A&M International's Orientation for New Freshmen Sat., July 17

Texas A&M International University's new freshmen students can get a sneak peak at campus life during a Freshmen Orientation to be held at the University on Saturday, July 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Orientation organizer Gabriela Mendoza, associate director of Student Development, said the event is informative and fun.

"Orientation is a great way for incoming freshmen to explore the campus and learn about financial aid availability, student clubs and organizations, and free student services such as tutoring, career planning, and health services. Orientation also gives students an opportunity to meet new friends and establish a network of support," explained Mendoza.

Parents, spouses, and guests of new freshmen are also invited to attend Orientation and participate in special sessions that offer insight on how to help their student make their transition to A&M International.

The Orientation program will begin with a welcome and introduction at 9:30 a.m. in the Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library (room 319). Concurrent sessions for students and family/guests will follow through 6 p.m., with a complimentary lunch served from 12 - 1 p.m.

Sessions for students include an "Ice Breaker," tips for academic success, Career Planning, free services offered by the University's Academic Enrichment Center, campus tour, and Health Center information. Students will also have an opportunity for academic advising and registration.

Family and guests will attend a session about the transition they and their student face, and about coping with the changes and impact University life will have on them, plus "Parent Panel with Orientation Leaders," a session that will answer questions, provide information, give family and guests an insider's look at campus and student life, a presentation, a campus tour, and a social at University Village, A&M International's on-campus student housing complex.

Also included in the Orientation program is an Information Fair that will provide participants with an opportunity to meet with and gather information from representatives of the University's Financial Aid, Student Development, Career Planning, and Student Health Services offices.

For more information on Freshmen Orientation at A&M International July 17, please call the University's Office of Student Development, 326-2280 or visit offices in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building Room 107. University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Additional information may also be secured by email at orientation@tamiu.edu or through the University's Web Page at http://www.tamiu.edu. From the pull-down menu on the "Students" button, choose "Prospective" then select "New Student Orientation."

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