By Noelle Barker
Where are the ASB, ELWC, JSB, CB, HFAC, SWKT and all those other buildings? Has everyone chosen their major? Where are the computer labs? What kinds of jobs are available on campus? What kinds of service opportunities are available at BYU?
These and other perplexing questions are typically asked by many incoming freshmen and transfer students. Answers to these questions await at New Student Orientation where students will become familiar with the academic, social and personal challenges and opportunities at BYU, according to the Beginning BYU booklet.
Several events and activities have been planned for the Fall 1997 orientation as a part of the university’s efforts to give new students a broad perspective of BYU. Throughout the three-day orientation, new students will meet with President Merrill J. Bateman, faculty members and representatives from the university’s colleges. Students will also meet other incoming students while participating in orientation activities.
Orientation for all new students begins at 1 p.m. today on the Deseret Towers Field at the Meet Your Y-Group Barbecue. Thousands of new students will litter the lawn as they divide into Y-Groups of 25-30 people.
Students will then gather at the Museum of Art at 3 p.m. for the President’s Reception where students and parents can meet President Merrill J. Bateman.
Students will meet again at 5 p.m. in the Marriott Center for the New Student Commencement where parents are also invived to attend.
Orientation activities resume early Friday morning at 7 a.m. for Morningside at the Carillon Bell Tower where BYU student leaders will address honor at BYU.
From 8-9:30 a.m. new students will be entertained when they learn the Nuts ‘n Bolts of University Life at a continental breakfast at the Marriott Center. Students will learn the top ten things every new student wants and needs to know about life at BYU.
At 11 a.m. students will be able to meet college leaders and faculty members at the College and Departmental Orientation Meetings.
A new addition to orientation, Faculty Focus, will allow new students to attend informative presentations by faculty members of various disciplines. Students can attend three presentations that begin at 2 p.m. and conclude at 4:45 p.m. Y-Group leaders will have information on room locations and topics.
From 5-6 p.m. transfer students can join President Bateman and academic advisement representatives in the Varsity Theater to address transfer student needs and questions.
The night will conclude in the Wilkinson Center for the Friday Night Extravaganza. Beginning at 8 p.m., new students can relax and enjoy an evening of concerts, dances, games, comedy, socializing and, of course, food, all free of charge.
From 10 a.m. until noon Saturday morning, new students can attend up to three College Success Seminars in the ELWC.
Saturday evening will end with the Traditions Showcase at 7 in the Marriott Center and conclude with the Saturday Night Finale at 9 in the ELWC.
“When students complete orientation on Saturday night, they will have been introduced to the spiritual, social, cultural and academic elements of university life,” said Gary Kramer, chair of the new student orientation committee and associate vice president of admissions and records.
