The Class of 2008 has arrived! Orientation 2004, Aug. 26-31, will introduce new students to campus, their professors and their classmates. It will feature open houses, entrance exams, meetings with deans and several special programs.
The highlight again this year will be the Faculty Perspectives Program. Started last year, the program gives freshmen the opportunity to engage in a lively discussion with a faculty member about a book of common readings each freshman received this summer.
This year’s book, Freedom, includes the Declaration of Independence and other famous essays, speeches and documents on the topic of freedom.
Each section of the book includes questions that students are encouraged to consider and present in writing during the Faculty Perspectives session from 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 30.
“We are quite excited about this program,” said Karen Levin Coburn, assistant vice chancellor for students and associate dean for the freshman transition. “It’s a wonderful way for students to begin thinking about the college experience before they arrive, and it also gives them a chance to meet with a professor in an informal setting.”
Orientation 2004 will also include more focus on transfer students, featuring a formal welcome and social event today, and the new Transfer Transitions Program from 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 28.
Orientation officially kicked off the evening of Aug. 26 with residence hall floor meetings, followed by Convocation — Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton’s opportunity to welcome all new students and parents to campus. A celebration in Brookings Quadrangle was planned to conclude the day’s events.
An array of departmental open houses is scheduled for today. These give students an opportunity to meet with representatives from the faculty and staff to learn more about the curriculum.
Various placement exams, financial aid meetings and campus ministry dinners will also take place today. The closing event is the Club 40 Dance at 10 p.m. in the South 40 Clock Tower Plaza.
Aug. 28 will feature meetings with deans and residential college receptions.
Highlighting the day will be “Choices 101 — An Introduction to the First Year Experience,” presented by upperclassmen at 7 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. in Edison Theatre. A discussion will follow.
Aug. 29 consists of a full schedule of adviser meetings for all incoming students. From 6-7 p.m. and again from 7:30-8:30 p.m., students can attend The Date, an interactive theatrical presentation that examines the issues of sexual assault and alcohol on college campuses. A discussion will follow.
Aug. 30 features academic advising and more campus orientation sessions. “Freshmen Foundations,” which will run from 1-2 p.m. and on Aug. 31 at the same time, will take place in the Arts & Sciences Laboratory Science Building, Rm. 300. “Foundations” will provide an opportunity for students to gain an insider’s view of how to succeed in the classroom while at the same time creating a healthy balance outside the classroom.
Students will be able to explore the Athletic Complex from 9 p.m.-midnight. The evening will feature games, open gyms and prizes.
The Aug. 31 schedule will include more academic advising and deans’ meetings, as well as the “Foundations” program. An outdoor movie will be shown at the South 40 Swamp from 9-11:30 p.m.
Also scheduled are a variety of events designed especially for international, commuter and transfer students.
For more information, call 935-6679 or go online to orientation.wustl.edu.