New Student Experience Includes 13 Programs"  

SALISBURY, MD---Freshmen and transfer students with less than 25 credit hours coming to Salisbury State University this Fall will have an opportunity to take part in a series of innovative summer orientation programs--from a backpacking in Poland and canoeing through the Canadian wilderness to using forensics to solve a murder mystery.

Dave Brown, SSU campus recreation director who organizes the University’s outdoor seminars, said the orientation programs help student’s transition from high school to college life.

“When you go camping with someone for week, weather the storms and cook over an open fire, you develop relationships. That’s when you begin to feel more a part of campus,” he said.

The outdoor activities began in 1983 when some 12 faculty, staff and students went canoeing in Canada’s Algonquin Provincial Park. Now this program has grown to more than 70 paddlers. The new student experience has expanded to about 13 different areas.

They include biking through Maine’s Acadia National Park, canoeing on the lakes of Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, whitewater rafting and rope climbing in North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, a trip to Poland, whitewater paddling in West Virginia to a number of volunteer programs such as Habitat for Humanity.

Several curriculum based orientations also have been included such as a program which helps student athletes achieve academic success; an introduction to engineering and physics; a laboratory science program where students use forensics to solve a murder; a program to help promote inclusion in the campus community; seminars to provide students with information about the University and community; a civic leadership seminar to introduce students to community service and diversity; and an introduction to world of business.

New student seminars take place during the summer. Most have a cost associated to cover travel expenses, while some are free. Space in each seminar is limited, so students only apply for one activity on a first come, first served basis.

For information call 410-543-6030 or visit the University’s Web site at www.salisbury.edu.