b. Have hands on leadership experience c. Have an impact on WSC politics d. Meet people e. Have fun IT X Y THE X NX SA, cx nAiriT yX nxx a i i i nraca bJA n g V AiM If MM w-z i 1! 86-87 J M V I ., -- . ...... ' - -.. , . .- - x . v n v i - -, 1 "x ) ir . - - if -..- j . i , a- : V, , v. - . ' f t hm in... STUDENTS attending summer orientation overnighter try rappelling off WSC stadium. They were assisted by the Weber R.O.T.C. (Signpost photo: Jeff Bybee) to the group sessions, advisors in academic advisement are always willing to work with them on a one-on-one basis. Her office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The office is staffed with two professional staff and a number of student advisors. She said students are often afraid to bother them, but she said "we are being paid to answer their questions." She said she loves her job because "most students come in confused and leave knowledgeable and with a sense of direction." so that you enhance your college life and experience. a turning point in any or all of these areas Just fill out an application at the Student Offices, Union Building 24 to get started. TAYLOR MAID BEAUTY SUPPLY 723.5406 235 w. 1100 so. Brigham City 394-4881 Ogden City Mall T All Major Brands VV Avanti. L'Oreal. Nexxus, Annlfi Pectin. Paul Mitchell, Sebastian KMS, TCB, World of Curl, Care free Curl Curling Irons, Brushes, Dryers Mousse, Gels, and Sculpting sprays ALL PROFESSIONAL QUALITY xV i |