Orientation and first-week activities are crucial for fostering student retention by building connections, locating resources, and setting a welcoming tone. I think the best practices include creating opportunities for personal connections such as ice breakers, small group sessions, and faculty introductions, as well as offering sessions on academic support, counseling, financial aid, and career services to avoid overwhelming students.

Follow-ups, such as advisor check-ins and peer mentorship, help maintain engagement beyond the initial orientation. Engagement activities like campus tours, off-campus recreational activities and events, and other social gatherings can familiarize students with the campus and build camaraderie, while extended office hours ensure accessibility for logistical or financial concerns.

However, challenges remain, such as engaging students who don't participate in orientation and balancing the depth and of information to avoid resource overload and info dumping. Providing opportunities for feedback on experiences ensure that these programs continue to evolve to the needs of the students.