Our orientations are held afternoons and evenings because we offer day and night classes. The department heads and owner of the school are there and answer questions and talk about the school and programs. Light refreshments are provided. Students are also invited to check out the classrooms.
I don't conduct the orientation. The reps bring the new students through the shop and introduce them to us during their initial tour. I greet them, introduce myself, and try to make them feel welcome. I teach one of the last phases, so I don't have them in class until near the end, but I tell them that I will be one of the instructors who will help them if they need remediation time and to be sure to ask questions when they have them.
The recruitment office/counselors handles the orientation for the most part, but as an instructor, I begin the phase by explaining what is expected of the student, how they can achieve success, and what help is available if they are struggling. I try to make them feel welcome and feel like they can be successful with the proper effort.
Currently the orientation has the various faculty members present to give overviews of their experience.
Student Services provides information in a positive and proactive manner inviting students to come see them if they need any assistance.
Amanda,
Wonderful idea! I am sure this is helpful in many ways.
Susan Backofen
Brandon,
I really like having students do this for the incoming class. I think it helps everyone. New students see they can overcome their fears and it reinforces to the existing students how far they have come!
Susan Backofen
We incorporate existing students into our orientation. These students are encouraged to share the fears they had upon enrolling into school and how they overcame those fears.
I introduce them to current student that had similar fears.
One of the things we've started doing even prior to the official orientation is scheduling the new student to come in and observe a key course in their program. This allows them to interact with current students and get a feel for what they can expect when classes officially start. Since implementing this, we've had a much better attendance rate!
eddy,
Excellent! Keeping them focused on the 'end goal' is important and reinforces their decision.
Susan Backofen
Michele,
this sounds like a wonderful agenda~! Do students really visit career and student services daily?
Susan Backofen
We have a lively interactive presentation that showcases the school success in assisting the graduates with job opportunities in their chosen field.
During our orientation, everyone is involved from Admissions to Career Services. Each department speaks about what they do and how they will help them. Career Services and Student Services tells the students to visit them daily so they can get to know the student better especially when it comes to job searching assistance. I also have our ambassadors speak about the program and how they can assist the new students from touring the campus to arranging study groups. Of course, each faculty member is required to attend orientation and give a short speech about who they are and what they teach.
Lisa,
I really like your format of having students come and speak to the new students about what to expect and tips for success!
Susan Backofen
We currently provide many sources for tutoring and study aids. We have also had other students come and speak with the new classes on what can be expected and what things have helped them to be successful. It really never occured to me that they would be concerned about fitting in and being compared to other classmates and I plan on addressing these in future orientations.
Mary,
Excellent! It is great that you take the time necessary to do this.
Susan Backofen
When addressing students fears, I like to sit down with the student to ask what fears are they facing in finding a job? or class studies? or what the matter maybe related to school. After listening to the student, I show them the bigger picture of what succes can look like with resources to acheive their succes. In my eyes students want to be heard and listened too and knowing they are going to get information to help them. This makes our students are always feel good.
Sheila,
I agree with the current students speaking to the incoming class...there is nothing better than a testimonial!
Susan Backofen
"Get to know you" activities will always make students feel comfortable in new learning environments.
One of the most helpful and successful activiites is to have our student leaders present to welcome new students and talk with them about their own experience at our school.
In addition, a member from each department is available at orientation so students can put names with faces and there is a corresponding handout for each department in the orientation packet that clearly outlines office locations and hours of availability.
