Orientation
Orientation is very important for students to develop a connection to the college. They will get to meet people that are in their program before class starts and exchange numbers if need be.
Scott,
This is great! I really like that you also include the adjunct faculty. This is wonderful for both the students and makes the adjuncts feel more part of the team!
Susan Backofen
When we have orientation for the new students and returning students we do a few things that I feel make a big impression right off the bat. One we feed them, we will have some kind of food like pizza or sandwiches, the other is we have what we call breakout meetings. When each department divides up and talks more about the department and we have all the full timers and we also invite the adjuncts to introduce themselves to the new students and where we also give out our email addresses and phone numbers so if they have to call they have phone numbers who they can contact with any questions. I feel this gives the students and instructors a chance to get to know each other a little better before the term begins.
Dorothy--
Could you provide some detail on your Ambassador program? For instance, how do you choose them? Do you have an orientation/training program for them? Do they earn credit and/or get any recognition for their participation? I have found these programs to be very effective, but the administration of them varies significantly.
Susan
Orientation is important because students will get to meet Instructors, take a tour of the school and learn the expectations of the school
It is important to orient the students that the college is well equipped to prepare them to meet their proffession goals.
I totally agree. We have Student Ambassdors that assist with orientation and school tours. It helps the students quickly identify someone who is always available to help.
James--
Great analogy and going to 'work' certainly sets the right tone and mindset for success. Kudos!
Susan
Orientation for students will only be what the institution puts into it. Our orientations are typically one (1) hour to one and a half hour (1 1/2). We go over "What to expect on the first day", "Meet and Greet" as well as changing the mindset of what they are about to accomplish. Most students say they are going to "School" when they talk to their friends, parents and peers, but we try on Orientation to change their way of thinking as to "They are not starting School on Monday, they are going to Work" When a student experiences multiple stressors in their life, they review what is going on and they try to reduce them by cutting something out. Most of the time it is School as they feel they have control of it. However, if they see School as Work, they will think twice about walking off the job.
