PRESQUE ISLE – Incoming students at Northern Maine Community College will be encouraged to “make a safe bet on their future” as they acclimate themselves with both the campus and the college experience during a series of orientation sessions at the college.
More than 450 students will participate in one of the orientation sessions scheduled for Aug. 5-7. A fourth session designed for non-traditional students is planned for Aug. 18.
The students’ official introduction to the college experience will feature what most would expect of a college orientation; however, campus organizers have added a twist. NMCC Orientation 2009: “Make a Safe Bet on Your Future” will resemble a Las Vegas casino, complete with card dealers, décor, and great prizes for students to win. Even the workshops are set to match the theme with names like “how to stay away from crooked tables,” which will look at issues ranging from alcohol and substance abuse to personal safety, and “house rules,” which introduces students to many of the campus policies and procedures that will guide them through their NMCC experience.
“Students will have an opportunity to ‘lay all of their cards on the table’ by getting to ask any questions they might have about the college or the experience they are about to embark on,” said Tammy Nelson, NMCC director of counseling and lead coordinator of new student orientation. “New students will have an opportunity to take care of business, have some fun and even win great prizes. Students who attend orientation are more prepared to attend the first day of class. They don’t have to worry about rushing to get the necessary paperwork completed or purchase their books. They can just come in and be ready to go.”
Students will participate in a series of small and large group activities, where they will do everything from receive their student identification cards to take tours of the campus or “the casino tour” – as it is being dubbed this year. They will also learn about financial aid and student billing, as well as the college’s wireless computing network and Talon, the student intranet that is a vital information link for all NMCC students, faculty and staff.
“New student orientation is an integral part of a student’s successful transition into collegiate life. The number of changes individuals face during the first few weeks of school is daunting for anyone. Preparing for those changes certainly improves the odds of a successful transition,” said Dr. William Egeler, NMCC dean of students. “We anxiously await the arrival of the entering class of 2009.”
In addition to becoming familiar with the resources available on campus, new students also have the opportunity to visit with area businesses and organizations that provide products and services that may be helpful throughout their time at NMCC and beyond in a vendor fair organized specifically for orientation participants. Several area businesses, including some that offer possible part-time employment for students during their college career, will participate in the fair.
The orientation experience isn’t limited to the students – sessions are also designed for the parents or loved ones of members of the incoming class, which focus on their supporting role. Those with students living on campus will also have the opportunity to speak with residential life personnel to have any questions they might have answered.
“One of the first and most important steps for new student success is family involvement. Orientation is an opportunity for students and parents to introduce themselves to the college and the college to them; relationships and connections are important factors in student success,” said Egeler. “We are here for our students. Our goal is for them to be successful in every way. Little things often get in the way of success, so our goal is to make sure the little things do not become obstacles that a student cannot overcome.”
For his part, NMCC Vice President and Academic Dean Alan Punches will deliver the keynote address to incoming students at the start of each session. Sticking with the theme, his remarks will focus on “how to build a winning hand.”
“Our goal with orientation is to provide information sufficient for new students to ‘hit the ground running’ on the first day of classes,” he said. “It is exciting to watch students arrive for orientation a little nervous, a little apprehensive, and leave orientation with a little more confidence.”
Although students have already been scheduled to participate in the orientation program, Nelson notes that NMCC is still accepting students for fall enrollment and that they are adding to the orientation roster daily.
For more information on new student orientation at NMCC or to register for fall classes, call 768-2787.
Photo courtesy of Northern Maine Community College
CINDY ALBERT, administrative specialist III in the Northern Maine Community College counseling office, is among the dozens of NMCC staff, students and faculty readying the campus for new student orientation, which this year will take on a casino theme.
