University of Tennessee Knoxville - Volunteer Yearbook (Knoxville, TN)

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Owen Povcda STUDENT LIFE Student Lifd 1 1

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NU Student Life

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Orientation gives in-coming freshmen First Impressions G oing to college can be a confusing ex- perience if there is nothing available to assist students with their problems; therefore, several Orientation programs were provided to answer any questions students had in adjusting to campus life. Each winter quarter, 22 students were chosen to be student orientation assistants tS.O.AYsl. These students were trained during spring quarter to deal with people. itThey learn how to accept othersi views and how to act as a professional would in a certain situation? said Deb- bie Thompson, orientation assistant. Kathy Babb, a junior in advertising, said she enjoyed being an S.O.A. because she iigot to know the university itself? Its a fun and exciting atmosphere and you develop friendships and closeness? Even with all the training, accidents did happen. Babb told of a tour at a residence hall that she and fellow S.O.A. Randy Smith, a senior in accounting, were giving to parents. They knocked on the wrong dor- mitory room door and were received by a World,s Fair visitor wearing only a towel. ilThe parents died laughing, but we were so embarrass- edf, said Babb. Most freshmen liked the program. ilThe atmosphere was friendly and they were willing to help people. It also helped me learn my way around campus, said Nathan McFerrin, a freshman in pre-vet. The Summer Orientation program has adapted to meet the changeing needs of students. liThere is more academic emphasis than before, although social is still important? said Debbie Schriver, assistant dean of Student Conduct. iiOur freshmen are more career- oriented. Theyive made a commitment, both academ- ically and financially? The program included teachers as speakers as well as a counselor from Student Counseling Services to talk with parents about difficulties they might encounter now that Susie or Johnny is in college. The departmenfs ilYou can never do enough to help somebodyii philosophy was illustrated through several programs. uWe deal with the positives,,, said Schriver. In addition to summer orienta- tion, the Freshman Aid Coor- dinating Team tFACTl, peer counseling, and a tutor refer- ral service were available. The FACT program con- sisted of upperclassmen assigned to help freshmen and transfer students by answering questions. eTina Raby Kevin Young GAMES PEOPLE PLAY. Barney Danks, a sophomore in forestry and a summer orientation assistant, supervises liThe Circle Game? one of the group participation activities played in the Clement Hall courtyard during the freshmenis two-day visit. The game was used as an icebreaker during the first nightis activities. 12l Orientation