2:58 p.m., June 18, 2009----DelaWorld 101, which runs from June 23-July 22, is a series of one-day orientations designed to welcome new students and parents to the University of Delaware and to make the transition to campus life a fun and informative experience.

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Offered weekdays -- excluding Friday, July 3, when the campus will be closed for the Independence Day holiday weekend -- a student's DelaWorld 101 day begins at 8 a.m. in the Trabant University Center and wraps up at approximately 5 p.m. Free UD parking in the Trabant Parking Garage with validation will be provided for DelaWorld 101 guests.

A record number of freshmen in the Class of 2013 will join a large number of transfer students participating in DelaWorld 101 this summer, Faye Duffy, senior associate director of undergraduate admissions and director of DelaWorld, said.

“More than 3,900 freshmen and more than 300 transfer students have been assigned a date to attend DelaWorld,” Duffy said. “This is the largest freshman class ever.”

After a general welcome at 8:15 a.m., students and parents will be separated, with specific programs for each audience.

DelaWorld student leaders will be on hand to help make sure that incoming freshmen and transfer students feel welcome in their new home at the First State's flagship university.

“We have 15 DelaWorld leaders, and the Honors Program also has a cadre of Honors orientation leaders, not to mention a host of students assisting the Registrar's Office,” Duffy said. “Overall, there are about 150 UD staff, faculty and students who are involved in some capacity during each DelaWorld Day.”

Among the freshmen for fall 2009 will be 123 international students, a 300 percent increase over last year, said Amy Foley, senior associate director of admissions.

“Many students who are completing the Conditional Admissions Program through the English Language Institute have been invited to DelaWorld for the first time,” Foley said. “Close to 40 students have been scheduled for the first week of DelaWorld, allowing them to attend orientation, meet other members of the freshman class and receive academic advising before flying home for the summer.”

Meet students, learn about campus

For participants, DelaWorld 101 is a great way to meet other new and current students and learn about housing and technology. New students are encouraged to get active in a vibrant campus life that includes student groups, residence halls, athletics, the arts, academics and more.

New students will be able to discuss their fall course selections with an academic adviser and explore specific information sessions on campus diversity, services for students with learning disabilities and student life.

Another traditionally popular part of the program is DelaWorld Fair, where new students can meet with representatives from athletics, music, religious organizations and student media, a session topped off with free ice cream.

Students also will be introduced to the city of Newark and opportunities at UD for travel, service learning, career development, academic enrichment and wellness programs.

For parents, DelaWorld 101 affords the opportunity to meet other parents and to attend sessions on academic and student life and campus safety.

The new student orientation also is a chance for parents to obtain answers on billing, financial aid, housing, student health, computing, banking and dining.

Associate in Arts Program

For freshmen enrolled in the UD Associate in Arts Program, new student orientations will take place at UD academic centers on the campuses of Delaware Technical and Community College in Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown.

DelaWorld sessions for the Associate in Arts Program will be held in:

Wilmington -- Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24, with an informal information fair from 6-7 p.m. and presentations and panel discussions for students and parents from 7-8:45 p.m., followed by refreshments.

Dover -- Wednesday, June 24, with an information fair from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and a formal program from 6:30-8 p.m.

Georgetown -- Thursday, June 25, with a “meet and greet” for new students and parents at 7 p.m. in the Arts and Sciences Theatre.

“This will be the largest incoming class at the UD Academic Center in Wilmington,” John A. Bartley, faculty coordinator, Wilmington, said. “It's pleasing to see a demand for our program, and I think for many students, the Associate in Arts route is an effective way to increase their probability of success in attaining a bachelor's degree from UD.”

Article by Jerry Rhodes