Orientation Programs
Your first glimpse into the university experience
Your applications are complete, you've picked a school, and you even have the sticker for your new school on your car bumper. You may be a bit nervous about this next phase in your life because there is a lot more to learn before the first day of classes. Most schools have implemented new student orientation programs to help you learn more about the school and to help you adjust to your new environment.Although most schools have an orientation program, the type of program will vary. All programs are designed to make the transition between high school and college as smooth as possible for students. You should receive information about your school's orientation after you have committed to attending.
Most schools have an orientation scheduled in the summer or just a few days before courses begin. The goal of these programs is to not only give students a glimpse of what life will be like, but also to articulate academic expectations, civil responsibility, and appropriate behavior. Another important goal is to create a connection among new students to the university and among the class through team building and community development.
Orientation programs connect you with as many aspects of academic, residential, and student life as possible. Most likely, you meet with your academic advisor, discuss an academic plan, and register for classes. You may meet with faculty members through a panel discussion or during other events. You will have a chance to eat at least one meal in the cafeteria and stay in a residence hall to get a feel for residence life. There will be small group discussions with upper classmen where you can ask questions and where everyone can share their experiences.;
By the end of your program, you should have a better understanding of your new community and should be excited to start school.
After graduating from the University of Dayton in 2000, Ann Bezbatchenko worked as an editor for SRA/McGraw-Hill Companies. She returned to school to obtain a master's degree from The Catholic University of America, where she worked as the Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions for CUA. Ann currently works at Loyola University Chicago's Graduate School of Business as the Director of Admissions.
Share this page:
