Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE -The largest freshman class at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has begun to get acclimated to college life as groups of new students came to campus for Pioneer Passage days June 14-25.

As the Pioneer Passage continues July 8 and 9, organizers anticipate a total of more than 1,150 freshmen will have gone through the new student program.

Groups of about 120 new students per day come to UWP during Pioneer Passage to register for classes, sign up for Internet and computing services, get their pictures taken for student IDs and meet academic advisors and peer advisors.

At UWP, the registration process is spread over several weeks so that students can get more personal attention in smaller groups as they begin their transition to college life. New students get the chance to meet other new students in small groups headed by an upper-class student peer advisor.

"It's important for us to go with smaller groups each day. Not only is it faster, but it gives them a much better experience," registration coordinator Helen Hadorn said. "They like the peer advisors. That's a big part of our program, and a big reason why our program is so successful. Most of the students really like having contact with other students.

"By lunch time they're sitting with people they've met that morning," Hadorn continued. "They're making connections early on."

This year is also the first year in which all students will register for classes completely online, utilizing PeopleSoft self-administration software.

"This year it's the students entering their own information," Hadorn said. "They're getting through faster. Students pick things up very quickly."

Students can also sign up for student organizations, attend sessions on housing and dining services and enjoy skits performed by the peer advisors, "Getting There From Here: Scenes from College Life."

Hadorn said Pioneer Passage is also an important time for parents, as students begin "the separation process that day." Sessions on financial aid, dining services, student housing and the transition to college life are also available for parents, family and friends during Pioneer Passage days.

New students continue the transition to college life as orientation begins Sunday, Aug. 29. Fall classes start Thursday, Sept. 2.