University of New Orleans Welcomes Class of 2017 at New Student Orientation
More than 200 fall freshmen are on campus today at the University of New Orleans to receive a two-day introduction to life as a college student and Privateer. The acclaimed two-day orientation program serves as a model for other universities and includes an overnight stay in the UNO residence halls.
The two-day program is one of four Freshmen Orientation sessions that will be held at UNO this summer. Freshmen Orientation Sessions are slated for June 13-14, June 27-28, July 25-26 and August 8-9. One-day transfer orientations will be held July 11 and July 17. An additional orientation for adult students will be held August 6.
Joined by parents and guests, the incoming freshmen showed up at 8 a.m. to the University Center ballroom for check-in and registration – and of course, UNO swag. Clad in blue-and-white UNO T-shirts, the new students were divided into teams that over the next two days will tour the UNO campus, receive an introduction to the University's Webstar system, register for classes, learn new UNO traditions, compete in spirit sessions and enjoy a variety of long-planned and stellar orientation events.
Nighttime fun starts with O-Fest, an introduction to UNO's 120-plus student organizations, and includes "Late Night at the Rec" and an Improv show. In a new twist this year, incoming freshmen will also hear from an interactive faculty panel designed to set the bar and introduce new students to academic expectations. The Q and A session will be moderated by student success counselors from the University's New Office of First Year Experience.
Throughout the day, the new UNO undergraduates will Tweet their fun using hashtags #uno17 and #unoproud. Tweetchats from NSO at UNO have historically become trending social media topics in the greater New Orleans area.
Parents and guests receive their own orientation, learning the ins and outs of critical resources, including financial aid and campus safety.
"You've waited your whole life to get to this point, to get to college, and you've finally made it," UNO Orientation Leader Kelly Massicot said this morning in a warm welcome that followed a kicky step-and-stroll by Orientation Leaders. Her welcome introduced a hip-hop routine to a UNO medley entitled "This Is Your Life" and a costumed musical routine to the tune of a song from The Lion King.
"You guys represent one of the brightest classes that we've ever admitted," said Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Brett Kemker referring to a year of increased admission standards, GPAs and test scores and receiving a round of applause.
Kemker asked everyone present to shake hands and introduce themselves to their neighbors.
"You're going to meet your future business partners here. You're going to meet your lifelong friends here. You may meet your significant other here," he said to cheers. "It's important to get to know these people."
