Contact John R. Crosiar (541) 346-3135 April 24, 1997 EUGENE--University of Oregon students are preparing to roll out the welcome mat this summer for next fall's newcomers. The UO Office of Orientation has selected 18 undergraduates for the 1997 Student Orientation Staff. The new staff will lead IntroDUCKtion, a series of two-day orientation programs for new students and their parents beginning July 10 and running through July 28. They also will host new students during New Student Orientation in September. The 15 orientation staff members and three student directors will conduct academic advising workshops, participate in student panels, present informational sessions about the university and the Eugene community. They also prepare social, recreational and academic activities for the soon-to-be Ducks. "It's a challenging job for them, but they absolutely love it," says Jackie Balzer, director of orientation. "It's one of those jobs where you get so much back" because students who are given a good start are more likely to succeed in college. Orientation staff selection began in January, when the Office of Orientation solicited faculty, staff, residence halls and student organizations across campus for nominations. Applicants were evaluated on their overall knowledge of the UO campus and on how well they work with groups. During spring term, the new orientation staff is participating in a three-credit training course, Balzer says. In addition to the valuable hands-on practice and experience, each member receives more than $1,000 compensation. About 2,400 new students--four out of five of next year's freshman class--are expected to participate in the summer orientations, Balzer says. Cost for each two-day session is $100 for students and $35 for parents. Initial reservation deadline for the summer events is June 20. Student co-directors, who will assist Balzer and supervise the orientation staff, are Marisa Tabizon, a junior religious studies and sociology major of 13555 S.W. Fircrest Court, Beaverton; Kris Winter, a senior educational studies major of 3474 Centennial Blvd., Apt. 38, Eugene; and Sean Harding, a sophomore electronic media major of 1386 Rancho Rd., Gardnerville, Nev. Other 1997 Student Orientation Staff members are: * Gus Baum, a junior music major of 8690 S.W. Miller Hill Rd., and Kirstin Hamilton, a junior English major of 8170 S.W. 165th Ave., both of Beaverton. * Dominic DeMaio, a sophomore undeclared major of 2435 N.W. Arthur Ave., Corvallis. * Mya Land, a sophomore environmental studies major of 1921 McKinley St., and Shannon Berry, a junior biology major of 1450 Bond Lane, both of Eugene. * Maisie Gifford, a junior undeclared major of Rt. 3, Box 3791, Hermiston. * Benjamin Litton, a sophomore psychology major of 11419 Finnegans Way, Oregon City. * Marcus Berger, a junior planning, public policy and management major of 9365 S.W. Panorama Pace; Sky Liu, a junior architecture major of 1839 N. Terry St.; and Patrick Tandingan, a senior general science major of 12235 S.E. 105th Dr., all from Portland. * Teresa DaVigo, a senior psychology major of 139 Monowood Dr., Folsom, Calif. * Jason Khoury, a junior public relations major of 8628 Kernwood Court, Stockton, Calif. * Olivia Wong, a senior psychology major of 2809 W. 163rd St., Torrance, Calif. * Garrison Dyer, a junior pre-journalism student of 401 W. 33rd St., Vancouver, Wash. * Erica Pereira, a junior pre-journalism student of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. -30- #H-2254/Hometowns/cs