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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN — New students at Milligan usually arrive on campus in late August to unpack their belongings, settle into the dorms, go through orientation meetings and register for classes. All that will change, starting tomorrow.
About 60 of the expected 200-plus incoming fall class will arrive on campus tomorrow, April 19, for “Connections,” one of two New Student Orientations occuring months before the students actually enroll at the college. College leaders hope the new program will provide a smoother transition than ever before for the new students, as well as their parents.
“Making a smooth transition to college life involves more than simply memorizing a campus map,” said David Mee, vice president for enrollment management. “It requires making many connections prior to actually arriving for the beginning of the academic year.”
In approximately 24 hours this weekend on the Milligan campus, the new students will select courses for the fall semester, learn about student life activities, finalize financial aid arrangements, meet their faculty mentors and perhaps even their roommates. Parents will also have similar sessions, designed to address their concerns and needs, explained Mee.
“The relationships–and connections–are key. This gives the students opportunities early on to forge friendships with other Milligan students and meet the faculty and staff that will be their mentors and friends for the next few years,” said Mee.
The second “Connections” weekend is June 7-8, and Mee said he expects another 50-60 students to participate in that weekend.
“It makes the transition process less intimidating and smoother for everyone involved–the students, parents, and campus personnel,” said Mee. “The students and parents can go home and have a worry-free summer.”