During our orientations, we go around the room and have each student introduce themselves and explain what they are planning to do when they graduate. After the intros, we explain how everyone in the room is a contact and possible business owner or manager in the future. In our industry we need to reach out to everyone in order to succeed. The feedback has been wonderful because they feel they need to relate to everyone in the room and associate with them no matter their differences.
We hold a two week online orientation in which we cover all the aspects of our virtual courses. At the end of our orientation we have a webinar to go over any questions the students have and to actually have all the new students meet with each other.
We let them know it's alright to be afraid but that they have resources at their disposal to help them. We have someone from every department come up and give examples of how they can help a student in certain situations.
We also have active students come up and talk about their experiences which include examples of hurdles they have overcome utilizing the resources we provide.
Ceola,
This sounds like you make it a very relaxed environment. I am sure this is much appreciated and you are more likely to get more interaction.
Susan Backofen
Sharon,
Sounds excellent! I really like that you include graduates and that the focus is on supporting the students.
Susan Backofen
I enjoy doing Ice Breakers on the first day of the term. This engages the students and gets them a chance to meet one another.
We include a meet and greet activity providing food and drink, faculty stop by and meet the students, The Administration comes by also. We ask if there are any questions and we offer appointments for those that might want to discuss something in private. We find this comforts students and make them feel welcome as well as making them feel we care about their education because we are willing to provide that one on one support.
After an ice breaker game where the new students begin to get to know one another, a line of staff and faculty assembles. They introduce themselves and say a few words about what they will do to support the students while in school. Those who are graduates of the school include that information which builds a sense of family and tradition.
After an ice breaker game where the new students begin to get to know one another, a line of staff and faculty assembles. They introduce themselves and say a few words about what they will do to support the students while in school. Those who are graduates of the school include that information which builds a sense of family and tradition.
We include staff who are former students that can give real advice and offer firsthand knowledge of what it was like to be a student here.
Bonnie,
I agree. Letting them know we have been in their shoes and we are there for them is extremely reassuring.
Susan Backofen
Student's fear is a very common event at the begining. But as the time goes & everyone working with the institution if take care them from the heart it will go away.
I think it helps for the students to know that we have been where they are at and that we are here to help them just like we were helped.
We think it is important to acknowledge that students will have some fears and to assure them we are all here to help them reach their goals.
Having current students in orientation talking about their expediences in school seems to be a great tool.
Our Student Services Department was being removed so we didn't have the staff to keep it going. I'm hoping to pass this along to our Librarian and Tutoring Manager within the next 6 months as the benefits are amazing.
Kimberly,
This sounds like a wonderful format!
Susan Backofen
Alicia ,
Wonderful! You are absolutely correct that not knowing the resources available can be a very big hurdle for students.
Susan Backofen
Christina,
Including your faculty is a wonderful way for the students to feel more comfortable with their first day. Great job!
Susan Backofen
Jessica,
I agree! The student ambassador programs can be highly effective. Was there a specific reason you discontinued this?
Susan Backofen
At the moment we do not have any activities that focus on their fears primarily. We have different staff members that speak about general concerns or questions that they may have as well as Career Servives Representatives there to set up new student meetings. We used to have Student Ambassadors which were current students who would participate in Orientation as well as mentor new students throughout their first 6 weeks of classes. This is something that I want to bring back in the near future as it really helps students feel more welcomed and eases their fears a bit.
