TAMIU Orientation Puts Students In Touch with Their 'Superpower'

With a "pop" and a "pow," new Texas A&M International University students will discover that "Knowledge is Superpower" during new student orientation on Thursday, July 17 or Tuesday, August 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Student Center.

Raquel Lopez, First Year Success Program coordinator, explained that orientation, required for all first year students with 12 credit hours or less, is designed to help new students get the most out of their time at TAMIU. Students will be able to make changes to their schedules, and register or see an academic advisor. In addition, financial aid information and assistance will be available.

"This year's theme is superheroes, and we'll be showing new students the wide variety of campus services and academic assistance available to help them make a smooth adjustment to higher education," explained Lopez.

She said that often, new students do not realize that life at the University is different from previous experiences and they can sometimes find themselves in academic trouble, feeling overwhelmed.

"Orientation will help new students find out where they can turn for help, and also give them tips and pointers so that they start off on the right foot. Another important aspect of orientation is that students get to meet other people who will be starting in the Fall. They can make friends or at least have some familiar faces on campus. We'll also be giving campus tours, so that when classes start, the students will know exactly where to go," said Lopez.

She said in addition to the two sessions of new student orientation, there will also be transfer, graduate and family/guest orientation on Wednesday, August 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center.

"We want to make sure that everyone who is unfamiliar with the University has an opportunity to come and find out what's here and what will be expected of them. Families and guests of new students are especially welcome and we hope that they will come and see what the campus is like," said Lopez.

Freshmen, transfer, graduate and families with students who are starting in the Spring 2004 semester are invited to a special orientation on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, Lopez said.

For more information, please contact Raquel Lopez at 326.2785, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 334 or e-mail rlopez@tamiu.edu.