Last week marked the genesis of another school year at Point Loma Nazarene University as on-campus residence halls prepared for the return of students for the annual New Student Orientation (NSO).

From Aug. 16-19, approximately 700 incoming freshman and transfer students were on campus with their parents to move into residence halls, hear a welcoming message from university President Bob Brower, meet new friends, ask questions, collect information, and explore academic options.

The amount of support offered to PLNU’s new students during NSO is truly unique. The goal is to help them feel prepared to enter the next step of their social and academic lives, and to ease the anxiety that both students and parents feel upon leaving one another, often for the first time. Students were able to meet with faculty members and fellow students in their departmental majors, as well as participate in meet and greet lunches and dinners.

Earlier in the summer, students were encouraged to take a StregthsQuest assessment test. Developed by the Gallup Organization, the online survey takes about 40 minutes to complete, and reveals an individual’s top five strengths out of 34 possibilities.

Originally used as a business tool, it gives students a better understanding of areas in which they may achieve success. Students will meet during NSO to review and discuss their strengths together. They then take those top strengths and apply them toward their studies, relationships and co-curricular activities, in an attempt to have the most effectively positive first-year college experience.

In addition, as part of the PREFACE summer reading program, now in its third year, students were encouraged to read “The Color of Water” by James McBride. On Saturday of NSO weekend, students broke off into groups to discuss the book and how it relates to their lives.

Returning students were on campus on Monday, Aug. 20 for the first day of classes for the fall semester.



Eric Yates
Media Relations Officer
(619) 849-7186
eyates@pointloma.edu