University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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orientation Upperclass advisers help freshmen to adjust After briefly introducing the entering freshman to university life during the Freshman Week activities, the orientation program begins its major job of assisting each new student in making a smooth entrance into his college life. Special classes are held during the new students’ first semester in school, bringing together freshmen with upperclass advisers and members of the Dean of Men’s and Dean of Women’s start'. Outstanding women students, known as senior mentors, are each entrusted with the responsibility of guiding four freshman women students through their first confusing weeks of school. For the women students, the senior mentor is like a big sister, always able to answer the important questions—what to wear to the first fraternity party, where to sign up for chemistry tutoring, how to join the Pitt News Start'. On a more formal scale arc the Men’s Conference and the Women’s Seminar groups. Men’s Conference, guided by an upperclass counselor and a representative from the Dean of Men’s office discuss those problems which traditionally plague freshmen. Similar to the Men’s Conferences are the Women’s Seminars, led by a member of the Dean of Women’s start. All phases of campus life, from religion to social graces, are discussed in these groups. Through the work of these groups, the freshman learns about his university and discovers how he will best fit into this complex society. BENNY BENACK ENTERTAINED in the student lounge after the Freshman Banquet, one of the welcoming activities for the new students. 24

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still frays nerves PONDERING over class cards, insurance applications, census blanks, and the sundry other forms at registration, each student retreats into his own thoughts, oblivious of the confusion that surrounds him. CONFUSION at registration is the freshman’s first acquaintance with university red tape. Fortunately, there is always a wise, old upperclassman to lend some patriarchal advice in straightening out a confused schedule. FINALLY, at the end of registration, is the cashier, where the summer’s earnings are exchanged for the intangible—education

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OPEN HOUSE at the Student Union was part of the activity-tilled Freshman Orientation Week. Many displays greeting the new class dotted the Union's halls and ornate lounges. THE FRESHMAN TEA held in the Commons Room introduced the new women students into the University. At this occasion, the women met their senior mentors and were able to get acquainted with the other girls in their mentor group.