Andrew Clote, a new freshman majoring in criminology and criminal justice at UMSL, moved into Oak Hall Friday. A Pierre Laclede Honors College student, he’s looking forward to the start of classes Jan. 21 and three Weeks of Welcome activities coming up. (Photo by August Jennewein)
More than 100 new students slogged through the snow and cold recently to get answers to their questions about the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
How do I get a parking permit? A Metro pass? What’s FERPA? Where’s the bookstore? I haven’t decided on a major – now what? What’s the difference between a grant and a loan?
Hours of information were crammed into full or half-day sessions all orchestrated by New Student Programs. Orientation for new students and transfers readied the newest crop of UMSL students for day one on Jan. 21.
Sidnie Campbell, a long, lanky sophomore transferring from St. Louis Community College–Florissant Valley, flashes a big grin when you talk swimming, or biotechnology. He attended transfer orientation Jan. 9 with plans to study biochemistry and biotechnology and compete on UMSL’s new men’s swim team next winter.
Ashley Daffin, a freshman nursing major, said she has lots of friends from Hazelwood, Mo. West High School who attend UMSL. She and her mother attended the all-day session for freshmen Jan. 15.Why did she choose UMSL?
“It was the tour that convinced me to come here,” Daffin said. “I felt comfortable. The people I met were all so nice, and the location is great. I’m a little nervous about next week, but I think it’s going to work.”
Andrew Clote, a freshman, brought along several family members including his father. Clote was home-schooled and attended Holt High School in Wentzville, Mo.
“I’m majoring in criminology and criminal justice,” Clote said. “I know the program has an outstanding national ranking, and it interests me quite a lot. I want to minor in philosophy and go to grad school, maybe law.”
Clote has been accepted into UMSL’s Pierre Laclede Honors College and will live on campus.
All of the students were looking forward to the three Weeks of Welcome starting Jan. 21. Designed to satisfy everyone from the newest freshman to the hard-hearted seniors, WOW leads up to the semester’s biggest event, Homecoming 2014 when UMSL alumni are expected to attend many of the events
A four-page WOW guide notes lots of opportunities for free food and basketball games, a study skills boot camp, a “battleship” competition involving canoes in the Mark Twain pool and skiing at Hidden Valley in Wildwood, Mo.
The men’s and women’s basketball games Feb. 6 against St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, Ind., and the Homecoming Dinner and Dance Feb. 8 at the historic St. Louis Union Station Hotel will end the Weeks of Welcome in fine style.
