ASU Orientation

I wanted to blog as soon as I could because I know people are anxious to hear how it went.  It was actually a great trip.  This was Philip's 3rd trip to the campus.  Although I've been there for work, this was my first time in several years and from a student's perspective.  We flew to Phoenix after work on Friday.  Philip suggested we stay at the Marriott in Tempe on the Butte.  It was literally up on the butte!  We got in after dark so we decided to head to the hotel and have dinner there.  Philip mentioned they had a great restaurant.  So we went there.  We sat on the patio that looked over the city.  And it was delicious...and beautiful.  It was warm with a little breeze.

There was a cute little feral kitty that was sitting on the rocks just outside of the patio.  Philip was sweet and shared his salmon.  The kitty had a few bites but then disappeared again.

On our way to dinner and back, we crossed over the pool at the hotel.  Such a beautiful pool.  I so wish I could enjoy it.

Saturday, we got up super early and got ready to head to the campus.  We had a beautiful room with a nice patio.  So we decided to order room service to enjoy while we were getting ready.  We had so much food.  We couldn't possibly eat it all.  We opened the patio door and enjoyed the birds and the smell of the bougainvillea's just outside the door.

View from our room.  See the butte in the background?

 

 

We had to be at the campus by 7:30.  We got there with a few minutes to spare.  We had a golf cart come pick us up to deliver us to the Union building.  Once we got there, it was packed and we were basically herded for the morning.  We started in a long snaking line to register for orientation, get TShirts, get Philip's student ID photo taken, and get a packet for the day.  Then we were herded over to an open conference room that was set up with tables from different areas of interest (student health services, dorms, financial aid, parking, etc).  Philip wasn't interested in many but we picked up information from all the tables we felt we needed. 

ASU campus!

We were herded into a large room for presentations.  This orientation was only for the Honors college students and they have 8 sessions.  There were people as far as I could see.  Haha.  They are expecting 10,000 Freshmen this year!!

Dean of the program giving a talk.  I like their vision!

After the general sessions, they broke us up in degree programs.  After a little bit of combined time, they took the students to register for classes while the parents and families stayed behind to learn about how to help your student succeed.  And another parent only session on how to let go and be comfortable with your kid away at college.  I thought that was so funny.

After that, we regrouped and had lunch.  After lunch was a session on financial aid which we already have set and a tour of the college dorms which Philip has already done twice.  So we headed out and to the airport.  We took a big loop around the campus though so I could get a feel for it.  ASU actually has 5 campuses in the area.  Each one focuses on different types of education.

Outside the Union

These are the Barrett Honor's College Dorms. 
They are very secure.  It is a gated area of campus.  Notice the girls in short shorts? 
A benefit to attending school in a warm part of the country.  Haha

As we drove around.  I was fascinated by the beauty of the desert.  I couldn't skip taking a photo of this huge cactus!

I am so excited for this opportunity for Philip.  I was never given this type of opportunity.  It is hopefully going to have a positive impact on Philip's life and future.  I am very excited he gets a chance to live outside of Utah too.  It can't help but broaden his perspective.  It is going to be a big adjustment for both of us having him so far away.  But it is just a quick plane trip home.