More than 8,500 admitted students and their family members will visit campus between June 5 and July 14 for one of the 22 scheduled two-day orientation sessions, said Christopher Munchel, interim director of Orientation Programs.

The orientation program introduces new students to academic expectations, allows them to become familiar with college life and helps them make a successful transition to college, Munchel said.

During orientation students meet with an academic adviser and register for fall classes. They also get their Ball State computer account, spend the night in a residence hall, eat in a campus dining facility and get a campus ID.

Three graduate students and 20 student leaders assist in the operation of orientation, leading students and their families around campus, facilitating small group interaction and answering questions.

There are a lot of questions, Munchel said. Faculty and staff can play an important role in orientation, Munchel said, especially in welcoming orientation participants to campus and in helping answer any questions they might have.

"Some students and family members are still deciding if Ball State is the place for them during orientation," he said. "The campus community can be a huge asset in helping all our visitors feel welcome and in getting their questions answered."

(Note to editors: For more information, contact Munchel at (765) 285-8290 or cmunchel@bsu.edu.)