Admitted students and their family members will visit campus between June 5 and July 14 for The Conference on Student Success: Orientation at Ball State University (otherwise known across campus as summer orientation) in preparation for the fall semester. The purpose of the program is to introduce new students and family members to academic and career expectations, get them involved in collegiate life and address transitional issues, Wessel said.

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

Each of the 22, two-day conferences will have nearly 350 admitted students and family members in attendance. During orientation students meet with campus representatives from academic and administrative units, meet individually with an academic advisor, register for courses, get a computer account, spend the night in a residence hall, eat in a dining hall and get a campus ID.

Twenty-eight current Ball State students assist in the overall operation of the conference. "Excellent student leaders facilitate small group interaction, lead students and family members around campus and answer a variety of questions," Wessel said. "They essentially serve as real-life role models for successful Ball State students."

Each conference "kicks-off" at Beneficence where participants are introduced to the Ball State "Everything You Need" message--- the university's theme of powerful resources and personal learning is reinforced even more. Charlie Cardinal is also on hand to entertain guests.

The conference also features a breakfast for family members hosted by faculty providing family members the opportunity to interact with faculty members and campus administrators.

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

By Kristi Brenock, Communications Manager