Northwest Missouri State University - Tower Yearbook (Maryville, MO)

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Advantage °96 ortents freshmen with mix of information SESSIONS and entertainment Intro to indeoh o nta e, 96 was helpful to freshmen because it got them acquainted with campus,” Amy Hill said. “Tt allowed them to get their bearings when Mon- day came and classes oh By Beth Dorrel 10 Student Life BESTT For five days freshmen made the transition to independence with a little educational entertain- ment. During Advantage °96, freshmen met with seminar instructors and peer advisers, settled into their rooms, became acquainted with the campus and had fun. Organizers said the one mishap concerned hyp- notist Jim Wand’s 8 p.m. show. Unfortunately, Northwest double-booked him with Central Mis- souri State University. Wand was going to fly from CMSU straight into the Maryville airport for his third show of the day, but the airport was closed. He flew to St. Joseph instead, where he was picked up and whisked to Northwest. However, on the way the car got pulled over and the driver was given a speeding ticket. Wand’s show did not start until 11 p.m. While they waited, students danced repeatedly to “The Macarena.” The delayed Wand perfor- mance was not the only thing that was different about Advantage °96. Shari Schneider, Advantage coordinator, and the entire admissions staff changed the format of Advantage '96 from previous years. Information sessions helped students learn more about Northwest, and the computer center had sessions to help students understand the ben- efits of The Electronic Campus. Organizers said these changes and others helped make Advantage ‘96 a successful week. “Advantage was a success every year because it was buiJt up across campus and everyone was always happy to help’ and get involved,” Schneider said. There were more cultural events incorporated into the week, including Dallas Chief Eagle hoop dancer. There was also a Distinguished Gentle- men concert anda Jazz Feast. Muhammad Bilaal, from MTV's “The Real World,” discussed his life on and after the show. Tiger by the Tail also performed several skits for students about serious issues that they might have faced in life, such as date rape and drinking. Organizers said Advantage '96 focused on stu- dents’ changing needs. It was a more comprehen- sive program than it had been in past years. Programmers also provided more career guid- ance. “Advantage was helpful,” Richard Miller said. “It helped me learn about the campus and some of the options and advantages of The Electronic Campus. I also thought the activities were pretty cool.” Of course, Schneider had a lot of help with Advantage 96. “The admissions staff, recruiters, Resident Assistants, student helpers, peer advisers and seminar faculty helped a lot,” Schneider said. The admissions staff said they were also really proud of the Bearcat Rally. This peprally gave the students a chance to see the cheerleaders, step- pers, sports teams and coaches. They were also introduced to Bobby Bearcat. “Advantage 96 was helpful to freshmen be- cause it got them acquainted with campus,” Amy Hil! said. “It allowed them to get their bearings when Monday came and classes started.” Students and staff were pleased with the way things went. They were particularly happy with attendance and participation. Schneider said at- tendance for Advantage 96 was better than past years. “Advantage '96 provided an opportunity for freshmen to break away from the structure they had at home and get into the swing of things at Northwest,” Jenny Reynolds, Resident Assistant and peer adviser, said. “It allowed them new windows of opportunity and started them on their path to the future.” With changes incorporated into Advantage 96, including more cultural events and informa- tion sessions, the week proved to be a successful beginning for Northwest freshmen.

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| cee was adjusting to transitions, and in college transitions were abundant. Freshmen found new lives at school while seniors searched for jobs on their way into the real world. International students made the adjustments to life in the United States as well as life in Maryville while non-traditional students discov- ered new ways to balance classes, family and fun. Also finding a balance, new faculty members, such as Dr. Joseph Reese, assistant professor of geography geology, weaved their way into the fabric of Northwest as retiring faculty, including Dr. James Saucerman, English depart- ment chairman, discovered how much they would be missed at Northwest. In efforts to keep the University at the cusp of education and facilities, the campus underwent renovations. Construction to Colden Hall changed class schedules and crammed classes into Thompson-Ringold. Students found their classes scattered across campus in sometimes unexpected locations and times. Faculty were also forced to adjust to the new locations as their offices were moved out of Colden Hall and into Perrin Hall and North South Complex. Construction to the Administration Building also changed parking availability. As spaces became more scarce, tickets became more prevailant. With new hand- held computers to aid with ticketing, Campus Safety kept diligent patrol and kept illegal parkers searching for money to pay the $20 fines. Technology was also ever present and the University was determined not to be left behind with advances. Ten years of The Electronic Campus found the cam- pus updating VAX terminals and adding notebook computers to the list of school In Focus supplies. Classes also began to utilize the World Wide Web and teleconferencing. Technology was also evident in the new Bearcat [Identification cards. Computers and magnetic strips allowed students to use one card for everything from photo- copying in the library to buying sweatshirts in the bookstore. On the verge of great things every day, students found themselves making transitions through every stage of life, including their lives at Northwest. re ee ee a oe Ney : war af ee Hn: a] In Transition Division 9 Boo

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Ona warm August night, Aaron Kauffman pours ketchup on his hotdog during a Residence Hall Association late night barbecue on theTundra. As part of the festivities, freshmen danced “The Macarena,” talked and listened to rock music from KDLX until early morning. Photo by Chris Tucker Hector Lugo waits at the curb with his daughter’s television set as David Miller, Cat Crew member, assists with the moving in process. The Cat Crew helped move personal belongings and answered questions during Advantage °96. Photo by Lesley Thacker Advantage 96 « 11 Boo