Spring Break
Fall Means New Batch of Huskies
Michelle Firestone
Issue date: 8/7/06 Section: News
|
Two-day orientation sessions ran from May 22 through June 30, offering incoming students a glimpse at college life without the yearly academic pressures.
During orientation, students learned skills they will need at UConn, such as how to utilize PeopleSoft, Huskymail and WebCT, as well as how to register for classes. They were also given information about choosing a major.
Each orientation group was led on a campus tour by their assigned O-leader. O-leaders were also available to answer any questions the freshmen might have had.
While the majority of students are excited for the upcoming chapter in their lives, many have concerns. Some worry that the increased freedom will make it more difficult to balance their academic responsibilities with their social lives.
Prior to orientation, incoming freshman Jake Cohen, a sports management and pre-law major, had this concern. He said orientation helped eliminate this worry.
"[I] learned about all the time you have in between classes and how to work effectively," Cohen said.
Other students appear more fearful of their future college experience. Jen Danowitz, another incoming English and communication major, was overwhelmed upon entering orientation. Her main concerns were starting hockey tryouts and making course selections and other major decisions, including the possibility of a double major.
Having asked her O-leader many questions, Danowitz had high praise for her.
"Everything she said perfectly answered the questions asked, with no added, unnecessary details," Danowitz said.
Husky WOW, which will begin August 25, is another program designed to ease the freshmen transition. Husky WOW kicks off with convocation, beginning at 5 p.m., followed by a barbeque and an ice cream social.
On Saturday, Husky WOW sessions will supply freshmen with information they did not receive during orientation, such as recreational services offered at UConn.
On Sunday, all students will attend an information session for their respective college, or if they have not yet declared a major, for ACES.
Day three of Husky WOW will be concluded with the Hip-Hop comedy Jam sponsored by Student Union Board Of Governors. Classes begin the next day.
Special FYE courses are available to all freshmen students throughout the academic year. FYE classes are one-credit courses a student can take on a wide variety of subjects, including everything from Slam Poetry to Chemistry.
According to David Ouimette, the Executive Director of First Year Programs, FYE classes are very popular among new students.
"Eighty-five percent of freshmen take one," Ouimette said.
Most of the students taking these courses, sophomores included, find them to be very helpful. The most popular FYE class appears to be the University Learning skills class. The University Learning skills class was created to help students adapt to college life by giving them tips on everything from study habits and time management, to drugs and alcohol safety tips.
Be the first to comment on this story