Northwestern State University will hold seven sessions of its freshman orientation program, Freshman Connection, beginning May 22.

Four sessions will be at the Natchitoches campus on May 22-23, May 29-30, June 13 and July 10-11.

The program will be held on the Alexandria campus on June 18, the Shreveport campus on June 20 and the Leesville/Fort Johnson campus on June 26. There is also a session for parents called Parent Connection and a session for younger siblings, Kid Konnection.

The fee is $100 for the sessions on the Natchitoches campus and $65 for the sessions on the Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville/Fort Johnson campuses. Those attending the sessions on the Alexandria, Shreveport and Leesville/Fort Johnson campuses should be planning to take all classes on that campus. The two-day sessions on the Natchitoches campus include a one-night stay in campus residence halls.

Participants in Freshman Connection will be placed in a small group with a connector, who will guide individuals through the orientation program. Connectors are current Northwestern State students who share information about what can be expected at NSU and will offer support and guidance about the high school to college transition.

During the program, those attending will have a chance to meet with university administrators, visit with faculty and staff and learn more about campus life. Participants will be introduced to the academic programs and services provided by the University, such as academic advising and support services. Upon completing the registration process at Freshman Connection, students will be prepared for their first semester in college and will leave with a fall schedule in hand.

The Parent Connection program runs concurrently with day one of Freshman Connection but is a separate program to meet the specific needs of parents and families. Parent Connection will provide an overview of the academic and co-curricular resources available to your student at NSU. Parents will meet professional staff, faculty members and current students who will share valuable information on college success. Parents can learn where and how to get support for your student, meet other families of NSU students, ask questions and feel confident in your student’s ability to succeed in college.

Kid Konnection is designed exclusively for siblings (ages 5 – 12) of new NSU students to help them learn more about their big brother or sister’s new home. Activities include arts and crafts, a campus tour and meeting Vic the Demon. Participants will receive lunch, an afternoon snack and fun NSU stuff. In order for a sibling to participate in Kid Konnection, they must have a parent/guardian attending Parent Connection.

Current Northwestern State students serving as connectors are Abigail Chevalier of Mangham, Alex Dollar of Natchitoches, Peyton Fuller of Deville, Ellie Hardy of Haughton, Sachiri Henderson of Shreveport, Chris James of Bossier City, Bryce Juneau of Cottonport, Kaley Koss of Many, Alex Laurent of Lafayette, Amber Long of Benton, Kobie McCormick of Franklinton and Lyla Monroe of Rayville. This year’s connectors will also include Coree Nash of Jena, Jude Oliva of Raceland, Ella Price of Winnfield, Christopher Richard of Abbeville, Kieler Soape of Montgomery, Texas, Brooke Straight and Bradie Villemarette of Saint Francisville, Owen Stutzman of Gonzales, Hunter Thomas of Baton Rouge and Lauryn Vernon of Arcadia. Student coordinators are Kameron Burns of Haughton and Linzi Lampert of Deville.

For more information, go to nsula.edu/freshmanconnection.