By Rebecca Wyatt Thomas, OU Web Writer

For incoming freshmen who want to connect to their peers, faculty, staff and campus resources, New Student Programs offers two programs to help students do that and more. Collegiate Communication (COM 101) and Connections are open to incoming students and offer different levels of involvement.

“We encourage all first-year students to choose either program. Both help the students with their transition to the university and also help them create connections and paths toward the future,” said Sara Webb, coordinator of New Student Programs.

COM 101, which was created in 1993, is a one-credit course designed to help new OU students learn strategies for success by applying communication techniques in an academic setting. Among the course objectives are learning how to get the most out of their college education, becoming aware of campus resources, and creating positive relationships with classmates

“Our statistics have consistently shown that each year, students who enroll in COM 101 are more likely to return in subsequent semesters,” Webb said. “The COM 101 courses are built on identifying strategies for success for college and for life.”

Connections is another first-year student program where groups of students, usually from the same major, take two general education or required classes and COM 101 together. Students with multiple classes together are able to develop study groups and develop relationships with the faculty and other students.

“The program is for students in all majors. Academic advisers can help students select the best Connections section for their educational paths,” Webb said. “The students are placed in nine-credit blocks and they must also choose one or two additional classes to complete their schedule.”

Last year more than 700 students registered for a section of COM 101 or the Connections program. Students sign up for either program during orientation.

For more information on COM 101 or Connections, visit the New Student Programs Web site. Each program description contains information on available spaces in each of the sections.