Having a graduate speak during the orientation. He or she talks about his/her experiences and the activities he/she was involved in while attending school.
During my class orientation I start off talking about fear. Fear of the unkown, fear of change, fear of failure, fear of everyone is smarter than me etc. Then I tell them about all my fears of when I was in culinary school on the first day. It starts a conversation and lots of head nodding. It helps to set them at ease and know how very normal it is.
Karen,
Excellent! I love the inclusion of the webcam so that students can put a face on people. The more interactive we can make orientations (virtual or otherwise), the better!
Susan Backofen
We are offering an online interactive orientation to our students. The activities we currently have in place are utilizing the web cam to show them how to access live lectures and also be able to put a "face" with our name and voice. We also walk them to the chat rooms and student lounge to advise that they can also ask questions to their peers and share how willing and helpful they are because they were once in that position. This allows students to become more comfortable with the layout and the fact that being new is okay.
Adrian,
Wonderful! Having faculty available for both formal and informal conversations is a great way to introduce students to the school and the academic environment.
Susan Backofen
What we have been doing is the faculty is also present at orientation to help them find classrooms, talk to their instructors, or just to ask them questions. Also the chef instructors cook and present a buffet to the new students for lunch.
During our orientations we emphasize to our incoming students that it is important for them to be financially, physically and emotionally ready for their career commitment. And all the staff at our school are ready to assist in any way possible to assist them with their future!
Richard,
Food is always a great idea! It provides a more relaxed atmosphere for interaction. Kudos that all your faculty are involved!
Susan Backofen
All of our faculty attend the new student orientations. we provide a mixer for the students to get to meet there instructors, me provide food to help break the ice so the new students feel at home and are more likely to benefit from the experience.
Susie,
Great! It is wonderful that you reach out and connect with the students prior to the start of class.
Susan Backofen
I am teaching when we have orientation but I always send out an email to my students after orientation. I introduce myself, and let them know we'll work hard, learn a lot and have fun. I tell them that I am excited to meet them. This friendly email gives them clues that their first instructor will be friendly and caring.
Edwin,
Great point. Letting students know they are not alone and others have successfully navigated the road they are currently taking is extremely helpful and encouraging.
Susan Backofen
I tend to bring up the numerous similiarities between student. To show them that they are not alone - they are all in the same boat.
I also tell them that I was sitting in that same seat just a short time ago, and that if I do my job well then they will be that much ahead of the curve - attaining hieghts in the industry in half the time it took me.
I also run them through the process that they will be graded on, as-well-as the required assignments with great care. This reduces their ability to misunderstand what is required of them.
I typically spell out my expectations as well as read my committment statement on the first day, so the students know i am there to support and guide them through the class. I also make it a habit to memorize each students name the first day.....I make memorization game of it and the students get a kick out of it. it says to them that i am making the effort to see them as individuals and reinforces my committment to their positive academic experience
Playing games to get students use to each other
Marni,
I think this is an excellent idea....especially having it as a required first course (prior to beginning the official program). There are a multitude of wonderful opportunities in this format!
Susan Backofen
I am in the process of re-designing our school's Student Success course, which is one of the first two courses our students take. This course is designed to prepare students for the academic, social and emotional rigors associated with returning to school while juggling adult responsibilities (most of our students are adult learners).
Currently, Student Success doesn't directly address student fears that much, which is why I am re-designing it. My plan to tackle these fears, though, is to integrate the orientation process our school already has in place within the course itself.
Prior to starting our program, students have one-on-one orientations with their Student Support Specialist (who remains with them throughout the program). This orientation often takes two hours because many of our students are not computer-literate even though the program is online. They are afraid of technology and their fears often cause them to forget what they have learned in these orientations. Additionally, we have a live group orientation just after the start of the program. This orientation pretty much reiterates the one-on-one orientation. On top of this, Student Success week one covers the same information. Quite redundant and overwhelming all at the same time, right?
It is my plan to have Student Success serve as the orientation course. It would be a required course that must be passed prior to officially beginning "the program" courses. While an instructor would facilitate learning, grade, conduct lectures and workshops, etc., Student Support Specialists would assist students in understanding and completing the course content to a point. There would be no more one-on-one or live group orientations. Instead, this one "Orientation for Student Success" course would immerse students in all aspects of online learning, time management and goal-setting techniques, and other tools they need to be successful in school and in life. They would not be overwhelmed by so many orientations and being "passed around" by so many people. Instead, as a team, the instructor and support specialist would more smoothly guide the student into being a part of our school.
Daisy,
Do any faculty attend the orientation?
On the open houses, I love that you provide an example of what will be done in class.
Susan Backofen
Orientation is done by our student Services department and there's not much activities done.
Our orientations are held during my teaching hours so I don't have any activities scheduled for them. Although we hold open house events for new and prospective students. I usually talk about my background, goals for my students, and the subject I teach. I also include a quick demo then allow each guest to participate and ask questions.
