A&M International Slates Orientation for New Students

First-time freshmen who will begin their studies at Texas A&M International University this Fall can learn how to make their first year at A&M International a success at Freshmen Orientation July 29-30 and August 8.

Themed "Get Into Action," the University's Freshmen Orientation programs provide students with the information they need to navigate through the difficult transition from high school to University, said organizer Gabriela Mendoza, associate director of Student Development at A&M International.

"Orientation introduces new students to a network of free services available to A&M International students such as tutoring, career planning, and health services. Orientation also provides students with much of the information they need to make their freshmen year at A&M International a memorable, enjoyable success," explained Mendoza.

The Freshmen Orientation on July 29 - 30 will include an overnight stay at University Village, the apartment-style student housing located on the A&M International campus.

"This is something new. We have never had an overnight Orientation program but we want students to get a real feel for the University experience and what better way to do that than to let students live on campus for a day," explained Mendoza.

First-time freshmen who register for the overnight Freshmen Orientation will check in to University Village at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 29 and check out at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30.

The overnight Freshmen Orientation will include a chance to explore the University campus, an opportunity to buy Fall semester textbooks at the University Bookstore, a chance to meet faculty and staff of A&M International during an informal lunch, and an opportunity to get advised and registered for Fall semester courses. The Orientation will also include social activities to be held at University Village.

"Students will not be permitted to leave campus during the overnight Orientation, however there will be many opportunities during the program to socialize, meet new people, and make new friends. We will have a volleyball tournament, a movie night, a dance, a pool party and other exciting activities," said Mendoza.

It is suggested that freshmen who attend the July 29 - 30 Orientation pack the following items for their overnight stay: casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes, swim wear, towels, alarm clock, pillow, sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, toiletries such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrush, pen or pencil, and paper. Students who plan to register for all courses during Orientation should also bring their TASP scores.

Students who do not participate in the overnight Orientation may opt to attend a one-day Freshmen Orientation to be held on Saturday, August 8 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the University in the Great Room of the Sue and Racliffe Killam Library (room 319). The one-day program will feature many exciting activities including a chance to meet fellow first-time freshmen, an opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and academic tutors, and an opportunity to get advised and registered for Fall semester courses. Students will also watch a skit which presents an entertaining look at student life.

All new freshmen are required to attend Freshmen Orientation in order to have their Fall registration considered complete, Mendoza noted.

Two additional Orientation programs, one for new transfer and graduate students, and one for family and guests of new students, will be held Monday, August 24, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. in the University's Great Room.

The Orientation for family and guests of new students will provide basic information about the University, with a focus on free services available to A&M International students such as tutoring, career planning, and health services. Useful information about the transition students will be facing will be provided and questions frequently asked by parents will be answered.

The Orientation for transfer and graduate students will include an opportunity to meet other students who will be attending A&M International this Fall, informative presentations on available services at the University, and an opportunity to meet with representatives from offices in the Division of Student Affairs, including the Financial Aid, Student Development, Career Planning, and Student Health Services and other University offices.

To pre-register for an Orientation program or for more information, please call the University's Office of Student Development, 326-2280, or visit offices in Kinesiology and Convocation Center room 107. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Orientation information may also be secured by email at orientation@tamiu.edu.

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