A&M International's New Student Orientation Jan. 13

First-time Texas A&M International University students will have an opportunity to meet new friends, learn about A&M International and get a great start on their first semester at the University during New Student Orientation to be held Monday, January 13, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library (room 319).

New freshmen students, new transfer and graduate students, and family and guests of new students are invited to attend the information-filled event.

Organizer Gabriela Mendoza, Associate Director of the Office of Student Development, said New Student Orientation will give new students an opportunity to meet University staff and administrators, tour the campus, and make new friends.

"We will answer questions, provide information about on-campus services, and do everything we can to ensure new students get a successful start at A&M International," explained Mendoza.

The New Student Orientation will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Great Room with a welcome and introduction from Dr. Stephen Brown, Dean of Student Affairs, and David VerMilyea, Director of Student Development. Concurrent sessions for freshmen, transfer students, graduate students, and family and guests will follow.

Freshmen will attend "Frankly Speaking" from 6 - 7:15 p.m. This discussion by Orientation Leaders on real-life expectations of University life will include information on calculating grade point average, understanding credit hours, exploring the college catalog, and making the transition between high school and University.

Transfer students will attend "Making the Transfer," a special seminar that explores the major academic and social differences between A&M International and other institutions, from 6 - 6:30 p.m. and a hands-on session on "Using A&M International's Home Page to Access Key Information" from 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. The hands-on session will be held in one of the University's state-of-the-art computer labs and will include demonstrations on how to view their grades, course schedules, and financial aid status via the World Wide Web.

Graduate students will attend "Frankly Speaking" from 6 - 6:30 p.m. and "Using A&M International's Home Page to Access Key Information" from 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.

Family and guests of new students will attend "The University Transition" from 6 - 7:15 p.m. in University Village, the student housing complex. This session will offer insight to the changes and impact they face when a family member enters the University. Portions of the session will be offered both in English and in Spanish.

From 7:15 - 7:45 p.m. all participants will attend their choice of one of the following breakout sessions: "Top Secret Academic Survival Tips," "Career Planning For Your Future," or "Campus Tour."

"Top Secret Academic Survival Tips" will provide tips needed to survive the first year at A&M International. Participants will also learn about free tutoring and academic help available at the University.

"Career Planning For Your Future," a must for students seeking to integrate their academic program with their career ambitions, will focus on career options and the importance of choosing the right academic major to meet career goals. Representatives of the University's Career Planning and Placement Center will detail free services available through their office.

The "Campus Tour" will afford participants an opportunity to explore the University. Tour highlights will include the Killam Library, computer labs, student lounge, science and chemistry labs, campus bookstore, and the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

All New Student Orientation participants will return to the Great Room at 7:45 p.m. for a "Resource Fair" which will provide information about the University and the services available to students. Representatives from offices in the Division of Student Affairs, including Financial Aid, Student Development, Career Planning, and Student Health Services will be available to answer questions.

For more information on the New Student Orientation at A&M International January 13, call the University's Office of Student Development, 326-2280 or visit offices in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building Room 107.

Office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu