With fall just around the corner, the faculty at Ohio University Southern decided Monday was a perfect day for a family-style, summertime cookout to welcome new students.

Dr. Dan Evans, dean of OUS, hosted the Freshman Welcome Cookout and said he enjoyed the chance to meet the faces of Lawrence County's bright future.

"One of the things that makes OUS a unique college to attend is that we have a family atmosphere," he said. "We want our students to be successful and they can do that by making connections with the faculty, students and staff. This is an opportunity to say 'hello' and get to know them."

Coal Grove freshmen Lesley Allen and Amanda Wilson said they enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere and the opportunity to talk with Evans and other staff one-on-one.

"(Evans) was really nice and he seems like he cares about the people who go here," Allen said. "I am really just excited about starting college."

Wilson, an early education major, said she enjoyed the chance to get on campus a little early.

"This helps us to meet everyone," she said. "We get to know everyone who will be in our classes and our teachers."

The cookout featured a disc jockey, games, door prizes and other activities designed to get the students involved.

Michael Roth, a nursing major from Symmes Valley, said the cookout did help make him more comfortable with the college life.

"This was more fun than just sitting in a classroom," he said. "Now, I know more about the campus and where everything is."

Before the fun began, representatives for the job-searching Web-site Monster.com talked with students about how they can prepare for college including topics such as study habits, finances and how to balance social and academic responsibilities

"It was helpful," Wilson said of the program. "They gave us a lot of good study tips."

Dr. Kim Keffer, director of enrollment services, said that more than 200 students and their family members contributed to the great turnout.

"This indicates the quality of our students who want to do well, be successful and be a part of the campus," she said. "It speaks very well of our incoming class."