Posted on Aug 17, 2006

Great Beginnings, the program that kicks off fall semesters for freshmen at Murray State University, seems like a matter of course now. But in its 13th year now, the program is as vital as ever. Conceived as an aid in making the transition to college as easy as possible for new students, Great Beginnings is a bona fide success story. The goal of the program has always been to make sure that entering freshmen start off on the right foot at college and become aware that there is always help available to them as they begin their college careers. One of the main reasons that students leave college after the freshman year is that they never have a feeling of belonging. Great Beginnings seeks to live up to its name to give new students a good first week, semester and year in college. As they come to campus, they are offered a variety of activities that are both fun and informational. MSU upperclassmen who have been chosen as first-year leaders will serve as their mentors, assisting them as they make the transition from high school to college, both academically and socially. “Last year I helped a friend move into her residential college room during Great Beginnings. We had a lot of help from several on-campus organizations with unloading boxes from our cars and getting them to her room. It was really nice to have people who were familiar with the campus to help us out,” said Jessica Smith, a sophomore commuter student from Mayfield, Ky. “One of the most memorable things we did that first day was go to the Taste of Murray at the RSEC. We got acquainted with local businesses and what they had to offer, met more of the people from our colleges, and had a great meal ...” Entering freshmen start their first weekend at college tomorrow (Saturday, Aug. 19) with a move into their residential colleges. A university information station will be set up from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Winslow Dining Hall. The campus technology help desk will be set up in Hart and White colleges from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. As a convenience to students and parents, lunch will be available in Winslow from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A new event this year for Great Beginnings is “Dreams From My Parents,” an oral history projects. New students are encouraged to take a few minutes to interview their parents about their dreams when they were the age of students, as well as dreams they have for their children as they enter college. The recordings will be streamed online for everyone to enjoy. New adult students are offered an orientation geared specifically to them in the Curris Center Cumberland Room from 12:30-5 p.m. Parents of new students are invited to attend a reception especially for them at 4 p.m. in the Susan E. Bauernfeind Student Recreation and Wellness Center. While their parents are in the wellness center, new students will meet with their first-year leaders in the residential colleges. The day wraps up with a pep rally and a Test of Murray in the Regional Special Events Center at 5:45 p.m., a Lawn Party hosted by campus ministers at Winslow Commons at 7 p.m. and a “drive-in” movie at 9 p.m. on Cutchin Field. On Sunday, Aug. 20, returning students move into the residential colleges. A marching band performance will be given on the Lovett Auditorium steps at 7 p.m. (bring your chairs or blankets), followed by a student dance hosted by MSU Greeks at 8 p.m. at Winslow Commons. Monday's events include a student convocation at 1 p.m. in Lovett Auditorium. Celia Wall, associate professor of journalism and mass communications and the 2006 Distinguished Professor, will be the keynote speaker. Additional events of interest to new students will be held on Monday and Tuesday. Classes begin on Wednesday.