By GENEA NOEL

Freeport News Reporter

genea@nasguard.com

For the first time in the history of the College of the Bahamas (COB), the campus life department took over the orientation process for new students, giving them a taste of the college experience.

Welcoming over 115 new students yesterday for the spring semester, officials from COB said that it is to adequately prepare them for the future and acclimatize them to a new environment.

Arthurine Turnquest, assistant director for campus life, said it was important to realize that while academics was an important part of the college experience, the students have to be well-rounded as well.

"We want the students to feel as if they are a part of the whole campus life and through this orientation process we will try to help the students make this transition into a new chapter of their lives," Turnquest said.

Adding a twist to their old formula, Turnquest said that the orientation process will start with chapel which includes: Praise and worship, a motivational speaker and rules and regulations of the college.

"The speaker is (there) to encourage the new students coming in to take this major step in their lives and then of course we get into understanding what it is to be apart of a college and familiarizing students with everything that will be going on," Turn-quest said.

She added that many students may have some difficulties adjusting because college is very different from what they are accustomed to in mainstream schooling.

Following chapel, Turnquest said that the students will be placed into groups where they will share life experiences and learn life lessons to further prepare them for the future.

As the college makes its way to university status, Turnquest said that each of the students will be inducted as "Caribs", which is the school mascot, to officially make them apart of the student body.

"Our student life president will give them a ceremonial marking that says that they are now one of us," Turnquest said.

She noted that the same process is occurring at the campus in New Providence and the "branding process" is one that the students will remember throughout their matriculation.

Turnquest said that it was surprising to have so many new students for the spring semester and credits the additional scholarships available for the increase.

"There are many new scholarships that are being offered for young people and they are taking advantage of that,' Turnquest said, adding that the college is grateful to the Grand Bahama community for their continued support.

"More students who could not attend because of financial reason are able to have an opportunity and we are really excited about that," said Turnquest.

She noted that the economic situation last year may have encouraged more students to register, realizing how difficult it is to succeed on a basic education.

The orientation process will give students a chance to register for their classes, seek academic advisement and get additional help from staff.

Turnquest said that an online registration is available and she looks forward to a productive semester with the new students.

"The biggest challenge is helping them to realize how important their education is and helping them to stay once we get them here."

Classes for the spring semester begins January 12 2009.