Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern hosts 'Freshman Fair' for ninth graders, parents May 16

Contact: Christina Chapple

5/8/06

     HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University is hosting “Freshman Fair,” a fun and informative event for high school freshmen and their parents, on Tuesday, May 16.

     Freshman Fair, scheduled for 6-8 p.m. in Southeastern’s D Vickers Hall, is designed to let ninth graders -- members of the high school “Class of 2009” -- know “what you need to do now to prepare for your college years,” said Anthony Ranatza, Southeastern’s coordinator of orientation and special events. “High school freshmen and their parents who want to attend a public, four-year institution in Louisiana don’t want to miss this event,” he said.

     Participants are asked to RSVP by pre-registering at online at www.selu.edu/freshmanfair or calling 1-800-222-SELU or 985-549-5637.

     Last fall, Louisiana universities implemented selective admissions, requiring students to take core courses and meet other requirements before they can be admitted. According to the Louisiana Board of Regents, less than half of the high school students who plan to go to college are taking the required courses they need to be successful.       

     “All high school freshmen need to be aware of the new requirements when they schedule their classes for the tenth grade,” Ranatza said. “Taking the right high school courses will be important not just when they apply for college, but also if they want to qualify for financial aid such as the state TOPS scholarship.”

     Ranatza said Freshman Fair will feature representatives from Southeastern and many Louisiana colleges and universities, who will be on hand with details, answers and updates on admissions requirements, TOPS and other financial aid opportunities.