BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Though the Class of 2012 is officially welcomed to campus on Tuesday, Aug. 19, some Illinois Wesleyan University first-years have already begun the process of immersing themselves in the IWU and Bloomington-Normal communities: 35 incoming international students from 12 countries met in the “global lounge” Friday, Aug. 15. The following day, 36 ALANA (African-American, Latino American, Asian American, and Native American) students arrived on campus. The International Student Orientation and the ALANA Student Orientation are voluntary programs designed to enhance the six-day “Turning Titan: New Student Orientation” program for all incoming students.
The International Student Orientation is meant to help incoming first-years adjust to the practicalities of living in the United States. Participants were offered language tutors, information technology sessions and faculty panels explaining Illinois Wesleyan academic expectations. Students also spent time socializing through activities such as shopping and bowling. “The most important part of what this orientation does is to give these students a chance to create their own community before joining 500 or more students,” said Stacey Shimizu, director of the international office.