More than 1,700 students, graduate students and professionals from nine states gathered at the University this weekend to compete and learn orientation strategies at the 36th annual Southern Regional Orientation Workshop.
This year’s three-day event included competitions in skits, song and dance, T-shirt and banner creation and spirit. Students also attended networking and educational sessions and a social in the PMAC.
SROW is the National Orientation Directors Association Region IV conference, which includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina, according to a news release.
Some of the institutions walking away with first-place awards were: Northwestern State University for best song; Nicholls State University for best skit; University of North Carolina at Wilmington with best dance and large group spirit; Clark-Atlanta University in medium group spirit; and Elon University with small group spirit.
Millie Elder, LSU sports administration sophomore and SROW student assistant, said institutions bring their versions of LSU’s Ambassadors to learn ways to improve orientation programs.
Alicia Neto, SROW attendee from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, said ULL is walking away with “new ideas on how to facilitate our orientations.”
Quentin Jones, who also attended with ULL, enjoyed the social festivities at this year’s SROW the most.
Barrett Allen, LSU public relations senior and SROW student assistant, said more than 95 Ambassadors volunteered to help at SROW.
“It’s a huge responsibility for Ambassadors,” Allen said.
Kelli Webber, LSU Office of Orientation assistant director and SROW host chair, said hosting the event was a campus-wide effort, including Student Life, the Office of Orientation, First Year Experience, Campus Life, Dining Services, University Auxiliary Services and Facility Services.
Webber said it cost $95 per student and $100 per professional to attend SROW, and fees included seven meals and a slew of souvenirs.
Allen said institutions prepare for six months for SROW, and as the host school LSU has been planning since the bid was received in 2009.
Chris Landry, SROW volunteer, submitted the bid for LSU.
Landry said the proposal showcased some of the University’s facilities and presented the theme “Let the good times roll!”
“We wanted to give a taste of what Louisiana has to offer,” Landry said.
 
 
 
 
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Contact Celeste Ansley at [email protected]