Gary Payne
Ashley Hinck, a junior psychology major, middle, was an undecided major as a freshman, but after a First-Year Seminar class, she discovered her passion for counseling. Now she mentors freshmen Paul Barrera, left, and Lexi Montoya, right.
Getting oriented For Leticia Hernandez, adjusting to college life was tough. Now a sophomore, the pre-electrical engineering major became the first in her family to go to college — earning 10 scholarships to get to UNT. But the reading and workload was more than she expected. “It’s a huge transition coming from high school,” she says. “I didn’t know how to start studying for all these classes.” But Hernandez took on these new challenges with UNT’s support. She began writing down important dates in her notebook and frequently called her mom for advice. And she became more active in social activities. She now helps high school students apply to college as part of the organization G-Force, serves as a volunteer tutor for the Exceptional Engineers group and is chair of the community service committee for UNT’s League of United Latin American Citizens. “I always think when I’m really busy, ‘It
Using UNT’s private online social network, some freshmen meet each other before they even step foot on campus. This resource lets admitted students connect with other future classmates who share interests in majors, hometowns, residence halls, or areas such as entertainment or sports — and coming to campus makes those connections real. Students also can attend Eagle Camp, an extended orientation program the weekend before school starts. This year, 300 students met and bonded with their future classmates while learning valuable leadership skills through creative activities like performing skits and raising money for a local food bank. “Our primary goal is for students to connect with incoming and current students before classes begin,” says Janice Hicks, coordinator of the Orientation and Transition Programs office. “It helps make the university feel more like home to our students.” Each August, freshmen are welcomed
will be worth it in the end,’” she says. “My hard work will pay off with my degree.” One of the first things that helped Hernandez was orientation. As soon as students receive their acceptance letter, UNT reaches out to them by inviting them to one of the many summer orientation sessions. During the mandatory three-day event, students learn about university courses, policies and academic expectations, and they meet with an advisor and pre-register for classes. They also get to meet Scrappy, the UNT mascot, and learn UNT traditions like how to make the Eagle claw and sing the fight song and alma mater. But most importantly they meet other freshmen and make friends. “I had a lot of fun because the very first person that I met is still my friend today,” Hernandez says. “I met a lot of really nice people, including the orientation leaders. I got familiar with the campus, and by staying in the dorms I got to see what college life would be like.” Winter 2012
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