Some may picture a sleepy campus during the summer months, but the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is anything but quiet.
More than 100 incoming students visit each day, decked out in red, full of excitement and learning about what life will be like on campus from their New Student Enrollment Orientation Leaders.
Among those leaders this year is Tori Cocannouer, a junior from Witchita, Kansas. Cocannouer credits NSE for its positive impact on her own foundation as a Husker and is humbled to now be able to share her wisdom and advice with incoming students this summer.
“I remember my NSE day so vividly,” she said. “It left me feeling ready to come to college and secure about my decision, rather than being in this awkward limbo period between high school and college.”
About 4,500 incoming students will visit campus during New Student Enrollment. Jenni Brost, director of the program, said 90% of new students participate in the in-person orientation offered. The other 10%, mostly international students and those who live far away, will complete an online orientation.
New Student Enrollment runs from May 30 through July 7. From Tuesday through Saturday each week, 32 orientation leaders meet with groups of students and parents.
Through tours, icebreakers and fun conversations, the leaders help new students get to know the university and make some lifelong friends — something Cocannouer experienced herself.
“On my NSE day, I met one of my closest friends in college,” she said. “She was in my orientation group, and now I’m actually going to her wedding this summer.”
She can’t promise new students that they’ll be attending the weddings of their NSE group members, but she can promise that they’ll gain insights into the ins and outs of being a Husker.
“It’s really all about giving new students those insider tips and tricks that they might not think of when they’re getting ready to make the move to college,” Cocannouer said. “I think my ‘signature’ piece of advice for students is to find a space on campus that’s ‘theirs.’ For me, it was the Knoll fourth floor study room where my friends and I spent every hour we weren’t in class. It was a transformative experience and so fun!”
Being a good NSE leader means being honest about the struggles one might experience during a first year in a new place, and Cocannouer shares how she overcame a struggle with finding her place, in the hopes of letting new students know there are resources and help available.
“One of my biggest struggles was mental health, especially coming from a rigorous high school program to an out-of-state school where I didn’t know anyone,” she said. “I fell into this awkward period my freshman year where I wasn’t sure exactly how I was fitting in or what I wanted to do with my life.”
After talking to friends and working with Counseling and Psychological Services, Cocannouer felt her college experience start to turn around. As an NSE leader, wants to assure incoming students and share all the amazing resources at Nebraska U. She also encourages them to seek help when they need it.
“Getting the help I needed jump-started me and got me to a place I where I can feel successful and accomplished as a student,” she said.
