Our orientation program is very unique. we have been working on improving it for more than five years. Each time the program gets better and better. The students talk about it the entire time they are with the school.
George,
Orientation should also be a program that extends beyond a single day. It takes awhile to adjust. Students will not remember everything from one day.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I think the orientation program is effective but can be better. The university should not only be involved in the preparation and implementation of orientation programs but also have an opportunity to meet the new students. Unlike some of the other programs within campus life, orientation requires the cooperation and the resources of the entire campus community including faculty, dining services, housing, facilities management, and student activities groups.
Tess ,
Having the faculty there makes a huge difference. Probably more important than the information shared.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Alex,
Before enrollment or before classes start?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Zena,
I hope you get the chance to start a mentoring program. It is a good idea.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Chuck,
I am glad the course has had that type of impact. Students like to make contact with their instructors.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
making orientation a must, a mandatory criteria before enrollment
All of our faculty are present during orientation. All expectation are talked about including attendance and grades and the expectations so that student can make a decision if before going further in their education.
We do a showcase of current and former students work and get everyone engaged in groups. For example the video students will screen finished projects and talk about what went into the creation. The students are very proud of their skills and the school and really make the incoming students feel like they are part of a family.
One thing I would be interested in implementing is a formal mentoring program where upper level students are paired with incoming students and a faculty advisor.
This course has got me to realize that in the ten years I have worked at this collage I have not taken the opportunity to observe or participate in any of our new student orientations I think I need to change that ASAP. It will give me a better idea of what the students are being shown.
As well balanced instructor I need to know what is going on with these new students long before they see me.
This will give these new students the opportunity to see one of their instructors before they even start school ask questions dispel any roomers right from the get go...
Megan ,
Orientation is a process and not an event.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
We try to have a dynamic orientation, but it is only part of one day. It sounds like it needs to be longer.
Jamie,
Yes, Orientation is more than a single day event. It will be interesting to hear about the results of this effort.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Currently orientation is a 3 to 4 hour event going over rules, expecations, introduction to faculty and staff and important depts. etc. We are looking to increase this to a whole "class" of 1 week to 6 weeks and include soft skills and other courses such as CPR, 1st Aide and basic computer skills.
Jeannette,
Most schools have program directors in to reinforce curriculum related topics and expectations. Barring that, a faculty member from the program should be addressing expectations.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Our current Orientation program is fairly comprehensive.
However, I think one thing that may significantly improve our Orientation program would be to bring in Instructors to speak to the students to reinforce the topics reviewed about expectations. Being a massage school, class time is a tracked clock-hour that must be completed in order to certify a student's education and for them to have the ability to sit for the state board exam. This is discussed in admissions, it is reiterated in their interview with the Campus Director as part of the Admissions process, it is discussed heavily in Orientation. Inevitably there is at least 1 to 2 students who struggle with the concept. Often it is because they have experienced a different attendance structure in High School or at other colleges and often expect the instructors to allow flexibility in the policy. Our instructors now continue to review this before the start of a new class also. Bringing the Instructors in at Orientation to review this may mitigate some of this.
Audrey,
How is your retention?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Our current orientation program is effective. It gives everyone an opportunity to meet the students. We also start the immunizations that are needed and measure for scrubs. It usually lasts all day.
David,
Current students helping new students helps build a connection to the campus. The current students often validate what faculty relate to students about their responsibilities.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
