Behrend Freshmen Arrive August 26
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, will welcome 850 freshman students to the college’s 2005 Orientation Program on Friday, August 26. That welcome extends not only to students, but to parents and siblings as well.
“The campus fills up quickly when parents bring their students—and their carloads of belongings—to kick off their year,” said orientation co-director Teri Melani, a junior majoring in accounting and finance. A former orientation leader, she knows just what freshman go through in those early days.
“Once they park and get their room keys, student volunteers help carry their boxes in. That removes a lot of stress, not only for students, but also for their parents.” said Melani. “We’ve planned lots of special events for them, too.”
There are mandatory events as well, according to Justin Curry, orientation co-director and a senior majoring in psychology. In addition to a required floor meeting with your resident advisor on the first night and diversity training, students must experience the Survivor Series: the Credit Card Game show, which gives facts about use and abuse of credit cards; “How to Maximize Your Buzz,” which gives the facts on alcohol and drug awareness; and the First Year Experience, a video and question-and-answer session where students learn from those who were freshman several years ago.
Of the 850 freshmen expected, 285 are from Erie County and another 75 are from Warren, Crawford, and Venango counties. While some of those students will be living on campus, many of them will commute to classes, so on Saturday, August 27, there will be a special orientation check-in for new students who will be living off campus.
“It’s interesting to note that our freshman class this year includes students from twenty-three different states,” said Admission Director Mary-Ellen Madigan. “The School of Engineering and Engineering Technology has the greatest number of freshmen this year, with the “undecided major” group the next largest.
In addition to the required events, orientation includes social events that range from a Hawaiian Luau to a Wintergreen Gorge Outdoor Adventure, from Dueling Pianos to Velveeta, a 1980s musical experience,” said Melani. “By the time classes start on Tuesday, the news students will be well on their way to feeling at home.”
And what are Melani’s personal words or wisdom to freshmen? “Participate in orientation,” she said. “These programs were designed to help you meet new people and make your transition to college life smoother.”
For more information about this year's orientation, please visit the Fall 2005 Student Orientation Web page.