Arnitra,
Great idea! Having students assist with retention efforts and keeping them informed and involved is extremely effective.
Susan Backofen
The student services personel, resource center personel,local employment specialists and some of the education management team are all involved during orientation. Each department highlights certain aspects of how they will be involved in the students educational journey.
I'm an instructor. We interact with our students everyday. I would say besides being responsible for the students education, we're also responsible for the student experience here. How we interact with the students will resonate with how they feel about the institution, and their decision to attend here.
Instructors play a big role in orientation. Students are able to meet program directors and other faculty, so students are able to know what is expected of them during their program and ask any questions they may have. Also it's a great way to start relationships between faculty and students well before class starts.
The education department have the most interaction with students.
Our orientations begin with a quick & simple, fun, hands-on demonstration of a skill that will be learned in class. Removing gloves with shaving cream on them, trying not to get shaving cream on your skin is an example.
The students realize we make learning fun and the skills and knowledge taught isn't "out of their reach".
Apart from admissions, the students are most familiar with the Financial Aid Department, prior to orientation. We usually have our FA director come in and greet the students, and just reassure them that they are available to answer any questions, or help pinpoint the appropriate person to answer any questions. Sometimes, just seeing a familiar face helps.
The student advisory committee also interacts with the students on a continuous basis. We involve them by giving updates on student progress and they are allowed to speak with students to see how we can better assist them.
Angela,
Student Services is a very critical element, acting as a 'triage' point for referring students to the appropriate resources.
Susan Backofen
Our Student Services Department has the most interaction with the students during orientation. This is a good time where the students can get familiar with the campus and local community, as well as each other. Student Handbooks are distributed and the Resource Center is introduced during orientation as well.
I am an adjunct instructor at my campus and teach one class per term. It is my understanding that there is a student ambassador program and students that acquire a certain GPA are invited to participate and become spokespersons at orientation. The student that was sharing this information viewed as something positive she could put on her resume.
Student services- they keep students involved in campus activities and news around campus
The library is involved with all students tremendously through tutoring services, research help, how to log on and navigate through campus online services and just to any campus info that a student may need. So in my orientation class, I highly encourage them to get acquainted with our library services and staff and ask them questions about any aspect of our campus.
Student Services is a department that interacts with students frequently. When student have circumstances such as daycare issues, unable to pay rent , these are problems that can interfer with their progress and that maybe enough for the student to want to withdraw..however having the Student Service department available and easy to access can really help the student to overcome some of their obstacles. Our Student Services usually refer student to community resources that can assist them. I have taken the initiative to sit down and speak with our Student Service department to discuss what all is involved and the process...this make it easier for me to know where to direct my students when they need assistance.
The instructor have the most interaction with my students. I have them there to administer the orientation, answer questions and give a brief description of what they will be doing in class.
Our students are exposed to a variety of departments during the orientation process. Admissions, Career Services, Academics are all included in the general orientation. Then each program has "break-out" sessions with the program diretors to discuss the specifics of the program.
Other departments that have interactions with the students are financial aid, student affairs and job placement. These departments are important to ensure success for our students, since for example: job placement will train students and advise them as to resume writing, job opportunities or other skills important for their future success.
Each department is introduced during orientation. It is in a lecture format.. Then the new students are split into their program of study. I think reinforcing or offering a Q & A during the individual program of study orientation is a GREAT idea! I will also be trying the after orientation survey!
The faculty. Faculty can make or break a student. Faculty that are mediocre and do not hold students to a high standard will get the low standards in return. Students want to be challenged.
Dallan,
This sounds like a great format~!
Susan Backofen
Although all departments play an important role in helping students to be successful, the one department that has the most interaction with each student is the Academic department. This includes the Dean, Director, and all of the instructors. During orientation that get to meet the Dean, Director and instructors if available. They have contact with the Dean and Director prior to the orientation so having them at orientation provides the students with a familiar face.
