Every summer, the First Year Experience (FYE) office hosts orientation sessions for incoming students through Freshman Connection. Future students can meet professors in their career, participate in activities and see student life through organizations that have tables during the day.
But behind the performances, speeches and smiles are Northwestern State University of Louisiana faculty, staff and students that make these orientation days possible. Freshman Connection is a months-long process that NSU undertakes to welcome new students.
Two groups that take on most of the responsibilities during Freshman Connection are the orientation leaders, better known as Freshman Connectors, and the student organization Demon Volunteers in Progress (VIPs).
Chris James, a junior communication major and a Freshman Connector, explained that there are many pieces moved behind the scenes in preparation for Freshman Connection.
“It involves a lot of adaptability and flexibility because Freshman Connection becomes your life,” James said.
Mary-Katherine Maggio, the director of First Year Experience and Greek Life, explained some of the process that the Freshman Connectors go through.
“They begin with a connector retreat, then move directly into work weeks; the orientation team has work weeks for each session to prepare for the session ahead,” Maggio said. “Once the sessions arrive, we hit the ground running to ensure the best possible experience for incoming students.”
Freshman Connectors are chosen during the fall semester and enroll in a class during the spring to prepare for the summer sessions. The spring semester is where the bulk of the preparation happens.
“All semester, the connectors have attended an orientation skill learning course to educate ourselves for this program,” Kaley Koss, a junior communication major and Freshman Connector, said.
One thing that many students will remember is the events at Freshman Connection. Choosing which events to put on is an important process.
“We listen to student, faculty and staff feedback each summer, and we adapt our schedule to fit those requests,” Maggio said. “We also look at the needs of our students.”
Although Freshman Connectors work every day to organize the orientation days, the connectors still enjoy the work they do.
“The dance for the opening session at the freshman connection has been so fun to work on,” James said. “I think the audience will like the ‘cringey’ dance moves that the Freshman Connection team pulls out for the class of 2028.”
Freshman Connection is an event that instills a sense of pride in everyone involved, months of preparation go into only four short sessions.
“We show NSU the best we can to new students in a span of two short days, and for some only one day,” Koss said.
With the help of Demon VIPs, Freshman Connection becomes an event that many students current and new enjoy together. The VIPs help by guiding parents through signs in front of the entrances, moving tables and setting up rooms for activities.
Macie Ryan, a junior general studies major and recent Demon VIP, shared why taking on this role was important for her.
“I wanted to participate in Demon VIP because I remember how much the VIPs added to my Freshman Connection experience and I wanted to give back in the same way they did,” Ryan said. “Demon VIPs keep the energy going.”
As the summer nears, the FYE office is eager to continue the Freshman Connection journey and finally introduce new students to NSU’s campus.
“I cannot wait to meet the class of 2028,” Maggio said. “I know they will make their mark at NSU the minute they step on campus at freshman connection this summer.”
For any questions regarding Freshman Connection, contact [email protected].
