Luke,
This sounds wonderful....and certainly reinforces the importance of that individual touch. You just never know the little things we say and do that make a huge difference for people.
Susan Backofen
At my institution, it is required for all the instructors to tour the campus with a group of incoming students to give them the 'nickel tour'. When this was first mandated, I'll be honest, I groaned. Much later (graduation for that class actually) I was approached by a student whom I never had in a class and she thanked me for the initial tour. "It helped me find my way around, and gave me the opportunity to talk with some of the current students in the hallways." I never realized how much it meant to this one person for me to take literally 10 minutes out of my day to walk in a circle. Since then, we instructors have had games, small scavenger hunts and the best one- tell a joke in 2 or 3 parts and have the students find the remaining parts with other instructors. The students love it and we do make a huge impact on their decision to come to that first day, and stay till the last.
Dennis,
Sounds like you have a wonderful structure for orientation and follow up. Great job!
Susan Backofen
Hi Susan,
I would say the Faculty has the most interaction with students during orientation. Since i teach a course several week into the curriculum i generally am unable to attend orientation as i am still a working professional when not teaching.
I do find the RT course very helpful in my teaching experience as it really helps me recognize student needs from their prospective.
Lee Grimes
The Program Director's have breakout sesions. These are very important as the student establishes a "go to" person for anything specific to their program. This can be invaluable as the student:1.knows they have a specific person to take issues to(reduces confusion);2.establishes a direct connection to the college that reduces anxiety;3.specific "one-to-one" confidential items can be discussed and addressed before classes start and ongoing. It also allows the Program Director to ID any specifics that may be "red flags" as the program director is the most knowledgable(or should be) person in the student's chosen priogram.
Katie,
Sounds wonderful! I agreed that including some of the support services would also be a good addition.
Susan Backofen
Mary,
Great! I think it is so important for new students to meet their instructors and have a clear expectation.
Susan Backofen
At our Orientations we have the Teacher who will teach the class present, the other Campus Manager and current students. Our FA dept and Student Services are not at the Campus, they are not part of the orientation, but it may be a good time to get them to come and have some Face to Face time with the students they will be supporting. We have the teacher of the class talk about their credentials and experience and we have the managers of the Campus talk about their way to support. Finally, current students come and talk aboout their successes in school.
The Faculty has the most contact with students. Faculty members take turns appearing at orientation. We talk about our class, our expectations, what to expect in our classrooms.We bring them into our rooms so they know where they are, and we give a short talk about what is in the room and what type of things we use it for.
Ward,
I really like the idea of meeting with the students in small groups to discuss your functions. That allows for a more personal discussion and an opportunity for increased interaction.
Susan Backofen
Sally,
Wonderful that so many people participate in your orientation programs! That sends a wonderful, supportive message to your new students.
Susan Backofen
We involve every single department. The bursar, the registrar, Career services, the Chefs, The Engineer, Purchasing, the receptionists, The library, the list is everyone. We each meet with the new students in small rotating goups and explain our functions and what we can do to help them. We also explain the best road to success. We give them the tools to do the job.
All of our program chairs, DOE, President, Career Services, Technology specialist, Librarian, Registrar, and Clinical Coordinators for all programs show up at the orientation. They each get a brief overview. After this mod I like the idea of the interactivity of a scavenger hunt for orientation. It would make it more "lively" instead of passive.
Dewayne,
It certainly shows the students that everyone is there to support them...and that we are a team, there for their success.
Susan Backofen
Amy,
Sounds like a great format. Do you have specific milestones built in the clock hour tracking?
Susan Backofen
Our school's Education Department(Faculty)has the most interaction with students; during orientation we are asked to line up in fron of the classroom and introduce ourselves and what courses we teach to the incomng students.
I think that by incorporating all of the department heads into the orientation process would have a significant impact on the students and their perception of the institution.
Career Services is an important part of our orientation an the administrator does their part by working with each individual through their "clocking hours" process which officially gives them ownershipof their new chosen career.
Lee,
It is impressive that you also include the librarian and registrar...kudos!
Susan Backofen
Melissa,
Do you use some type of activity to encourage them to become familiar with these individuals and areas?
Susan Backofen
