Everyone is represented at our Orientations. The directors of each department, Head Librarian, Student Services, Financial Aid, etc. We have an alumni and current student from each department also attending to answer questions after the Orientation during the informal time where we serve the snacks.
We involve all departments in orientation. Admissions greats them and takes them to our student lounge. There we have food and drinks. While they are in the lounge we have student services, academics, business office, career services, and current students in the room to greet and give information. After this, they are split into their programs where they meet with their program directors. They then come back together into a group where Career Services completes the orientation. From there Admissions, financial aid and academics makes sure there are no questions and if there are they are answered as quickly as possible.
The idea of having student ambassadors is great. I think its great to have the current students and new students interacting with each other. A lot of times students need that positive re-enforcement of their peers to stay on the right track.
The people that have the greatest interaction with students are the Faculty or Instructors. Financial Aid, Career Services, and the bookstore departments all have interaction with the students in conjunction with the admissions process. The instructors were recently asked to be more active by attending the orientation and giving general information about the programs. Some Admission representatives also give a tour and ask that instructor who are available tell the students about interesting learning activities they should anticipate if enrolled.
Having faculty present at the orientation, may also be an opportunity for students to see who will mentor and grow their careers while in school and ease the first class day jetters.
A lot of the other departments are involved with the students, such as financial aid, career services, and faculty/instructors. At orientation the financial aid and career services depts. come in and introduce themselves personally by telling students about who they are, where they're located, and what they assist with and expect from students. Unfortunately we have too many instructors to have them all attend orientation, but the program directors are always involved. Our orientation includes a break-out session where students sit with their specific program director and discuss questions, as well as goals and expectations they will encounter during their time as a student.
I always enjoy haveing the recrutiers bring the students around to meet me and our class.
Linda,
Great! Too often we just tell students the library facilities and resources are available, but don't walk them through how to use these.
Susan Backofen
Each department meets with their program director and instructors on orientation day. We discuss what fun things they will learn, activities they will get to do, etc. We also outline expectations regarding program policies. Students get to ask questions and interact with the instructors. We spend about 45 minutes together, then all students for each programs meet as a group where they are introducted to all the other departments.
Department heads and instructors have the most interaction with the students. I think that allowing small groups to have some Q&A time with the instructor will help the students feel better about the career path that they have entered into.
During orientation we try to have as many faculty members in attendance as possible. This way students will feel more comfortable and familiar when they then see the faculty when they begin classes.
I like the idea of also including current and former students as well.
Keegan,
It is wonderful that you include so many faculty. I agree, it helps the students feel more comfortable when they see them in classes. Great job!
Susan Backofen
Our President, Director of Education, Program Chairs, Student Services Advisors, and Career Services Advisors are all involved in the Orientation process. Also involved is the bookstore, Financial Aid, and Student Accounts offices as needed. Students must become familiar with all of these individuals/offices so that they are comfortable coming to the appropriate person when needed.
Academic Affairs--the entire team is introduced; Librarian, Student Services Manager and Registrar all give a brief introduction of their services to the students. Director of Education, or their designee gives an overview of the student handbook, classroom expectations and addresses an student concerns that might arise. Program Chairs split off with their students to give a more indepth explanation of what the students can expect from their program...
Our orientations require all students to visit all of the various school stations, such as career services, financial aid, school director and the appropriate course department head. This practice ensures that all of the potential questions, or non-start factors,are brought to the new student's attention.
Melissa,
Do you use some type of activity to encourage them to become familiar with these individuals and areas?
Susan Backofen
Lee,
It is impressive that you also include the librarian and registrar...kudos!
Susan Backofen
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.
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.
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.
