WT Student Orientation Sessions Set to Begin May 28-29; New Express Option Available

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - Incoming West Texas A&M University students have their choice of ways to get introduced to the campus this summer.

New Student Orientation sessions begin May 28 and 29, with seven sessions offered through August.

New this year is the June 15 Express NSO, a one-day experience designed for students already familiar with WT or with tight schedules or long travel.

"Both NSO formats are designed to give students options that meet their unique needs while still remaining focused on providing the necessary resources to help students ultimately graduate and succeed," said Amanda Lawson, senior director of orientation and academic success.

Each orientation session is limited to 220 students. The May 28-29, June 4-5 and June 11-12 sessions are already fully booked, but additional two-day sessions are scheduled for June 25-26, July 16-17 and Aug. 17-18.

Family and guest sessions will be available at each orientation. These sessions are designed to help families better understand the services that WT offers and to give tips on how to help and encourage students as they make the move to university life. Spanish-speaking staff and print materials will be available.

Orientation includes information on academics, campus resources, campus life, technology, traditions and more. Students also will meet with an academic adviser and register for classes.

Orientation fees will be included with fees paid during the students' first semester; no additional cost will be charged for students and families for orientation.

Students also will meet with Connect Coaches, a group of more than 70 WT staff members, as well as some faculty and graduate assistants, who are paired with each student.

Families also can attend an informal social hour at 6 p.m. on the first day of each traditional NSO.

To attend, interested students must visit wtamu.edu/nso to select a date and register.

Online orientation sessions also are available for online-only freshmen, transfer students, returning students, for high school students enrolled in dual-credit courses through WT's Pre-University Programs, and for students who wish to enroll temporarily before returning to their home institution.

Engaging and retaining the best students is a key component of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which raised more than $200 million dollars, the largest such campaign in Texas Panhandle history.

About West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is a Regional Research University in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers multiple options for students to graduate and succeed: 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men's and women's athletics programs.

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