I believe it is VERY important for instructors to participate in orientation, not just administration. That way, they are all introduced and any question can be geared and answered by both.
Joseph--
So, I gather from your comments that none of the information that Admissions is collecting makes it to your hands...potential barriers, goals, etc. That is unfortunate since Admissions already has identified those things and it would make you much more effective if you knew and didn't have to start from scratch.
Susan
We hand out schedules following orientation and that is the first time we as Academic Advisors' meet the student. They have been told all the things admissions tell them and now the work sets in. We don't know why they deceided on our program, just a number. We get their inspiration going with our introduction as this must last 2 years at least.
Joseph--
I'm assuming based on your comment that this happens after orientation. Is there a consistent effort among the faculty at your institution to 'reconnect' them to the school and career preparation?
Susan
Maureen we have a limited involvement as our school wishes to be politically correct and cover all bases for our accredidation. The faculty have to eventually make up for what was left out. Faculty has to take the student as is when they finish at orientation and bring the school's focus back on the student. The students then feel as if they made the right choice for them.
Wesley--
Faculty involvement in orientation, as you point out, is important. It really makes the 'hand off' from Admissions to faculty a smooth one if students have the opportunity to begin building relationships prior to actually starting classes. Faculty can also set the stage for classroom expectations and get them excited about the career opportunities as well.
Susan
We have an orientation but the faculty do not get much of a chance to say anything, we are merely introduced. I would personally like some more "air" time at the orientation.
Maureen--
In this forum (last question on the forum page) there are excellent suggestions regarding this. Several of the schools have faculty actively involved and interacting with students. I'm sure they would be happy to share their tactics with you.
Susan
