(left to right) Ruth Burton, Tish
Fitzgerald,
Deborah Genova, and Renee Genova
Freshmen and Families Preview Erskine
Experience
An enthusiastic group of incoming
Erskine College freshmen and their families attended a parent orientation
and freshman pre-orientation on the campus Saturday, providing many
members of the Class of 2004 their first real sense of the Erskine
experience.
The event, which enlisted the cooperation
of a number of campus offices, was judged "extremely successful"
by Associate Dean Penny Thomas, who was pleased that "so many
Parent Council volunteers and so many offices worked together to give
our freshmen a good feel for what college life at Erskine is all about."
"This is always an exciting time
for the incoming freshmen and their parents, and the day was great,"
said Erskine College Admissions Director Jeff Craft. "It's also
a very exciting time for Erskine. We have an energetic and enthusiastic
group of young men and women who plan to join us in the fall.
"The day was very positive for
everyone, as students and parents were able to have their questions
answered and any concerns addressed. It's just a good day especially
for the parents to get a better feel for the campus, and gives an
excellent insight for many into what to expect, particularly during
the freshman year."
The morning program, held in Lesesne
Auditorium, featured two rising sophomores, John Lucas and Blaire
Oakley, speaking on the topic "My Freshman Year." Parents
and freshmen were addressed by members of the Erskine faculty and
staff, and students had the opportunity to take language placement
exams. Many students brought along measuring tape in order to scope
out their assigned dormitory rooms later in the afternoon.
Asked about freshman enrollment
expectations for this academic year, Craft said Erskine should have
one of its largest incoming classes in recent years. "We expect
around 140 freshmen and 10 transfer students. Our freshman class should
be our second largest class in the past five years, and we are excited
about that.
"More importantly, we are happy
about the positive traits and experiences these young men and women
will bring to what is already a wonderful group of Erskine students."
Craft and the admissions team
focus daily on recruitment of freshmen and transfer students. "In
the admissions office we get to know the students we are working with,
so usually by the time they enroll in the fall we know them very well.
"That’s one of the things
that makes the total Erskine experience so special–those genuine
relationships you are able to build," said Craft, an Erskine
alumnus. He said relationships with prospective students "make
it even more special when they actually show up on campus and move
in."
This year’s freshman class
has outstanding credentials, according to Craft. "We're proud
of the quality that these young men and women will bring to our classrooms,
our residence halls, our athletic fields, and the entire Erskine community.
They have excelled academically as evidenced by their SAT or ACT scores
and their classroom grades.
"They have also excelled outside
the classroom in so many ways. They have been leaders in their schools
and communities, and almost all have indicated active participation
in their student government or other high school activities. They've
participated in missions work, either at home or away, during their
time in high school. "This is a service-oriented group of
young men and women," Craft concluded. "They have impressed
me greatly with the church and community service they have given back
over their high school years. Many have also experienced success in
their participation in high school sports, and quite a few will continue
this as they represent Erskine in athletics over the next four years."
Erskine freshmen report to campus
for the beginning of fall semester Aug. 29. They will spend a week
together on campus, taking part in a comprehensive orientation process.
Upperclassmen arrive Sept. 3 and classes begin Sept. 4.
