Alcorn welcomes new students, holds 2013 Summer Orientation, Advising and Registration
Alcorn State, Miss. (June 19, 2013) – Eighty-seven students and 78 parents gathered in the James L. Bolden Campus Union ballroom to participate in the 2013 Summer Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) held by the Office of First Year Experience, Division of Student Affairs for new students.
The audience listened and took notes as a panel of administrators and staff members from the areas of academic advising, student accounts, financial aid, information technology, housing, and campus security, answered questions and provided parents with important information about their services and resources.
In an effort to continuously improve its services, Alcorn State University has been holding this important program for the last five years,” stated Dr. Patricia White, Office of First Year Experience. “It gives students a head start for the fall semester and offers the key to a successful experience at the University.”
Juan McCullum, assistant vice president for Student Life, Division of Student Affairs, stated, “The orientation is an opportunity for the students to get a feel of the university and its offerings. It also allows for all participating parents and students to address any issues or concerns they may have.”
At the end of the day, several students and their parents shared their opinions about the orientation sessions and what they expect from college life.
Miya Cannon from Jackson, Mississippi, enjoyed the orientation program, and is eagerly anticipating fall semester when she will become a student majoring in nursing. Her mother Monica Cannon said, “Choosing Alcorn was an easy decision for our family. The University has rich traditions, a beautiful campus and the nursing program here is the best.”
West Point, Mississippi native, Tia Brinkley, fell in love with Alcorn while visiting her older sister Victoria Brinkley ’10. “I look forward to begin my student life experience at Alcorn and fulfill my childhood dream.” Tia and her mother Glenda received lots of useful information during the orientation. “I am glad we came here for the orientation because there have been many changes since my older daughter went here.”
Also a West Point native, Christopher Fuller, has big plans to fulfill at Alcorn: he wants to double major in biology and advanced technologies, and try for the football team. “I decided to become a student here because I like the academic programs. And also, the school has services that assist people with medical health problems, which is important to me.” His mother Wendy Fuller added, “We think of Alcorn as a safe place with a family atmosphere.”
The Parent Orientation program held after the guests had the Alcorn dining experience, offered the parents an opportunity to interact with each other, ask questions and gather information on a wide range of important topics and issues.
“The transition to college life is different for everyone. Each student comes to us with a different set of skills to navigate through the first year. We let the parents know, that we understand that, and we are ready to support their children along their journey at Alcorn,” shared Dr. White. McCullum added, “We welcome our new students and congratulate them on one of the greatest decisions they will ever make in their life because they will forever be Brave.”
The next summer orientation will be held 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2013. For more information, contact Dr. White at [email protected] or 601.877.3954.
Pictured: new students Christopher Fuller and Tia Brinkley with parents.
