When the student is going through the orientation it helps them to feel at ease if they have students that are already enrolled in the program with them. Our school has an ambassador program and we have the ambassadors go through the orientations with the new students before there first day in class. It helps them feel at ease, asking them questions and so forth. Some of the ambassadors even talk to the whole group letting the new student know what to expect on day one and so on.
Scott,
Very well said. Thank you for this post. I agree wholeheartedly.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I think that an orientation program should not only be ongoing but should include at least one representative from each department of the school as well. The communication that is given to the students at the beginning of the orientation is vital so it is important that each of the department representatives meet with one another prior to orientation to make sure that communication is consistent. This method of having one representative from each department will also allow for an ongoing quality review of the orientation program that allows weak or problem areas to be discussed and new suggestions to be made for improvement. When everyone is working together as a team consistently communicating the same message to a student it demonstrates the schools dedication to it's students in a way that is likely to increase student retention.
Kathy,
Having followup activities during the first week or two of classes can help reinforce what is learned during the orientation event. Orientation is a process that takes time.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
During orientation we have found that the interaction between the new starts and school representatives at all levels is extremely beneficial to the success and retention of the student. Students meet and mingle with the department chair, lead instructors, full time instructors, president, advisors, career services and students in a relaxed informative environment and are encouraged to reach out to any representative for help or advise. Consequently, students are more successful in the classes because they know where to go for help.
Alissa,
Mini orientations could happen in the classroom.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
All programs are involved in our orientation. Admissions, academics, student services, graduate employment, and the business office. I think we could incorporate more fun activities into this event, like ice breakers to get students talking and involved. I think mini orientations at the beginning of each term would help students know what they need to do to be successful in each specific term.
Huseina,
This is good. Orientation is a process and should not be considered a single day event. Students need time to become familiar with the educational environment and all the resources available.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Having a slide show and also giving student handouts are great ways to make orientation more effective. We have been in fact been having 'orientation revision' every day for at least the first two week and then once every month, and it really helps.
Kristie,
Making orientation a fun event should be a goal for all.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
That is the one thing I think we need to implement again...the power point. We used to use it and I don't know why we stopped! It is a great tool!!
Wow congratulations on that huge improvement! That's awesome!!
I honestly can say we have a pretty good Orienation program. We have each department go in and introduce themselves & explain what we are here for. We also go over expectations and policies.
I do think we should have a current student or grad come in to speak. We have done that 2-3 times and it was very positive. We haven't been doing it recently and I think we should. I think it's good for them to see a student in there and not just staff.
The only other thing I think we can improve is the length. I honestly think it is too long and they get bored. I think with it being that long, they aren't retaining the information. They are already overwhelmed with being a new student and starting a new program.
Eric ,
Half the time and probably better retention of information. The students do not feel weighed down by information overload either.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
This is a great question!
We have recently altered our school’s orientation. In the past students were greeted by the campus directors, welcomed to the school and informed of the school’s rules. This process lasted 60 to 80 minutes. Our new policy is a lot more student friendly. The directors and campus president do an overview of their departments, welcome students, share experiences and leave the rules to the teacher.
So far, the new orientation has been great. We can go through orientation in ½ the time we used too. I’ve had students tell me they really feel welcomed in the school and the informal way we introduce ourselves helps take the pressures off of being a new student.
Eric
Kathryn,
Is it interactive or talking heads?
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
we bring in Prog. Dir's, Admissions, and ESPECIALLY Career Services to show new students what they can expect, and what to look forward to when they graduate.....that's the big picture! Give them a visual of what they can be!
This is a fantastic idea, I'm new to my institution and hope our facility does this.
Nyssa,
Ask students that have been attending for 30 to 60 days "what do you know now that would have been helpful to know at orientation?"
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Orientation is a fun time for new starts. We show them what it is like to attend, with presentations from the Campus Director, Education Department, Instructors and student ambassadors. Shirts are ordered, texts handed out, demos are done, snacks are provided, and students are encouraged to get to know one another and begin forging the relationships that will see them through their program.
As far as how it could be improved - we're always thinking of ways we can make the Orientation a better and more satisfying experience for our new students!
