Three students serve as orientation coordinators
June 8, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Three undergraduate students, Jessica Chatman, Jamie Wacyk and Ter'rece Walker, are serving as orientation student coordinators during this summer's orientation program at Western Michigan University.
Jessica A. Chatman is a junior majoring in public administration. She is the daughter of Dannie and Thomas Chatman of Fennville, Mich.
Jamie L. Wacyk is a junior majoring in secondary education-mathematics and a Lee Honors College member. She is the daughter of Linda and Michael Wacyk of Grand Ledge, Mich.
Ter'rece Walker is a junior majoring in organizational communication. She is the daughter of Jane and Richard Price of Caledonia, Mich.
More than 4,500 freshmen and 3,000 parents are expected to attend one of the program's 13 two-day orientation sessions taking place this year between June 4 and July 25.
The coordinators act as supervisors of 34 student orientation leaders who help transfer students, freshmen and their parents get acquainted with the campus and University services. They live in Ackley/Shilling and Britton/Hadley residence halls and operate an office there in order to assure the orientation program runs smoothly.
Orientation student coordinators are selected on the basis of previous orientation experience, leadership skills, a personal interview, references, academic standing, curriculum, work experience and campus involvement.
"The orientation coordinators are an important link between the orientation student leaders and the administration," said Christopher W. Tremblay, coordinator of orientation. "They display professionalism in communication, organization and creativity, which enables them to successfully manage the orientation sessions."
Since being hired last October, the coordinators have been examining the orientation program to enhance the experience for participants. They played a major role in developing this year's theme, "Making Your Screen Debut at WMU," which centers on rolling out the red carpet for the new students and helping them begin directing their future.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 616 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu