A&M International Freshmen Students Get Twisted July 30

Something twisted is happening at Texas A&M International University. About 100 limber University students, faculty, staff, and administrators will play a mass game of Milton Bradley's Twister on Thursday, July 30 at 10 a.m. at the University's Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

The event is one of the special activities being held for A&M International's two-day overnight Freshmen Orientation program.

Why Twister? To show new students how organization, teamwork and cooperation are a winning combination, said organizer Gabriela Mendoza, associate director of Student Development at A&M International.

"The first year at a University is often the most difficult for students. New freshmen may feel lost and unprepared to face the challenges of a new academic environment. Those negative feelings can be alleviated through interaction with peers who share similar concerns and through interaction with faculty and administrations who can provide support and advice. The social activities which are part of Orientation--the giant game of Twister, a fun pool party, movie night, dance, volleyball tournament and informal lunch with faculty--provide new students with great opportunities for meeting new friends and establishing a network of support," explained Mendoza.

She added that Freshmen Orientation is not just fun and games. The two-day overnight Freshmen Orientation will give students an opportunity to get advised and registered for Fall semester courses, buy Fall semester textbooks at the University Bookstore, explore the University campus, and learn about free services offered at A&M International.

"The University offers a number of free services for students such as tutoring, career planning, and health services. Students will learn all about these services during Orientation. Additionally, students will learn about financial aid availability, student clubs and organizations, safety on campus, and other information they need to make their freshmen year at A&M International a memorable, enjoyable success," explained Mendoza.

The two-day overnight Freshmen Orientation is scheduled for July 29 - 30 at University Village, A&M International's on-campus apartment-style student housing. Freshmen who attend the July 29 - 30 Orientation should pack casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes, swim wear, towels, alarm clock, pillow, sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, toiletries such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrush, pen or pencil, and paper. Students who plan to register for all courses during Orientation should also bring their TASP scores.

All new freshmen are required to attend Freshmen Orientation in order to have their Fall registration considered complete, Mendoza noted.

Students who do not participate in the overnight Orientation may opt to attend a one-day Freshmen Orientation to be held on Saturday, August 8 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the University in the Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library (room 319). Two additional Orientation programs, one for new transfer and graduate students, and one for family and guests of new students, will be held Monday, August 24, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. in the University's Great Room.

For more information on Orientation programs at A&M International, please call the University's Office of Student Development, 326-2280, or visit offices in Kinesiology/Convocation Building, room 107. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Orientation information may also be secured by email at orientation@tamiu.edu

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu