Nearly all the members and parents of the Class of 2000 — the largest in the College's history at 619 (as of June 5) — are to be on campus in late June for a new orientation program that was originally designed to reduce “summer melt.”
About 120 students will visit campus during each one-day program between June 24 and 28, according to Kate Schurick, assistant dean of students.
Students will attend programs on academics, international programs, student activities and campus life. Meanwhile, their parents will have sessions of their own on topics
including residence life, campus safety, health services and student services.
Students will meet with faculty advisors, pre-register for classes, log on to their
computer accounts, and participate in a freshman survey, Schurick said.
“This is an attempt to get students thinking about being Union much earlier in the
summer,” Schurick said. “When they arrive in the fall, they'll hit the ground
running.”
This orientation is the first summer program at the College in recent years. During
planning, it was designed as a way to help reduce “summer melt” — students who
decide to go elsewhere or defer enrollment.