Orientation
I would like to know what is the best atmosphere
to have duing orientation to not just excite the studnet but also to set them up for success and let them know what it is to undetstand what type of education they are signing up for, without loosing their intrest.
We had new student orientation yesterday. The students had that "deer in the headlights" look. False reassurance accomplished nothing. Knowing what to bring and where to go are meaningful. Smiles and an easy to approach manner go a long way to making folks feel more comfortable.
Everyone has a method of making our "New Students" feel welcome and its the continuity for the first week that should be maintained.
New students are so overwhelmed on the first day already--imagine when the first week ends. One of the career school I use to work for, did a follow-up after first week, just to get new student input, in which it did help both instructor and new students
Patricia,
Right! It makes such a difference to have a warm, inviting atmosphere with friendly people.
Susan Backofen
Having a fun game to play just to break the ice and then proceed to welcome the new students. Each person wants to be "welcomed" and feel that importance from the school.
Meet and greet his or her instructors can be nice. Just to make a positive reinforcment.
A room with airiness to it. Pictures on the walls, nice color schemes. Somehow, happy faces is nice or being greeted at the door by his or her admissions reps and showing the new prospects where to go and sit. Offer beverages or snacks is good, too.
The enthusiam is a good thing without going overboard.
Estella,
This format also allows students to ask their individual questions, which they may feel embarassed to do in a more public format.
Susan Backofen
I always remeber the most comfortable orientation that I ever attended, had a very structured speakers panel and they followed the program, so I always knew what to expect. Then they had break out session with tables and each guest speaker sitting at a round table so you could go talk to whoever interested you. By sitting the folks waiting did not feel like they were standing in line.
Elizabeth,
Hands-on activities are always good; and interaction with the faculty adds to the positive anticipation. Having students meet with the faculty to discuss the program, outcomes, job opportunities are all things that can make a positive difference.
Susan Backofen
