New NMCC students
to ‘let the good grades roll’ at orientation
PRESQUE ISLE — Newly enrolled students at Northern Maine Community College will be encouraged to “let the good grades roll” as they acclimate themselves to both the campus and college experience during a series of orientation sessions.
The Mardi Gras-inspired theme was set by organizers to both provide an enjoyable introduction to the NMCC experience, as well as to reflect upcoming major activity involving the French culture of the region.
Photo courtesy of Northern Maine Community College
SHELLI CRONKHITE, left, counselor at NMCC, and Cindy Albert, administrative specialist III, hang Mardi Gras-themed decorations in the halls at NMCC in preparation for the upcoming student orientation sessions. Organizers planned the Mardi Gras theme to reflect the French culture in the region and upcoming major events.
Three orientation sessions are scheduled this year for Aug. 3, 4 and 5 with more than 100 students expected at each session. A fourth session, designed for those attending the college as non-traditional students in the evening, is planned for Aug. 24.
According to orientation organizers, the experience will include the typical orientation activity, with an added twist. NMCC Orientation 2011: “Let the Good Grades Roll” will resemble a Mardi Gras celebration, complete with beads, colorful décor, themed foods, and great prizes for the students to win at the end of the day.
“The students will feel like they are attending a Mardi Gras celebration while they look at issues that can range from alcohol abuse and substance abuse to personal safety on the campus, and ‘house rules,’ which introduces students to some of the campus policies and procedures that will guide them through their NMCC experience,” said Tammy Nelson, NMCC director of counseling and lead coordinator of new student orientation. “We want to get the students excited about coming to school and what better way to accomplish this goal than by having our own celebration of education.”
Nelson is hoping new students will have the opportunity to take care of business while in a relaxed and fun setting.
“The first couple of days of school can be stressful for students, so those who attend this orientation will have already filled out the necessary paperwork, received their parking permits, and purchased their text books,” she said. “On the first day of school, they can just come in and be ready to go.”
According to Nelson, the small and large groups will be separated by color of beads that are given out at a traditional Mardi Gras celebration.
“Each of the bead colors demonstrates how the college helps students become successful. The purple bead represents justice, as the college has allowed each student an equal opportunity to reach their goals; the green bead signifies the faith that each faculty and staff member has in their students ability to succeed, and the final bead, gold, symbolizes the power to succeed that each student holds in their own hands,” said Nelson.
Each group 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 college’s wireless computing network and the student Internet, which is a vital information link for all NMCC students, faculty and staff.
“New student orientation is an integral part of a student’s successful transition into collegiate life. The number of changes individuals face during the first few weeks of school is daunting for anyone. Preparing for those changes certainly improves the odds of a successful transition,” said Dr. William Egeler, NMCC dean of students. “It is proven that students who attend orientation succeed at a better rate than those who do not attend.”
In addition to becoming familiar with the resources available on campus, new students also have the opportunity to visit with area businesses and organizations in a vendor fair organized specifically for orientation participants. Vendors provide products and services that may be helpful to students throughout their time at NMCC and beyond. Several area businesses, including some that offer possible part-time employment for students during their college career, will participate in the fair.
It is the word “community” in NMCC’s name that, in part, inspired this year’s orientation theme. With the coming of the World Acadian Congress in 2014 and the significant Acadian and Franco-American community in Aroostook County, organizers thought the theme was both timely and reflective of the students served by the institution.
The orientation experience isn’t limited to the students — sessions are also designed for parents or loved ones of the members of the incoming class as these sessions focus on the supporting role families play in helping their new students succeed. Those with students living on campus will also have the opportunity to speak with residential life personnel and 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 Egeler. “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.”
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.
