Kate Anderson wanted to go home her first week at Eastern.

“I realized once you get involved that it can be a different story,” the junior special education major said.

Last Thursday was the start of a six-week period of EIU Prowl.

Kimberlie Moock, director of new student programs, said Prowl helps students find information they need to know to be successful.

“It helps students connect with other students, faculty and staff,” she said.

Moock said Prowl has so much to offer all of the students on campus.

“You can engage in things on campus, service, undergrad research, and learn how to be a member of the community,” Moock said. “This program helps them to know what it means to say ‘I am EIU.'”

Anderson, the student orientation director, said she started as a Prowl leader her sophomore year.

“I come back to see this,” she said. “I love to see the transition the students make.”

Anderson said sometimes it can get hard to try to get some of the students to not go home the first weekend.

“I say if you can get that one student to stay over the first weekend then you have done your job.”

Laura Colgan, graduate assistant program coordinator, said the first six weeks of school are crucial.

“Prowl helps the students transition into their new home,” she said. “It helps the students get connected with the University and this can help bring back the students after the fall semester.”

So far Prowl has had many activities throughout campus such as the New Student Mixer, Up All Nite: UFO, and Quakin’ the Quad: Feisty Fiesta.

Elizabeth Pizzolato, freshman accounting major, said she is enjoying the activities Prowl has put on so far.

“It’s a fun time,” she said. “It gives you something to do.”

Moock said last year about 75 percent of freshmen were involved and more than 50 percent were transfer students.

“We expect more this year,” she said.

Robert Kennedy, sophomore geography major and a panther pal, said the program helps you get acquainted with college life.

“It helps that the university can help students find a way to know many people, and get comfortable,” he said.

Jessica Leggin can be reached at 581-7942 or jmleggin@eiu.edu.