usually the Instructors and Chefs have the most interaction with the students.
Orientation is critical in our College. We want the students feeling comfortable to join us. We have the whole process set up to create excitment and understanding of what is our role, including demo and goodies...
John--
Wonderful! Obviously, you speak from the heart and they clearly understand that. It is great that they seek you out afterward.
Susan
I think that using student ambassadors at Orientation is great hope to use more ambassadors at our Orientations because students interact very well with other students.
All of our departments are included in Orientation. We do have greeters who guide students to the various locations, while offering information and answering questions. Students are guided to Financial Aid, Student Accounts, or to get uniforms in different groups. They are then taken to a large room where different department set up tables so that the students can go to them for information. There is much interaction. We also have them sit together to listen to the President as well as the Director of Education at one point. I like the idea of interjecting some games.
Every once in a while I get shepard-hooked into a group of new students and barraged with questions. It could be as vague as 'do you like it here' to 'why do you think this is a good program'.
I usually give them a quick run down of my experience of moving through the ranks up to the point of being an instructor, with emphasis on having no regrets for my career choice.
I believe that during orientation Instrutors should be available as a toll and a boost to morale.
Looking back, the students that I have met during orientation often come to find me for other questions, and ask that I attend their graduation.
Sean--
Great observation. It is important that the students feel the entire institution is there to help them succeed.
Susan
Instructors are part of our orientations as well as employment and management staff.
It is very important for all departments to be involved with the students. That way the students see the school and all the departments united as one team seeing to the success of the students.
To be honest I have never observed our orientation process but after taking this course I will try to attend the next one.
As an instructor, we're not directly involved in orientation. But, we have the most interaction with the students as we are with them 6 hours a day for 3 weeks. Student Services only talks to the students when they need to.
Estelle, who are executive staff students? Thanks in advance for your response.
Every department is really involved. Admissions takes a back seat, but they are there. Student services, employment, education, and even the Campus President is there to introduce whatever they do and to help new students feel at ease about their decision to come to school.
Current students, alumni, staff, faculty, and financial aid all play a critical role (other than admissions).
On the first day of class, give a bio of my skills, competencies, and experience. Allow them to introduce themself. Icebreakers aren't just for the first class. Get to know your students on that first day, but continue to break the ice with them throughout the term.
Have an event like a game and do the orientation lecture from the back of the room. Do not make any student uncomfortable but stand right next to the students who are trying to stay far away from you. That's send the message that you are aware and care, setting the tone.
Tiffany
My orientation is similar to James.
Our dean conducts the orientation alone, through PowerPoints, and some advisors hand out materials and literature. However, a few faculty members are available to meet and greet. Student ambassadors give a tour of the library, and building.
Tiffany
Tiffany--
You make excellent points about the 'traditional' orientation. We tend to make it about us telling them al the thing we want them to know rather than making them feel comfrotable and acclimating them to our institution.
Susan
Dennis--
While participation in the orientation would certainly add additional value to that forum, I am happy to hear about your participation in open houses. This give the prospective students and their families the opportunity to get to know the instructors first-hand!
Susan
Richard--
That is wonderful that you allow them to sit in on your class. That is an excellent way for propsective student to get a real feel for the classroom environment.
Susan
Other departments include financiel aid, employment and the various elective programs that we offer.
Oh my James, as we say in England, "you are the cat's pajamas." With every department on board, students feel a sense of being important and empowered. Thank you!
Tiffany
