ORIENTATION AIDS STUDENTS, PARENTS

The summer orientation program at Southeast Missouri State University is receiving excellent reviews from students and their parents.

"As a freshman, it can be scary going off to college," said Phillip Stapleton of St. Louis. "But I feel much better about starting college now that the people at orientation have answered questions about problems I might have later."

The university requires any incoming student with less than 30 hours of college credit to participate in summer orientation. Even though the program is a requirement, most students seemed to enjoy the experience.

The summer orientation program consists of nine, two-day sessions spread throughout the summer. Approximately 200 students attend each session. Four more sessions are left this summer.

Julie Dill, a Southeast student in charge of 16 orientation co-leaders, said purposes of summer orientation are to help relieve anxieties of freshmen and to give them the opportunity to meet other students and realize that college "isn't going to be so bad after all."

Dill said the co-leaders perform a series of skits called College Decisions of the '90s to make students aware of issues such as date rape, drug and alcohol abuse, and how to get help on campus.

"We're not preaching at them," Dill said. "We just want to offer various ways to deal with problems they might encounter."

Rose Sodergren, whose son Cliff will be a freshman at Southeast this fall, said she was impressed with the orientation program and she appreciated the skits.

"Most universities stick their heads in the sand when it comes to addressing important issues," Sodergren said. "This is the third college orientation I've attended, and the first one where I've learned anything."

Bill Ellis, faculty leader of summer orientation, said the three objectives of orientation are placement testing, transition from high school to Southeast, and enrollment.

He said freshmen are required to attend transition and academic discussions about a typical college day and how much time each student should spend studying each day.

"At orientation we emphasize that the No. 1 reason students are at Southeast is to be a scholar," Ellis said. "But we also mention the benefits of becoming involved in clubs and campus organizations.

"Students who are successful need to have a connection with Southeast outside the classroom by Oct. 1."

Ellis explained that the program is beneficial because studies have shown that students who attend orientation do better academically, get a better schedule, and adjust to college life quicker than students who don't attend the program.

Jennifer Chessor of Sikeston said: "I've enjoyed meeting people, and the skits were really cute. After attending this orientation, I know I'll enjoy going to school here."

Members of Student Government at Southeast do their part in helping freshmen enjoy orientation and meet other students. On the first evening of orientation, Student Government sponsors a party at the University Center Game Room, where students are given free soda, ice cream, keychains and cups.

The freshmen are encouraged to take part in bowling, pool and video games. Also, music is provided by the Student Activities Council.

"There has been excellent attendance and response," said Dan Byron, vice president of Student Government. "At least 50 percent of the students attending orientation come to the party and have a great time. This is our way of letting students know they're welcome to the campus."

The parents of the students also take part in the fun and action of summer orientation.

Dill said parents attend classes to learn about issues such as the University Studies program, financial aid, and how to deal with students leaving home. Also, the parents are taken on a bus tour of Cape Girardeau.

Cathy Cooper of Mexico, Mo., whose son Brad will be a freshman at Southeast this fall, said: "I have enjoyed orientation, although it's been tiring. The classes have been informative, and we've had the opportunity to walk around and visit various departments on campus.

"My son has had a great time. Everybody was real nice, and he's looking forward to going to college here."