IUS Times

Student Navigators Field Questions During Orientation

It's new student orientation.

About 150 soon-to-be IU Southeast students clutch their orientation packets and shuffle toward the Stem Hall auditorium in the Ogle Center. It's 8:00 a.m. on a frosty Friday, December 16, 2005.

The new students are quiet this morning.

But that's about to change.

After a brief presentation and welcome, six students come onto the stage. They all wear IU red. They are the IU Southeast Navigators--a group of active students who help new students become acclimated to the university. The Navigators take their seats on the stage and announce that they are ready for questions.

"Any question at all is fine," says Greg Roberts, academic advisor, as he roamed the crowd offering a microphone to anyone who wished to speak.

The first question is from a woman who says, "I'm a non-traditional student who hasn't opened a textbook in years, so I'm wondering if it is going to be difficult for me to become acclimated to being a student again."

A ripple of conversation moves through the crowd. Many nod their heads, acknowledging that their circumstances are much the same. The Student Navigators explain that approximately 40 percent of the student population at IU Southeast is non-traditional and that there are many resources for new students, regardless of their course of study or age.

"I'm a nursing student," says another. "Can I play sports or will my studies be too demanding?"

"Manage your time well, and remember that you are a student first and a student athlete second," comes the advice from a Navigator.

"I'm transferring in from Michigan State, so I'm wondering how to deal with coming to a small university," asks another new student.

A student Navigator laughs before she answers with an emphatic: "Just enjoy it!"

"Our size is one of the best things about IUS," the Navigator explains. "It may be a cliché, but you really are a person here, not a number. Before long, you will know nearly everyone in your class, and they will know you."

Someone asks about sororities and fraternities. Does IU Southeast have them? The answer is yes. There are four sororities and two fraternities.

"English is my second language," begins a young woman. "Will my teachers help me when I need to write papers?" The students on the stage give a resounding "of course!" as they again emphasize that IU Southeast's small class size and individualized attention.

More questions pepper the Navigators. What about the Study Abroad program? How about financial aid? What can you tell me about joining clubs?

Time is running out. Despite the many hands still in the air, the Navigators must conclude their discussion.

Their parting words of advice and wisdom? Get involved. Manage your time. Have fun. Get involved. Take your education seriously. Get involved. Know what's expected of you and get it done. Don't be afraid to ask for help. And most importantly, get involved.

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