August 27–September 2, 2008, Number 507
Orientation Week 2008
I can't tell you what an awesome start to this week I had! It was an extreme pleasure to have the opportunity to meet so many of you parents and hear great things from all of you. I spent this weekend doing many various Orientation events through-out campus and during this week I hope to spend more time getting to know a lot of first-year students. I thought that I'd use this article as a way of discussing some of the events that took place and stories that I heard that made it all worth while. Orientation week is one of my favorite traditions that Michigan Tech has. I find it to be the biggest help when it comes to students transitioning from home life to college life. It can be rough to accept change so quickly, but this week makes it fun and students embrace the beginning of the next step in life.
As many parents can attest, move-in went flawlessly on both Saturday and Sunday. With so many faculty, staff, and students dedicating their weekends to assist all the families that were moving new students into the Residence Halls everything ran smoothly and I know the staff that prepared for this weekend were extremely proud. I spoke with Travis Pierce (Director of Residence Life) and he felt that our student staff was awesome! In fact that's basically the word he used to describe everyone – staff, students, parents, and families were awesome. I know that I had the opportunity to help move several families into McNair Hall on Sunday and they were extremely grateful for the assistance. Speaking with some of the Residence Assistants (RAs) and Orientation Team Leaders (OTLs) that helped with this event, I was able to share great stories about helping people with move-in and talking about campus life. One parent told an RA from Wadsworth Hall that Michigan Tech was the "Friendliest campus around." I'm so glad that they thought so, because as a 4th year student I couldn't agree more with him. Not only is the campus so friendly, but even the community. I received such a huge welcome from everyone and Michigan Tech/Houghton literally became my home away from home.
After move-in, I spent quite a bit of time going to some of the Parent & Family Orientation sessions listening to what parents had to say and the things they were concerned about. I hope that many of you received the answers that you were looking for and were able to talk to people who can assist you further. I also attended and participated in this past weekends Parent Panel Discussion. It made me excited to see people recognize me and share their stories about how ParentNet has helped them. One thing that I appreciate more than words can describe is the support I received from those parents that stopped by to talk with me. It's so great to know that I've helped some of you even if it is in the smallest measure. I'll continue to do my best as the year goes along.
Monday was a busy day for the first-year students and the OTLs as the students met with their teams for the first time. The first-year students got to meet other students that share majors with them and they did what is termed "ice breaker" activities to get to know one another a little better. After their first team meeting they were introduced to their departments which gives the students an opportunity to meet the department head, faculty and staff members that will be assisting them throughout the next 4 (maybe even 5 or 6) years of college. Throughout the remainder of this week, the students will continue to get together with their teams and learn about campus life, academics, athletics and information about clubs and organizations. Many of the students that I have spoken with have enjoyed their time here so far and are excited about the opportunities they will have. Some are future Pep-band members, Sorority sisters, Rock-hounds in the geo club and so much more. I've tried my best to encourage the students to check out anything and everything they can so they can get plugged in somewhere. Many of the first-year students I have spoken with seem extremely eager at the opportunity to get out and explore the extra-curricular aspect of Michigan Tech and that's great.
I hope that many of you that made the trip up to Michigan Tech had safe travels home. It was a pleasure getting to meet so many of you and sharing stories as well as answering your questions. I'm really looking forward to this school year as I think there will be many wonderful things taking place. If there are any questions or comments about this article feel free to email me at my personal email address. As always future article ideas are welcome. Enjoy your Labor Day weekends everyone!
Until next week,
- Michigan Technological University
- 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295
- 906-487-1885