Sheila,
This sounds like a great format.
Susan Backofen
Edith,
While some schools do have an on-site counselor, others make arrangements with community agencies or refer students to free emergency counseling services in the area.
Susan Backofen
Victoria,
I love that you include so many students, faculty and alumni!
Susan Backofen
All of the faculty and staff are present during orientation so that students can meet us and for us to show our enthusiasm for their commitment. The instructors introduce ourselves, incl name and classes taught during orientation so they can put a face to their curriculum.
At our school we also have ice breakers that allow students to get to know one another. We encourage students to come speak with any staff member to address any concerns and we add humor to the day to lighten the mood as we address policies of the school.
New students are given an allotted amount of time during the orientation to meet with their Program Director who oversees their particular program. Often this person will be one of their instructors as well. This helps with the hand off from their admissions' rep and helps to establish a new consistent contact person who can assist in many matters as well as direct them to the proper department for assistance. This way they feel like someone is always there for them.
I explain to them that those of us with experience and are successful today had to start somewhere and the seat they are sitting in is where we all were at one time. Do not be afraid to move forward with your knowledge because it has rewards.
To address student fears we outline the intensive support system that we have here including tutoring, mentoring, and career services.
Although the course discussed having a psychologist or a counselor available for certain "life issues" we don't have that as an option. Are there many campuses that do?
Also the request to have each individual met with as they come to class isn't entirely feasible. When I'm teaching and a student arrives 20 minutes late, meeting with them takes away from the other students who did show up on time.
Thank you,
Edee Kornoelje
We include current students, faculty and grads to talk about their experience at the school. We let them know that the whole administrative team is available to them at any time to answer questions and help them through the program.
We currently have ice breakers that allow our students to get to know one another and we try and make them feel as welcome as possible.
it's a time for any additional Q & A, feedback and one on one time with the Academic Advisor. Career Services speak about the license process, the cost and etc.
Glenda,
What is involved in your rally? Sounds like a great idea and the timing if perfect as this is when reality starts to set in.
Susan Backofen
Glenda,
Wonderful! I love the 'Survival Kit' idea and addressing the reasons for dropping out up front.
Susan Backofen
LeeAnn,
It sounds like you are certainly off to a great start. Perhaps some alumni would volunteer to interact with applicants and new students in an electronic format (e.g. chat or email)? to help the transition? Facebook is also a great opportunity.
Susan Backofen
Laurel,
This sounds reallly excellent and I love that you include their families as well.
Susan Backofen
We have former and current students address our new starts to talk about their experiences on our campus. We also have several faculty members talk about what their class is like, what the instructors expect. The president of our school also talks to the students about sucess and reminds them of why they come to our school and to not forget their goals.
acquint your students by pair them off in class. to make sure they feel good about coming to our school. student have a in class Orientation with their Instructor as well. We have a Rally for New Students on day 5. the First week
in orientation we have student stand up one by one and say their name and what brought them to this college. We learn more about the students and we take notes. students have no support/having support, High scholl dropout, in a no where job, relocated for a new start, career goals, medical issues, want to help others, want to start their own business and etc. I created a little something I call Seasons.This is their Survival Kits
Knowing when your in seasons to prepare for your out of season. We talk about the top 5 reasons student dropout. And ways to prevent this..by preparing for you out of season. student have car repairs, daycare and etc they must take care of but when they get some money in their hands they forget about all the things they need to take care off in order to stay in school. At the end they commit to a GPA and Attendance%. We give the childcare info, bus passes and etc to help them stay in school.
I found the topic of student fears to be very interesting. Because the institution I work for provides online degrees to students across the United States, the way in which we present our New Student Orientation to students is quite different than traditional brick and mortar schools. Although we address student fears within the orientation, it is, from my perspective, an area for improvement.
Within the New Student Orientation I found various methods in which we addressed the student fear of not succeeding. In a welcome video the President of the college mentioned that students don't have to do everything alone and that the faculty and staff at the college are here to help. It is what we are passionate about and why we come to work every day. We want to see every student succeed. In addition to the President's welcome, the orientation also mentioned the use of Success Coaches. These employees are meant to help keep students on track to succeed. They will help students with concerns, to set goals, organization, time management, problem resolution, college survival skills, and anything else that may be getting in the way of the student's success.
The fear of not fitting in was addressed by explaining the diverse population of our students. A part of the orientation touched on this by explaining that each student is encouraged to communicate and interact with one another because there is a great deal to learn from each other. There was also mention of the Facebook community where students can interact, as well as a website of blogs written by students, faculty, and staff. Students are encouraged to visit these sites in order to create relationships or seek advice.
I believe that our New Student Orientation could be improved by having more video testimonials/introductions from alumni, faculty, staff, and current students.There is also the opportunity to have alumni or student mentors directly involved. Finally, I believe that a more interactive, live, group oriented orientation would be beneficial. This would allow new students to meet each other and for students to have more interaction with employees at the college.
