Orientation 2008

Letter to New Students

June 2008

Dear New Student:

Hello!  Let me be one of the first to let you know how excited we all are that you are coming to join the John Brown University family! The student Orientation Director staff has already been hard at work for several months now, planning with you in mind (check out the staff picture and notes from the student directors here). Orientation is different from ERP, so you’ll want to be here even if you went to ERP. We’re designing a program of great activities that we’re sure will help you make an excellent transition to college life, whether you're a new freshman or a transfer student. If you are a transfer student, please note that there are a number of events designed especially for you.

Here's a tentative orientation schedule to give you a quick preview of the terrific events coming your way.  When you arrive, we’ll provide you with a final schedule (be sure to use that one during the events of orientation) and all kinds of specific information to get you started on your road to college success.

Begin planning now to arrive on campus from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday, August 22nd. (We won't be able to accommodate any arrivals before this time.) Orientation officially begins on Saturday at 1pm. Please note that all students planning on majoring or minoring in Music, Music education, Worship Ministries or majoring in Youth and Worship Ministries must take the waiver test for Elements of Music (MUS 0103) in order to be exempt from the course if you have not already registered for classes.  This test is only offered at 10am on August 23rd so please plan accordingly.  Also, if you are planning on auditioning for an instrumental or choral ensemble there are audition times available on Saturday morning.

If you are flying into the area and need to be picked up at the airport, please contact Express Shuttle service at 1-866-535-0127.  Express Shuttle provides service from both the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport and the Tulsa International Airport for a reasonable fee.  If you cannot make arrangements with the shuttle service, phone Denise Farine in the Student Development office at 479-524-7229.

Once you arrive, there will be plenty of people on hand to help you find your way, move your boxes, and welcome you. You can go directly to your residence hall, get checked in with the residence life staff and begin moving in.  If you have questions about your residence hall assignment, contact your Admissions counselor or the Residence Life Office (479-524-7229).  Should you have more questions once you arrive, stop by the orientation information desk located in the Student Development area of the Walker Student Center, right in the middle of campus.

Please take special note of these particular events on the schedule:

• Check-in begins at 1p.m. on Saturday
  DON’T MISS this session—here we’ll give you a final schedule and all the information you’ll need for the remainder of the Orientation activities.
• Parents’ Sessions
  On Saturday there are several special events designed just for parents.
• Day of Caring Project on Monday
  Tons of fun—bring old clothes for this event.

We'll keep you busy and active, learning about JBU, laughing, playing, getting acquainted, and serving others throughout Orientation; so don't schedule anything else during this time. For those of you worried about finding time to set up your room, notice that we’ve allowed time on Saturday, as well as open times on Sunday and Tuesday afternoon. We expect all new full-time students to take part in Orientation and you will be charged a fee to offset part of the expenses involved in the program.  If you have an extenuating circumstance and cannot attend, contact Don Crandall in the Admissions office to obtain a waiver.  Plan now to be a part of all of the Orientation activities...you’ll be glad you did!

Sincerely,

Your Student Orientation Directors and
Danielle Vogus, Coordinator of Student Activities and Orientation
479-238-8655 or dvogus@jbu.edu