Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Stacey-- You are correct, everyone plays a key role. From the President to the night custodian, students will gravitate to different people at different times. I really like your having students and graduates included! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Sharing Student Information

Jimmy-- Using current students is always a great idea...the right ones, anyway :) It does make the new students feel more comfortable and they really pay more attention. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Diane-- That is very nice of you! And, it is encouraging that you have experienced no 'abuse' of that kind of access. I am sure that it is a comfort for student to know that you are that excessible. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

Rita-- I have always found the 'station' approach to be fun and effective. It gets students moving and engaged in interesting ways. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Mathias-- The small group activity sounds like it works very well. You are correct, students always feel much more comfortable in smaller groups. Do you use specific activities in the groups? Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Landon-- Sounds like you have a great process laid out here to ensure students are very supported. Congrats! Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Joseph-- It sounds like you have class discussions regarding some of the potential issues and fears students have. This is a great way to make people feel more at ease since many more are feeling the same way and simply don't speak up. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Addressing Student Fears

Brian-- I really like the 'inteviewing' exercise. People are much more likely to give information in this format. Do you have specific things that they are supposed to find out about each other? Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Team Approach in Orientation

David-- This is excellent! It is so much easier to acclimate new students when they are all together and having an experienced, supportive instructor is key. Susan

Susan Backofen

Discussion Comment

Enhancing First Week Activities

Bruce-- This sounds like a great format. Do you have specific activities that you have found especially effective? Susan