Orientation
What we do here is, every 3 weeks one of our classes takes their students on a tour of the campus. This is the last class before the students branch off into their electives. The class visits all of the electives and the instructor from each class essentially does a presentation on what the class is about. We kind of "sell" the class, but most of the students do not get the full tour when they sign up, or they signed up from out of state and they have no idea what we offer until after they are here. So it seems that we have another role as an instructor here.
maybe a pamphlet to go along with the tour and also in the pamphlet have easy accesses a mentor.
They then go to that office or individual and have their sheets signed off or get a unique sticker to that office. When they are done they report back. Prizes are then given out
Corey,
This is a great way to engage students and impart information at the same time. Could be a technique in class too.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Another good option/idea that I have implemented in the past is having a scavenger hunt for new students. This takes some coordination and forethought, but it has been a great success! It is important to get buy in from administrators and staff and to explain how they can help. Students are given a form with various questions as to where they would go to get help for specific questions or topics. They then go to that office or individual and have their sheets signed off or get a unique sticker to that office. When they are done they report back. Prizes are then given out. The main goal is achieved in the fact that the student is now comfortable with where they can go for specific problems or concerns.
April,
We often think Orientation is a single day event. However, it really is a process that should start well before the first day of class and into the first couple of months of the student's studies.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Having a second follow thru of the campus and a revisit to the courses is a great idea. Not only does it help those students that did not attend the first orientation, but it refreshes what the student is getting into and makes him or her more aware of the area. I think this is a fabulous idea.
Scott,
Even if they had a tour they might not recall everything they saw or changes might have occurred before they reach the electives.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
