High school seniors starting at Southeast Missouri State University next fall will have their college class schedules before they graduate this spring.

Saturday, Southeast will hold a one-day student orientation program for beginning freshmen that includes registering for classes.

The sessions, which in the past had been done over a two-day period in the summer, are designed to assist students in becoming "more connected to the campus," Sandy Hinkle said. Hinkle coordinates advising and orientation programs at Southeast.

The early registration programs are part of an effort to boost retention rates, Hinkle said.

More than 400 students and parents are expected to visit the campus Saturday. Other student orientation and registration programs are scheduled for Feb. 25, April 1, June 3 and July 8 and 22.