The 2017-18 school year is underway, beginning with a successful freshman and transfer student orientation at Northwestern Oklahoma State University locations with 370 students attending the events.

A total of 299 freshmen attended freshman orientation in Alva, and 34 students attended orientation in Woodward. Alva's campus had 71 students attend the transfer orientation held later in the day.

Gathered in Herod Hall Auditorium to begin the day's events, incoming freshmen experienced a tradition of Northwestern as the Ranger cheerleaders joined the university's marching band for the playing of the fight song, "Ride, Rangers, Ride."

Incoming freshmen heard messages from and were introduced to members of Northwestern's staff, Ranger Connectors and Northwestern Student Ambassadors, as well as Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president; Bailey Trammell, director of student success and counseling; Calleb Mosburg, dean of student affairs and enrollment management; and Kelly Parker, Alva mayor.

"It's always exciting to meet the newest Rangers and welcome them to Northwestern," Cunningham said. "This year's freshmen were enthusiastic and excited about becoming the next generation of outstanding students who later become successful leaders."

Each student had the opportunity to receive their new and official Northwestern student IDs. Students also were able to visit with staff members about the differences between high school and college along with what to expect from their college professors and classes. Freshmen talked with current Northwestern students to ask questions about college life. Financial aid, registry and the business office were open to assist students with final payments and questions. Freshmen also toured the campus to see buildings such as the Academic Success Center, J.R. Holder Wellness Center and the recently renovated Student Center.

Trammell took charge organizing the event to make sure new Rangers received a proper welcome.

"I feel that the event went great," she said. "This was my second year planning this event, and I decided to change one session to include ice breakers and fun activities, and I have received positive feedback from that. After speaking with all of the individuals that helped with this event, they had positive feedback as well. I may have organized this event, but this event would not have been as successful as it was without the help of the administration offices, student services, faculty members, NSA and Peer Leaders, clubs/organizations, and the community. I honestly do not think it could have been any better."

Campus clubs and organizations had booths set up in the Student Center Ballroom so all students were able to see many of the organizations they will have a chance to join.

Transfer students attended their orientation session in the afternoon and were given information about receiving their Northwestern e-mail accounts, the student portal RangerNet, transcripts, IDs and parking decals, and a short wellness center orientation, among other topics.

Freshman Casey Edwards from Aline-Cleo High School in Aline is a student at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and attended freshman orientation.

For more information on Northwestern and how to get enrolled contact the Alva registrar's office at 580-327-8550; the Enid registration office at 580-213-3102; or the main office in Woodward at 580-256-0047 or 580-254-2500. Students also may contact the Office of Recruitment for more information at [email protected] or browse through Northwestern's redesigned website at http://www.nwosu.edu. Information also is available on Northwestern's social media platforms including Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nwosu.rangers, Twitter at "@NWOSU" and Instagram at "nwosurangers."