Unfortunately, my school does not have their Instructors involved in their core orientations. I think including us would be an excellent idea. That way the students will already have met us prior to their first day of class.
Heather,
And we should ask students what it is they are expecting. It is important to make sure there is no major disconnect from the outset. It is also important to help the student see how their education and their life fit together.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Orientation is extremely important. I feel that this is when the standards are set. Students are informed of expectations, rules and regulations. This is vital. I believe if students are explained, from the get go, what is expected of them and the institution complies with these requirements you are going to have increased student retention.
Alina,
There should be some program information. Yet, orientation should be something that engages the student and gives them what they need to know to get a good start in their studies.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Marlin,
Also consider how orientation is extended beyond the first day of their studies. Orientation starts at enrollment and extends into the second or third term for the student. Acclimation might even be a better word to use than orientation.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
The current orientation program could perhaps be more specific when it comes to representing the specific program the student is interested in.
I think that we should improve our orientations by making a compulsory attendance. At this moment the attendance is optional, so most of the students did not participate. So if they do not pay enough attention during the enrollment process they will be lost.
Denise,
Using an App or a website is the way to go these days. Let students access information from their own devices. It is a Green option too.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Tyler,
An orientation shaped as a networking event is likely to be more engaging then "talking heads" marching in front of them.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Our school's orientation program is very thorough. Students meet instructors, staff, administration, and everyone in between.
It's a full day of information, success tips, tours, food, etc...that helps students acclimate to their new environment.
And the best part is, it doesn't stop at just orientation. Students are given the names and contact info to those faculty and staff members who can assist them in any way possible throughout the school year.
My only suggestion for improvement is minor, but I think it would be a good idea to supply students with day planners during orientation. It would be one less item students would need to obtain before class, and a day planner is an inexpensive way to help new students learn time management skills.
Robert,
How do you see this helping? Is this for online?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I think there is a great opportunity to implement video-conferencing technology in the orientation process. I have not seen this yet though.
One thing that I will be trying to improve during our orientation is providing more opportunities for the students to meet and network with one another before the start of the term to build relationships. We will also be having students already in our program guest speak, mentor and provide advice to the new students to hopefully build a sense of community and reduce anxieties.
Bibi,
It should be a good experience then. Something interactive and engaging is desirable.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Orientation sets the pace for the rest of the school experience for the student.
Kimberly,
Is the orientation interactive or presentations?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
At our school we have different programs that have to meet different standards. Within our department we have created a specialized orientation for students entering our program. this reduces the confusion of, "I heard this from person A, and this from person B".
the program orientation delivers the requirements that are set forth by state for our particular field and allows the students first hand knowledge of the differences between college policy and additional requirements.
It leads to a clear picture and less frustration.
Stelian,
Involving the students is key. An interactive orientation will always trump "talking heads".
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Angela,
Making that connection indeed helps the student succeed.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
IT can be improved by being more organized and more emotion put into it.....first impression will determine,somewhat the outcome. Faculty needs to be dressed professionaly with a smile on face. Involve the students more in orientation. Meet faculty and specific instructors. Special attention with programs that are more difficult,( baking cookies and backing a turckey with stuffing is very different).
Make the student want to be here !!!
