As the official start of its 2012-2013 school year nears, Northwest Missouri State University will welcome about 1,300 freshmen and 300 transfer students to its campus Thursday, Aug. 23.

The day also marks the kickoff of Advantage, an annual orientation program designed to help first-year students get acquainted with other Northwest students, learn about the campus and enjoy some entertainment before fall classes begin, Monday, Aug. 27.