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Thousands of students, parents attend orientation

June 3, 2009

KALAMAZOO--Some 8,000 people, including beginning students, transfer students and parents are booking it to Kalamazoo this month to attend summer orientation programs at Western Michigan University.

As many as 3,500 incoming freshmen and 4,100 of their parents are expected to be on campus during this year's 14 summer orientation sessions, which began June 1. The 1-1/2-day sessions will run through July 1. Additionally, 600 transfer students will take part in the transfer orientation program, which features one-day sessions on May 29, July 31 and Aug. 14.

"A student's WMU journey begins with summer orientation as they begin making connections with other students, faculty and staff, while learning about everything that Western has to offer," says Steve Booher, WMU coordinator of orientation. "They will leave orientation with a great sense of Bronco pride and the excitement of returning in the fall to begin their collegiate journey."

All incoming first-year students are required to attend an orientation session, during which they are divided into small groups and learn about college life as well as the people, services and resources at WMU. They tour campus, take placement tests, meet with academic advisors, register for fall classes, finalize financial aid, get their school ID cards, connect with faculty and staff members, and participate in student development and social activities.

The orientation sessions for parents run concurrently with the student sessions and include tours as well as meetings with University officials on topics such as campus safety and financial aid. Parents leave with a better understanding of the issues college students face and how they can support and meaningfully interact with their sons and daughters throughout their children's time in school.

Contact

Complete details and schedules of orientation activities are available on the First-Year Experience Web site. For more information, contact Steve Booher at steve.booher@wmich.edu or (269) 387-2168.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/news