PELLA — Central College completed its last orientation session of the summer this week. A total of 419 first-year and transfer students, many accompanied by parents, visited campus during five sessions throughout June and July.
Orientation is meant to prepare incoming students to jump into academic and campus life when the semester begins in August. Students met with their advisors, learned about the Central curriculum, attended an Information Fair and toured a residence hall and the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex.
“Coming out of their scheduling meetings with faculty, students were excited about the courses they would be taking, either in their majors or as part of Central’s rigorous core curriculum,” said Carol Williamson, vice president for enrollment management.
Parents were active in the learning process, as well. They had the opportunity to attend a FERPA and Financing session and a question-and-answer session titled “Have a Hand in Your Student’s Success,” facilitated by Eric Jones, interim dean of students.
“It was evident to parents that the education their students would receive during their four years at Central College would successfully prepare them for their professional lives,” said Williamson.
Another aspect of orientation was the kick-off of the summer read for Intersections, the first-year common experience course. All incoming students are charged with reading “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. A poor tobacco farmer from Virginia, Lacks died of cervical cancer in 1951, but her cells live on in labs, factories and even aboard ships launched into space. The research sprouting from her tumor cells became the foundation for modern science and led to breakthroughs in gene mapping, cloning, fertility, diseases and knowledge of cancer development.
Discussion of the book will be integrated into the first few weeks of class, culminating with Skloot’s visit in the fall. Faculty, staff and parents are invited to read the book, as well.
“One parent I spoke with — a dermatologist — was excited to read the book alongside their student and anticipated great discussions about healthcare and medical ethics,” said Williamson. She believes the atmosphere of excitement, discussion and collaboration at the orientation sessions reflects the academic preparedness of this year’s incoming class at Central College.
