MUNCIE, Ind. -- The campus community is set to welcome incoming students and their families to Ball State this summer, says Roger Wessel, director of Orientation and New Student Programs.

Admitted students and their family members visit campus between June 4 and July 13 for The Conference on Student Success: Orientation at Ball State University.

A highlight of the conference is a breakfast for family members hosted by faculty providing family members the opportunity to interact with faculty members and campus administrators.

"We encourage faculty to attend the family breakfast to meet and greet families of our incoming students," Wessel said.

The orientation program introduces new students and family members to academic and career expectations, getting them involved in collegiate life and conducting initial campus business like meeting with an advisor and scheduling classes.

"Orienting new students increases the likelihood that they will be successful students and improves retention rates," Wessel said. "It is exciting to work with new students and their family members as they finalize plans to attend Ball State."

Nearly 400 admitted students and family members will attend each of the 22 two-day conferences. During orientation students meet with campus representatives from academic and administrative units, meet individually with an academic adviser and register for courses. They also get their Ball State computer account, spend the night in a residence hall, eat in a dining hall and get a campus ID.

Twenty-eight current, exemplary Ball State students assist in the overall operation of the conference. Wessel said the students leaders facilitate small group interaction, lead students and family members around campus and answer a variety of questions.

"They essentially serve as real-life role models for successful Ball State students," he said.

Each conference "kicks off" at Beneficence where participants are introduced to Ball State's history and tradition -- the university's theme of powerful resources and personal learning is also reiterated. Charlie Cardinal is also on hand to welcome and entertain guests.

For more information about the conference contact the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs at (765)285-8290.