As a new school year begins, the campus is buzzing with new students. They have moved in, bought books and started class; they are living the college life. But some students may not know where to start.
Campus Ministries is offering a freshman survival course that will begin today and repeat Sept. 13 and 20. The course is designed to help students with their new way of life.
James Guthrie, interim director of Campus Ministries, has organized the event to provide not only spiritual support but guidance.
Guthrie hopes to cover topics important to new students such as finances, dating and other relationships that will be formed in their time at Ouachita. He also hopes to present a non-biased look at the pros and cons of joining social clubs, and help students seriously consider all options. Time management will also be a covered topic.
Safety is a main issue with which Guthrie is concerned. He wants to make sure that students know who to go to when they need help. He encourages students to make new friendships that can help.
“If they make three new friends they can talk to, it will be worth it all,” Guthrie said.
Planning continues, but Guthrie hopes to have the list of topics and speakers completed soon. He plans to have four sessions, spending at least a half hour with each subject. Other subjects will be covered and more sessions may be added if there is a good response among students.
All students, not just freshmen, are invited to attend. The speakers will be students, faculty and some off-campus professionals with Ouachita connections.
The time and place for the seminars will be announced later.
