Taking the fear out of the unknown
It's very important to have faculity at orientation so the new students can put a face with the dept.
Take the fear out of meeting with a professor.
With a diverse group the students will see that the faculity is really just like them and if they come off in a positive attitude the students will become at ease.
If you show you care it will go a long way!
Jan--
This sounds wonderful! I believe the increased interaction is definitely due to the video. Have you thought about having them post one as well if they are interested in doing so? Might be a great way to get the class more connected with each other.
Susan
I teach online and sometimes my class is the first one for students who normally take classes at a campus. This quarter I tried something new by creating a brief welcome video that I posted on the home page so they could see what I look and sound like. The students seem to be a bit more open with me this quarter than in the past, so I'm not sure if the video is the reason but if so, it was definitely worth doing. I may try to create an entire series of videos for different timeframes throughout the class, covering specific issues that occur such as midterms, special assignment instructions, etc.
I agree with a majority of what you said. It is difficult for us to attain all the instructors for orientation so we bring in the program directors of each department instead. This way the students do put a face to the department and know who to direct questions towards.
At my school we have a program to kick off the first two days with a bang. This is where the students meet their instructor for the first time and they do activities in groups. Than when the students get to class for the first time we have other instructors contact them like a personnel faculty adviser if the student has any problems they can go to them and they will do their best to handle the issue.
Walter--
This is generally a great practice. We give the new students so much information at once during an orientation that much of it doesn't really sink in and they have additional questions once they get started. Do you do this already?
Susan
I feel it is good to have a follow up a day or two after orientation to pick up on any questions that may have come up with.
I have always had former students come to the classroom whenever they are in town or enjoying a day off. They add a "real life" element to the school and can really reinforce what you have been saying will happen upon graduation! Having them also help with orientation (if possible) sounds great--I wish I would've thought of it myself. Anytime you can add some belief/faith in your school and training you will greatly improve student attitude and performance.
I have always thought having a "team" of current or former students is a great way to take the fear out of the orientation.
A group of students who welcome, greet, and maybe assist with paperwork can help the first day seem less intimidating, ( and allow for sharing of experiences from other students).
