As Northwestern State University of Louisiana undergoes renovations in buildings such as Iberville Dining Hall and A.A. Fredericks Auditorium, Freshman Connection will look different this summer.
Both Freshman Connection and Parent Connection programs are traditionally held in A.A. Fredericks. Due to construction, Freshman Connection will now be held in Magale Recital Hall, and Parent Connection will be held in the TV Studio in Kyser Hall.
These shifts are part of the broader campus renovations aimed at improving facilities across the university. Mary-Katherine Maggio, director of first-year experience and student engagement, said the changes are necessary and offer a unique opportunity for growth and adaptation.
“Even though we’ve had to shift some of our plans, I’m excited about these changes because in the future it’s going to tremendously improve our programming and offer us many more benefits when we’re using these sites,” Maggio said.
Brooke Straight, a junior communication major and second-year freshman connector, explained that the change in venue comes with some logistical challenges, especially because A.A. Fredericks has a seating capacity of 2,000, while Magale Hall holds only 400 people. As a result, the smaller venue will require adjustments in planning and execution.
“It’s a little different because it’s not as big of a venue, so it takes different practicing methods and we had to plan accordingly,” Straight said.
The relocation of these programs also shifts how services are provided to incoming students. Traditionally, dining arrangements for the Freshman Connection sessions include students attending the two-day session having lunch and dinner at Iberville dining hall, and lunch at the one-day session.
However, due to the ongoing construction, students will instead be served meals at Vic’s, a popular dining option located in the Student Union.
Thomas Perryman, sophomore history major and first-year freshman connector, believes the new location enhances their overall experience on campus.
“It’s a smaller space, but it makes the atmosphere cozier and puts more people together,” Perryman said. “Students could leave from Vic’s and go to the ESports lounge or student union, it’s just closer to everything.”
Despite the challenges, both students and staff are embracing the opportunity to make the most of the changes and improve the overall Freshman Connection experience for incoming students at NSU.
