A&M International Slates Overnight Freshmen Orientation Aug. 10 - 11

Texas A&M International University's newest freshmen students can preview campus life by spending the night at the University for free during a two-day overnight Freshmen Orientation program Aug. 10 - 11.

The overnight Freshmen Orientation will be held at University Village, the apartment-style student housing located on the A&M International campus, explained event organizer Gabriela Mendoza, associate director of Student Development at A&M International.

"We held our first overnight Orientation program last year and it was a huge success. Letting students live on campus for two days is a terrific way to have students get a real feel for the University experience. We hope this year's incoming students will take advantage of the opportunity," Mendoza said.

First-time freshmen who register for the overnight Freshmen Orientation will check into University Village at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10 and check out at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11. Mendoza, 16 trained Orientation Leaders, and additional University staff members will supervise participants and conduct Orientation activities.

Among the scheduled activities are advisement and registration for Fall semester courses, an opportunity to buy textbooks at the University Bookstore, an informal lunch with faculty and staff, and a chance to explore the A&M International campus.

The overnight Orientation will also feature several social activities, including a volleyball tournament, a movie night, pool party, and scavenger hunt.

Mendoza encourages first-time freshmen to register for the event as soon as possible since space is limited. A $20 fully refundable deposit is required to register.

"Indications are this overnight Orientation will be a popular event. It's fun and informative plus the event provides new students with great opportunities for meeting new friends. Orientation also helps students to establish a network of support and learn about financial aid availability, student clubs and organizations, and free services for students such as tutoring, career planning, and health services," explained Mendoza.

It is suggested that freshmen who attend the overnight Orientation pack the following items for their two-day 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.

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

For more information on Orientation programs at A&M International, please call the University's Office of Student Development, 326-2280, or visit offices in Kinesiology/Convocation Building, room 107. University office hours are 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