New NMCC students to ‘cruise’ in to College with unique orientation experience

    PRESQUE ISLE – Incoming students at Northern Maine Community College will “set sail” on a new adventure as they acclimate themselves with both the campus and the college experience during a series of orientation sessions at the college.
    Students will participate in one of the orientation sessions scheduled for July 31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 4, each designed to introduce them to NMCC. Although it will feature what most would expect of a college orientation, the welcome new students receive will be more that of a Royal Caribbean cruise. Complete with faculty and staff dressed in casual cruise wear, and the campus decorated to match the set sail theme, as well as themed cuisine to complete the adventure, the atmosphere is planned to make the start of the college experience a memorable one.
    “At our orientation, ‘all hands are on deck.’ Students are able to put faces to names of people who will continue to help them during their entire educational experience,” said Tammy Nelson, director of counseling and coordinator of the orientation program at NMCC.
    Students will participate in a series of small and large group activities, where they will do everything from receive their student identification cards to take tours of the campus. They will also learn about financial aid and student billing, as well as the colleges’ wireless computing network and Talon, the student intranet that is a vital information link for all NMCC students, faculty and staff.
    “New student orientation gives our students valuable information and the chance to get on the right path to college success, an opportunity for them to get information they may need, to get questions they may have answered as they enter into this new world of personal responsibility,” said Nelson. “We help them by processing some administrative functions and by getting them acquainted with the people and offices where they can get help. We want them to feel more comfortable and ready to meet the challenges and set sail for the new adventure of academic success when they arrive for class Monday, Aug. 25.”
    In addition to becoming familiar with the resources available on campus, new students also have the opportunity to visit with area businesses and organizations that provide products and services that may be helpful throughout their time at NMCC and beyond in a vendor fair organized specifically for orientation participants. Several area businesses, including some that offer possible part-time employment for students during their college career, will participate in the fair.
    The orientation experience isn’t limited to the students – sessions are also designed for the parents or loved ones of members of the incoming class, which focus on their supporting role. Those with students living on campus will also have the opportunity to speak with residential life personnel to have any questions they might have answered.
    “One of the first and most important steps for new student success is family involvement. Orientation is an opportunity for students and parents to introduce themselves to the college and the college to them; relationships and connections are important factors in student success,” said William Egeler, dean of students. “We are here for our students. Our goal is for them to be successful in every way. Little things often get in the way of success, so our goal is to make sure the little things do not become obstacles that a student cannot overcome.”
    More than 400 students are expected to participate in orientation. Two special sessions will be held on Aug. 18. During the day, nursing students will undergo not only the regular college orientation but also be oriented to their profession. An evening orientation session will also be held for non-traditional and parenting students who may have difficulty attending the daylong session.
    “Orientation is an exciting time for students and the college. This is a chance to introduce students to faculty and other people with whom they will be working,” said NMCC President Timothy Crowley. “It allows students to be able to establish new relationships with other new students, faculty, and staff that will help lead the transition to college. This is the reality for new students to start the new path to achieving their goal of college and a new life for them. I personally look forward to meeting and welcoming these students as they set sail on their new journey.”
    Although students have already been scheduled to participate in the orientation program, Nelson notes that NMCC is still accepting students for fall enrollment and that they are adding to the orientation roster daily.
    For more information on new student orientation at NMCC or to register for fall classes, call 768-2787.