Susan Backofen

This sounds like a great exercise where everyone can learn from the groups ideas. Do you have the students actually write down somewhere (and perhaps collect them for their advising file) what action steps they feel they will need to do in order to be successful? This is a wonderful exercise to get them focused on intentional behavior...and would be very helpful for them and their advisor to use down the road as needed. Susan

Arielle-- Not necessarily. Most likely, they are not revealing anything to their 'new best friend' that they wouldn't want anyone else to know...after all, the person they are revealing these things to is also a stranger. Susan

This is always a difficult thing...but scheduling orientation at a time 'in between' classes (e.g. prior to night classes or just before/after lunch period) sometimes allows faculty to at least pop in and participate. They do not have to be involved in the entire program if they are unable, but having them attend and interact with new students is important if you can arrange the schedule appropriately. Susan

Melanie-- Excellent point. Admissions personnel spend a great deal of time finding out important information and assisting students in resolving potential barriers to beginning school. These issues don't go away after they start, and having faculty utilize this information can significantly jump start retention. Susan

Student Ambassadors can do a great job--students tend to open up to them in ways they are not comfortable with faculty and staff. An Ambassador program can also be a great way to get current students actively involved in retention (and recruiting...they will likely go out and tell others!) Make the program special for them as well through training, activities and recognition.

Excellent! Having the program managers discuss their programs and outline the great things happening reinforces that the students made a great decision.

This is a WONDERFUL thing! Taking pictures of the students in a cap and gown at orientation really sets the tone that they will be successful. Susan

Great! Students are fearful of what their instructors will be like, so putting a face to a name and letting students know they are 'real people' is always a helpful thing to do.

Food is good...always gets people involved and interacting in an informal way. Using some type of activity like this during mid-terms and finals is also a good ice breaker. The buddy system can be highly effective, especially if you make the 'buddies' in to a special program where they are recognized for this effort. Give them some training...certificates at the end, etc. Susan

This sounds like fun! I imagine it works best with a medium size group, yes? How many student usually attend your orientation? Susan