FLORENCE, Ky. — Many high school seniors across the state will be finalizing plans for college soon, and Northern Kentucky University faculty and administrators want to help prospective students have all the information they need to make an informed college decision. That’s why a group of them recently hit the road and hosted information sessions at Starbucks across the state.
Christian Gamm serves as the assistant dean of the College of Health and Human Services at NKU, and she has a good understanding of what it’s like to be a high school senior just weeks away from graduation. She is one part of the caravan of NKU staffers hanging out at six Starbucks locations in Ohio and northern Kentucky to give information and answer some questions for students who’ve been admitted into NKU for the fall.
“So taking off in the day, during a high school day, and coming to NKU for a couple hours —that’s a heavy burden as they’re getting ready to prepare for finals and everything else so we said why don’t you meet us and come and talk to us for a bit,” Gamm explained.
On Sunday, she spent some time stationed inside the Starbucks on Mall Road in Florence. She said this is the first time the university has done something like this. The goal is to provide some insight and answer some questions prospective freshmen and their parents might have — things like tuition costs, scholarships and what happens next after deciding to enroll.
“Usually what that looks like is scheduling orientation, coming to campus, getting those classes scheduled,” Gamm explained.
They also want to help incoming freshmen prepare and adjust for a new chapter in life.
“What we tell our new freshmen, and all of our students for that matter- we have grad students, adult learners, and it’s really get to find your people on campus. Whether it’s a faculty member like us, a staff member, another person in your classes and find that person so you have your support network,” Gamm said.
Gamm said the incoming freshmen class could be as big as 1,600 new students, taking classes of all kinds, including online classes. While the university prepares to say goodbye to its own senior class, Gamm encouraged seniors readying to dawn a cap and gown to enjoy the moment.
“Enjoy the last couple weeks of high school- so enjoy your time, make good memories, and we’ll welcome you to campus in August for some new memories as a college student with us at NKU,” she said.
She said students still deciding where to go have until May 1 to make that decision. Thursday, August 17 is move-in day for incoming students at NKU.