FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                          April 11, 2005 

FRESHMAN CONNECTION SEES SUCCESS 

            Freshman Connection at Northwestern Oklahoma State University saw 135 incoming freshmen take part in activities throughout the day on Tuesday, including enrolling for classes in the fall.

            Jennifer Goucher, director of recruitment, said that approximately 85 parents also took advantage of the day to learn more about the university their children would soon be attending.

            Goucher also said that 26 campus organizations set up displays or were available to answer questions in the Student Center Ballroom from those students who were interested in learning more about their club. This number is up from 15 last year. KNSU Ranger Radio also set up a remote system in the Ballroom to add to the atmosphere of the event.

            “The day ran smoothly, and we had several compliments from students and parents on the organization and information they received,” Goucher said.

            She also said that Marc Wallace, director of students and housing, had several students turn in housing contracts before leaving campus.

            Dr. Randy Smith, dean of student services, said he was pleased with how well the day went.

            “This was Jennifer’s first Freshman Connection, and she handled it well and had it well organized,” he said. “The enrollment numbers were almost exactly what they were last year.”

            Smith was in charge of running a question and answer session for the parents in the Ranger Room while the students remained in Herod Hall Auditorium for more entertainment and a similar question and answer session. Several personnel from across Northwestern’s campus were available to answer questions from the parents.

            “I really enjoy the session with the parents,” Smith said. “So many questions; so much apprehension. Many of them are sending their first child off to college, so it’s scary for them. We just try to relieve some of that.”

            He said that the parents asked a lot of questions on financial aid. Additional questions included seeking information on university housing to learning what was available in the form of health care for their children. Smith also said they had the parents fill out a survey where the comments came back very positively.

            Goucher said that the Northwestern Scholar Ambassadors were available to field the incoming students’ questions. These students had similar questions to their parents but also wanted to learn more about life as a college student. They asked questions relating to what was it like to live in university housing or living off-campus, what activities the NSA students took part in and what they were majoring in.

            Goucher was happy with how Freshman Connection went this year and praised everyone who had a part in its success.

            “Each year we hold the event, we get better at streamlining the activities,” Goucher said. “I also appreciate everyone who helped to make this event the success that it was.”

            Incoming freshmen and their parents unable to attend Northwestern’s Freshman Connection can schedule appointments for campus visits to learn more about the university by contacting the Office of Recruitment at 580-327-8546 or sending an e-mail to recruit@nwosu.edu.

-NW-

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