Freshman Connection introduces incoming students to academic programs and campus resources while serving civilian and military families
NATCHITOCHES – Students from west Louisiana gathered at NSU-Leesville/Fort Polk on June 24 for Freshman Connection, where incoming students explored academic opportunities and prepared for the transition to college while remaining close to home.
The one-day orientation program connected students with academic advisors, campus resources and fellow students while providing a first look at life as a Demon. Current students serving as Freshman Connectors guided participants through the program and shared their experiences at Northwestern State University.
Gracie Villemarette of St. Francisville served as a Freshman Connector during the program. Villemarette said Freshman Connection allows incoming students to make connections before they begin classes by scheduling classes, meeting faculty and staff and learning about the resources available to them. “They’re able to see the specific campus that they’re going to be on, and it’s just a really great opportunity for students,” she said.
Freshman Connection places students in small groups led by current Northwestern State students who help incoming freshmen navigate the transition from high school to college. Participants also meet with academic advisors and register for fall classes.
Villemarette said the Leesville campus offers a welcoming environment for students who want to stay close to home while earning their degree. “Leesville campus is very much a community. As soon as we walked in this morning, it was nothing but smiles and friendly faces,” she said. “You have a support system here, and you have amazing faculty and staff that are here to help you. I think it’s honestly a really great opportunity to be close to home but still get a degree.”
Incoming student Noah Evans of Anacoco, a graduate of Anacoco High School, said the convenience of attending NSU-Leesville/Fort Polk close to home made it an easy choice. “The number one thing for me is just how close it is and the overall convenience of it, and then the staff. They’ve all been nothing but kind,” he said. “It’s one of the more affordable colleges. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the education, and the staff is really kind and helpful.”
Northwestern State University began offering courses at Fort Polk in 1969 and moved to its current 160-acre site in 1975. Located along Highway 467, NSU-Leesville/Fort Polk serves Vernon, Beauregard and Sabine parishes and supports both civilian and military-connected students through face-to-face, online and compressed video instruction.
Northwestern State has been designated a Military Friendly School and offers services and degree options designed to support active-duty service members, veterans and military dependents, according to the university.
Freshman Connection sessions continue throughout the summer. The final session on the Natchitoches campus is scheduled for July 9.
Information about Freshman Connection and orientation programs is available through Northwestern State’s Office of First Year Experience and Student Engagement at nsula.edu/fye or by calling (318) 357-5559.
Information on Northwestern State’s Leesville campus is available at nsula.edu/about/campuses-directions/leesville.
Registration for the fall semester will continue through Aug. 16. Information about registration is available at vic.nsula.edu.