Orientation leader Alexander Johnson follows a long-running U-M rite of passage by leading incoming students through the Cooley Fountain toward the Diag. After students graduate, many complete the tradition by walking through the fountain toward the Rackham Building. Ann Hower, director of the Office of New Student Programs, says about 9,000 people are expected to attend orientation during the summer, including about 3,000 parents. About 175 students and parents attend sessions each day. Orientation continues through the second week of August. (Photo by Marcia Ledford, U-M Photo Services)