On day one I always arrive earlier than normal, about a half hour to forty-five minutes. This additional time allows me to get myself situated since I am returning from vacation. This occurrence happens every three months. I then take the time to study and try to remember the new students names so that when they come into the class I will at least know the name and then I can attach a face to the name. For the students with unusual names I will ask how to pronounce it so I get it correctly. I employ an old memory trick which is to repeat it to myself three times. Generally this commits it to my memory. Many years ago I attended a Dale Carnegie course on human relations and public speaking. The instructor said something which has stuck with me ever since. He said "your name is the sweetest sound you will ever hear". Keeping that in mind I want to get the pronunciation right which I believe demonstrates that I care about them as an individual and not just another warm body to fill the chair. At the appointed time I stand in the doorway and greet the returning students and newbies. I keep it rather informal but do introduce myself as Mister. I feel this is important because I am not their peer and I am attempting to earn their respect right out of the gate. Next the newbies are separated from the continuing students so we can conduct our department orientation. They get a general orientation approximately one week before entry and this provides them specifics about what we do, how we do it and why. During this time I will also inject light humor. I read one time that this is an absolute no no but I find that it lightens the tension and relaxes them. I'd be interested in seeing how others conduct their first day of class as a comparison.