Northern lights up: Students head back to college

The halls and classrooms of Montana State University-Northern are again filled with students, faculty and staff as the first week of school comes to an end.

Orientation at the college saw high numbers of participants, and college officials seem hopeful that the incoming and returning classes will contain leaders and enthusiastic go-getters.

Director of University Relations Jim Potter said the student orientation, which began last Friday, went very well and was a record for participants. He said they took part in workshops to help them do well in their college careers and had fun activities like learning the fight song.

"Despite the rain, it went very well," Potter said.

In the admissions office, Director Kristi Peterson and her team worked hard over the weekend.

"We probably had double the number of people involved in orientation this year," Peterson said. She added that more than 300 people were officially registered.

Students and their families became acquainted with the school's facilities and resources, and with each other.

"It's always great to see the new students come in for the fall," Peterson said. "Even though it was rainy and wet, the students still had a good time."

Northern: Not a spectator sport

This year's motto at Northern is "Northern: Not a spectator sport," putting an emphasis on student involvement with the school and what it has to offer.

In the first week of the school year, it offered a series of events for the students to take part in. An ice cream social Monday, comedian and motivational speaker Michael Dean Ester Tuesday, pickle ball and a slip 'n' slide Wednesday, a dance Thursday and volleyball games today kept students who chose to follow the motto busy.

"Our goal is for these new students to be engaged and be a part of the Northern community and the greater Havre community as a whole," Peterson said.

She said she feels fairly confident about the incoming and returning student body.

"It was impressive to see new students come to campus with strong leadership skills and drive to be successful in their lives and their careers," Peterson said. "This is an impressive incoming class."

Be the One

Students were also urged to "Be the One," which is a second theme for the year, created by the Student Senate.

"Be the One" refers to the legislative decision to allow the creation of a state college in north-central Montana. The vote was swayed in the favor of creating the college by one vote in the Montana Legislature, Student Senate representatives said.

As the students move on with the rest of their years at Northern, they will have numerous opportunities to experience many things at the university, from various entertainments to new friendships and perhaps even an education.