Students who are new to the NIU campus shouldn’t feel there is no place to voice concerns and share stories.

The New Student Discussion and Support Group, sponsored by University Resources for Women, allows freshmen and transfer students new to the campus to gather and discuss their feelings and attitudes toward everyday issues.

Natasha Salier, co-leader of the discussion group, said students can come to the meeting and engage in open discussion.

“We’ll talk about issues such as homesickness, changing and building relationships, study skills, time management and decision making,” Salier said. “Students are free to bring any issues to the group that they are going through.”

The discussion group aims to build a support network, allowing students to share experiences with each other.

“What we’re really hoping is that we can help new students adjust to the experience of being at college as smoothly and easily as possible,” Salier said. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for new students to come together and talk about common experiences and build a social network.”

The discussion group, which meets at 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 11 through Nov. 6 in the Grant North lower lounge, welcomes everyone to come and share their concerns.

Salier was disappointed when no one showed up for the first meeting on Sept. 4. She stresses that the group is open to both males and females despite the fact that it is sponsored by University Resources for Women.

“Everyone is welcome, please come to find out what it’s all about — there is no obligation to return,” Salier said.