Summer orientation offers incoming students glimpse of what awaits at MC

Special to The Clinton Courier    

Two remaining summer orientation sessions will give incoming Mississippi Christian University students and their parents a glimpse into what life will be like at the university this fall.

Jadi Foster, MC director of student engagement, said the new students – among the first to be known as Mississippi Christian University students – will benefit from the same rigorous academics, vibrant campus life and strong sense of community that have defined the institution for generations.

“Our goal is to make the students feel connected, both to each other and to our current students on campus, and to the culture of MC and who we are as a university,” Foster said. “If they establish those connections, then they’ll be set up for success and can enter their freshman year feeling confident and excited for the year ahead.”

The MC Office of Student Engagement is offering one remaining comprehensive, two-day sessions and one condensed one-day session to help students prepare for college. The two-day session is scheduled for July 22 and 23. The one-day session, recommended for transfer students, is scheduled for July 21.

The two-day session will include small-group meetings, large-group sessions, activities and academic registration. The session is designed to give new students a broad overview of life as an MC student.

The one-day session is a condensed version of the two-day experience. Students and guests participate in small- and large-group sessions, learn about campus involvement opportunities and register for fall classes.

“The single-day session is for students who know how college works,” Foster said. “They’ve already been to college and they’re transferring in, but we still want them to feel connected to MC and to connect with others with whom they’ll be going to school.”

Helping establish those connections are orientation leaders, an energetic group of undergraduate MC students who welcome, guide and support new students and their families throughout orientation. Foster said orientation leaders such as Darby Renfro and Mac Roberts are the “glue” of the orientation process.

Renfro, a senior political science major from Grenada, serves as orientation director after spending two previous summers as an orientation leader. She said summer orientation is a vital part of the MC student experience.

“This experience equips students to step boldly into the Mississippi Christian University family,” Renfro said. “New students experience campus life before move-in day in August, connect with orientation leaders and ask questions about what to expect at Mississippi Christian University.

“Students leave orientation with a sense of belonging and excitement as they begin the next four years of their lives.”

Roberts, a senior MC School of Nursing student from Brookhaven, said serving as an orientation director has shaped his college journey.

“My favorite part about orientation is getting to know students in a fun and exciting environment,” Roberts said. “I have been blessed to form incredible friendships through orientation.

Orientation leaders greet students and parents upon arrival and guide them to a welcoming opening session. Attendees then break into small groups to receive essential information ranging from class registration to involvement in more than fifty campus organizations.

Each group participates in campus tours and interacts with representatives from Student Engagement, Residence Life, Career Services, Public Safety, Counseling Services and Campus Ministries to learn about resources available to support a well-rounded educational experience.

A longtime feature of MC summer orientation is the Orientation Marketplace, an opportunity fair held in Alumni Hall. About two dozen campus organizations, along with local churches and businesses, provide information and giveaways.

This year, the Orientation Marketplace will be split into two events: a “Meet MC” session highlighting campus involvement opportunities and a “Meet the Community” session showcasing local businesses, churches and philanthropic organizations. Both events will be held in Alumni Hall.

In the evening, orientation leaders present a satirical theatrical performance called “Inside Scoop,” featuring videos and live-action skits that share information about campus life through relatable scenarios.

Day two begins with a morning worship session led by orientation leaders and other MC students, followed by class registration. Students meet with academic advisors, departmental leaders and professors before selecting their first slate of classes.

Summer orientation concludes with an informal farewell gathering, during which students receive a keepsake reminding them that their university home will be waiting for them this fall.

More information about summer orientation sessions is available at mc.edu/students/policies/events-activities/orientation.