Student leaders help ease
transition at orientation

Departments across campus are helping with the annual summer ritual of orientation, which kicked off this week.

Around 8,000 freshman and parents are expected to cycle their way through one of 16 sessions to learn more about NAU's academic options, student services, financial aid and more.

Thirty-three student orientation leaders are working closely with new students and their families to connect them with valuable academic and student services. They have a range of responsibilities at the sessions including facilitating group discussions, leading tours, setting up information booths and serving on student panels.

"Our primary goal is student success," said David Forgues, director of New Student Programs, which coordinates orientation.

"Orientation leaders are vital in easing the transition for new students as well as their families," Forgues said, adding that they provide a first-hand insight into what college, and specifically life at NAU, is all about.

Equally important, Forgues said, is how they help ease the transition that parents experience when their students go away to college.

Orientation sessions run through August. The schedule and other information is online at nau.edu/nsp.