Contact: Sammy McDavid
The number of students attending last year's first summer orientation sessions at Mississippi State University set a 30-year record. This past weekend, those records were broken.
More than 800 incoming freshmen attended the June 7-8 pre-enrollment program. With the 650 transfer students primarily from community colleges that attended a separate session June 6, more than 1,450 new students pre-registered for fall classes over the weekend period.
Enrollment at the freshman and transfer orientation sessions each topped 1996 attendance figures. About 1,320 attended the first two sessions last year.
"We are gratified that so many students took part in these first sessions," said Jimmy Abraham, associate dean of student services. "Topping last year's attendance record is a tribute to the hard work of many different groups, especially our alumni."
The university long has encouraged first-time students and their parents to attend one of five June orientations. The primary goal is to make the transition to campus life as smooth as possible.
"In many instances, this is the first introduction a student and his or her parents have to Mississippi State," he said. "Through these sessions, we work to calm the nerves of new students while answering the concerns of their parents."
Freshman sessions are held over two days, while those for transfers require only a day to complete. In addition to registering for fall classes, the incoming students meet faculty, students and administrators. Separate, concurrent sessions are held for parents.
Mississippi State first began holding pre-enrollment programs for new students in the 1960s.
Two 1997 freshman orientation sessions remain: June 12 and 13, and 21 and 22. The final session for transfer students takes place June 20.
"If you are a student who is planning to enroll in the fall, we strongly urge attendance at one of these remaining sessions," Abraham said.
To attend, telephone the Office of College and School Relations at (601) 325-3076.