Just when you were settling into the relaxing calm of campus during the summer, you get this.
For the next two months, almost 200 students will be wandering around Ball State University trying to find buildings and getting overly excited about the simple college things like the Hot Dog Man and a health center that gives out free condoms.
Orientation for incoming freshman started this morning and will be every Monday through Friday until July 10.
While there may be some inclination to jokingly yell at the new freshman as you drive by them on McKinley Avenue or pull an elaborate prank, a simple word of advice -¡- don't.
Yes, as students who are accustomed to Ball State's many wonders such as a decrepitate dorm that has the tendency to either catch on fire or have elevators break down with people in them, it can get annoying to hear freshman try to remember where the Naked Lady is located. It can also become frustrating to have to wait in longer lines at the Atrium or the Ball State bookstore as every newcomer tries to get their first taste of college.
This brief time on campus, though, is most likely a student's first long-term look at the university before starting in August.
Not everyone on campus is wearing a university polo and officially representing the campus as an orientation leader. However, unofficially everyone on campus is representing Ball State and giving these new students their first glimpse at college life.
Don't diminish someone's excitement about Ball State because you want to scream an insult at a freshman or lead someone in the wrong direction when he or she asks for the location of a building.
Would jokes like these destroy someone's college career - highly doubtful, especially with these being the brighter students attracted to the university because of the Ball State Bold fund raising campaign. These types of actions, though, don't help and provide nothing to a student entering college with a positive impression.
If you are wanting to yell or pull a prank on the new Ball State class there will be plenty of time to do that during the school year after a freshman joins your organizations or you become close to new student. However, hold off on doing these things during orientation.
The incoming freshman at orientation already have to put up with hours upon hours of absurd and awkward "ice breakers," they don't need anymore hassles at orientation.
Remember when you were at orientation, and think about that before you do anything to a new student. Try to be a positive model of a Ball State student and offer help if a freshman asks you where something is located or has a question about the university.
It's not that big of a price to pay to make someone feel welcomed to a new environment.
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