Spring Break
Finding Aggieland
New Student Conferences help freshmen navigate their way
By: Patrique Ludan
Issue date: 6/11/09 Section: News
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Freshman enrollment is at more than 8,200, which could prove to be the largest freshman class in A&M history if all of the students end up attending, according to New Student Programs coordinator Tara Boyle.
"I believe as a whole all of the programs within the New Student Conference are very important," Boyle said. "The program allows us to take a holistic approach into helping the new students transition into their life at Texas A&M."
Freshmen are required to attend the New Student Conferences in order to pick their schedule, make a school I.D. and speak with academic advisers. However, there are a number of optional programs that freshmen can participate in designed to help them adjust to college life.
"Even though they were optional, I was glad I [participated] because they were helpful in my transition from high school to college," said freshman mechanical engineering major Drew Parks, from Rowlett, Texas.
Students can choose from a wide variety of classes that fit within their degree plans.
Some students consider schedules one of the most difficult decisions during the New Student Conference.
"It was hectic in the beginning, but in the end it was pretty simple," Parks said.
Optional programs are Aggieland…a Community of Respect, which introduces students to A&M's community of learners and scholars and the importance of respect in the diverse population, CSI: Aggieland, a program which teaches safety, and Being an Aggie and Yell Practice, where new students are introduced to the Yell Leaders and sing their first Aggie War Hymn.
"The yell practice was my favorite by far," Parks said. "I was able to attend fish camp, so this allowed me to pick up on some of the numerous traditions at A&M."
There are many freshmen, upon entering college, that are worried about the transition, said junior finance major Ryan McWilliams.
"The experience of your first year in college will be the most fun and exciting time of your life," McWilliams said. "But, that being said, it is very important not to underestimate the amount of studying and preparation that goes into your classes."
New students should start appreciating the A&M experience now because it goes by fast, said senior Yell Leader Reagan Thompson.
"Your time here will go by very quick, so soak up each day, and live it to the fullest. Always try your very best at every opportunity that comes your way," Thompson said. "I would also say don't change being you. There might be pressure for you to act a certain way or change but just remain being yourself and stay true to you. Get involved in Aggieland, there is no other place like this in the world!"
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