Implementing A Mandatory Orientation For First Time
Implementing A Mandatory Orientation For First Time
Why should new students be required to attend orientation?
Orientation can be the defining moment in the transition to college for the student – a time in which basic habits are formed that influence students academic success and personal growth – and marks the beginning of a new educational experience. – ~Mullendore and Banahan, 2005.
New student orientation can… • • • • • • • •
welcome students and their families to campus introduce students to campus resources give students a chance to make a schedule with an advisor help students narrow down a major connect incoming freshman with other new and current students help students foster a sense of independence introduce students to the campus history and customs assist students and parents with the financial aid process
Getting Buy In From Administration?
What matters to them the most? • What “why” is most important to those making the decision? • retention? • campus customs and culture? • campus connections and resources? • can’t do online orientation because of this • early academic advising? • Realistic examples of other campuses (similar size and demographic) that are benefiting from doing an orientation. • visit those orientations to take notes and ask questions. • adapt and adjust to fit your schools needs.
What matters to them the most continued? • What will this cost the college? • realistic expectation of cost and what you need vs. what’s nice to have. • snacks and food for students and guest • snacks and food for staff to show appreciation • give away items • cost for materials- Printing of packets, folders, pens/pencils and signage
Who should be at the planning table?
• Who is necessary? • Admissions/Records/Financial Aid • Academic Advising/Faculty • Facility Services, Maintenance, Security • Who would be nice to have? • Students/Student Organizations • President and/or Provost • IT Department • Marketing • Staff Departments (Tutoring, TRIO, Diversity Office,Career Services, etc.)
The Main Event
• Who will you invite, when and how? • all new students • just new freshman • hybrid of both • what about transient, DE and other groups • Length of program? • looked at assessment • Order of program • we save advising for last so students won’t leave early • group activity, interactive, technology piece • parents and guest programming • tours • resource tables (charger zone) • Who should present and on what? • eliminate any redundancies • keep presentations short • under 30 minutes
Specialized Orientations • Academic • Major • Honors • Other • Disability/Accessibility Services • Veterans • Adult/Reconnect • Diversity • Academic Services • TRIO • Summer Bridge
Evaluation Information Session Name: May the Force Be With You: Implementing a Mandatory Orientation for First Time Freshman. Presenter: Ronda Williams Date: 11/17/2017 Time: 9:30-10:00 Room: Salon 3-4
Why should new students be required to attend orientation?
Orientation can be the defining moment in the transition to college for the student – a time in which basic habits are formed that influence students academic success and personal growth – and marks the beginning of a new educational experience. – ~Mullendore and Banahan, 2005.
New student orientation can… • • • • • • • •
welcome students and their families to campus introduce students to campus resources give students a chance to make a schedule with an advisor help students narrow down a major connect incoming freshman with other new and current students help students foster a sense of independence introduce students to the campus history and customs assist students and parents with the financial aid process
Getting Buy In From Administration?
What matters to them the most? • What “why” is most important to those making the decision? • retention? • campus customs and culture? • campus connections and resources? • can’t do online orientation because of this • early academic advising? • Realistic examples of other campuses (similar size and demographic) that are benefiting from doing an orientation. • visit those orientations to take notes and ask questions. • adapt and adjust to fit your schools needs.
What matters to them the most continued? • What will this cost the college? • realistic expectation of cost and what you need vs. what’s nice to have. • snacks and food for students and guest • snacks and food for staff to show appreciation • give away items • cost for materials- Printing of packets, folders, pens/pencils and signage
Who should be at the planning table?
• Who is necessary? • Admissions/Records/Financial Aid • Academic Advising/Faculty • Facility Services, Maintenance, Security • Who would be nice to have? • Students/Student Organizations • President and/or Provost • IT Department • Marketing • Staff Departments (Tutoring, TRIO, Diversity Office,Career Services, etc.)
The Main Event
• Who will you invite, when and how? • all new students • just new freshman • hybrid of both • what about transient, DE and other groups • Length of program? • looked at assessment • Order of program • we save advising for last so students won’t leave early • group activity, interactive, technology piece • parents and guest programming • tours • resource tables (charger zone) • Who should present and on what? • eliminate any redundancies • keep presentations short • under 30 minutes
Specialized Orientations • Academic • Major • Honors • Other • Disability/Accessibility Services • Veterans • Adult/Reconnect • Diversity • Academic Services • TRIO • Summer Bridge
Evaluation Information Session Name: May the Force Be With You: Implementing a Mandatory Orientation for First Time Freshman. Presenter: Ronda Williams Date: 11/17/2017 Time: 9:30-10:00 Room: Salon 3-4
