By Joan C. McKinney, director of university communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University was a little more like home to 137 students who attended CU’s first LINC session June 5-6 with 150 additional new students coming to LINC June 27-28.
It’s all about information, fellowship, friendliness and personalization as students come to CU during these special two days for orientation when they experience what college life will be like in August.
“LINC was a true eye opener to all the hard core facts about student life!” said Allison Medders, an incoming freshman from Campbellsville. “It was so helpful. They answered all of my questions and more! They did an awesome job of breaking the ice immediately and providing efficient information in a fun way!
“My parents and I both agree that LINC was the best tool for the incoming freshmen. I met many students from across the state and even the United States. I met many people that I have already sparked a friendship with even before classes begin.”
Medders’ parents are Dr. Alan Medders and his wife, Denise, both of whom are former CU employees. But the table was turned for them at this LINC.
“Having worked at Campbellsville University for six years, we were familiar with the LINC program,” said Denise Medders. “However, after attending LINC as the parent of a college freshman, we realized what a wonderful program it is.
“The LINC experience was very informative, yet it was presented in a light-hearted way allowing total interaction between students and parents. We were able to gain a great deal of information and have all of our questions answered throughout the two-day process.”
Medders said her daughter was able to spend time with her roommate and get to know her a little better as well as make several new friends.
“She is excited and ready to attend CU, and we feel comfortable with the decision she has made,” said Medders, who now lives in Alabama.
Josh Anderson, dean of students, said LINC, which stands for Learn in a New Environment, Invest in Your Future, Navigate Life Change and Connect to CU, helps new students “feel connected and a part of something great – the Campbellsville University family.”
Anderson said the two-day events are times for the students to get involved with the current students, faculty and staff and learn all they can about CU.
Kevin Metzger’s mother said she was “really pleased with the friendliness and genuine hospitality of the faculty and staff.” The family is from Richmond, Va.
Tim Johnson of Danville said he liked the orientation because it was personalized. He liked how “the advisor took the time to meet your needs and to work around different schedules.”
Jasmine Simms of Willisburg, Ky., felt she wasn’t the only one going through the orientation. “The LINC orientation helped my transition and everyone made it feel like ‘home,’” she said.
Sarah Smedley of Nashville, Tenn., admitted she had some stress coming into the experience, but she felt LINC was “very informational.”
“It put me at ease and made my college ‘pre-stress’ go away!” Smedley said.
For Allison Overstreet of Liberty, Ky., the best part about LINC was “meeting all of my fellow classmates that first night.”
Commuters to college have a different set of circumstances, and Olivia Wright of Springfield, Ky., said, “I liked how the orientation was able to separate the commuters, and they did a great job explaining how we could get involved.”
Anderson said, while the new families are here, “We provide them with information on student life, financial aid, business services, academic life and academic advising (entering their fall class schedule).”
“All of these facets are presented in a user-friendly manner to help our new students and families make the transition from high school to collegiate life. All of this information is secondary to the personal connections with students, staff, and faculty that we emphasize during these two-day events,” he said.
“We believe that if we can get these families comfortable and connected to the people of CU, they will feel comfortable with coming to us to help them make the transition to college life and to have a successful career at CU,” Anderson said.
Anderson said the LINC orientation team this year is made up of “15 outstanding current CU students from every facet of CU – music, art, education, science, athletics, band members, etc.”
He said all of them have been successful academically, spiritually, socially and in their extracurricular activities as students, and “They have a heart for helping others do the same.”
“These kids are fantastic at relating to students and getting them connected to CU and helping them build their excitement for the coming semester,” Anderson said.
“It is because of these young men and women that our first LINC orientation was a huge success.”
Anderson said the culmination of the success of CU’s students is their graduation day.
“At these events, we begin to help them create their vision of success (graduation day), and give them the resources and connections necessary to put them in charge of
attaining this goal,” he said.
There is still time to take advantage of LINC. The next LINC is June 27 and 28; with another one planned July 17 and 18.
For more information, contact the Office of Student Services at (270) 789-5005.
Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,405 students who represent 98 Kentucky counties, 25 states and 29 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report’s 2008 “America’s Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South and eighth in the South for “Great Schools, Great Prices.” CU has been ranked 15 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America’s Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his ninth year as president.