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Zillah High School Senior Guidance Website |
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Colleges provide an extraordinary amount of information at orientation. Everything from meal plans to financial issues to dorm rooms to campus safety will be discussed. Students (and sometimes parents also attend orientations) will learn of college regulations, and have the opportunity to meet administrators, advisors and perhaps even faculty. Wondering how necessary it is to have a computer or its configurement for college? Pondering whether your student should have a car on campus? Thinking about getting a microwave and mini-fridge for the dorm room? During orientation, not only can you get answers to your many questions from the experts, you also can get a feel for the environment in which your child will be living.
College orientation can be somewhat overwhelming for incoming students. New faces, new places, new requirements, and a bewildering language of college bureaucracy, syllabi, etc. Financial aid issues are frequently raised at orientation also. You will learn if forms need to be filed and which forms those are, when funds will arrive, and what to do if you have a short-term cash shortfall.
College orientation sessions are important because they help entering students learn about the culture and expectations of an institution and the many programs it offers. Orientation is a time for a student and his or her family to take a personal journey into a new life.
Orientations are very intentionally developed. They bring all sorts of information to the students, and offer conversations to instill the information. Colleges throughout the country are constantly seeking new ways to engage incoming freshmen to encourage familiarity with the school as well as to get to know other classmates and make friends. Most schools also post orientation activities on their Web sites. If you already know what college you'll attend this fall, take time to check out your school's orientation.
College officials are increasingly grappling with how to incorporate technology in orientation, as well as dealing with hovering parents and making sure students feel they are a fit with a university. Technology has changed how colleges do orientation and how we communicate in everything from simple Web-based interfaces to podcasts.
While most students hope their orientation will be a success, not all orientation sessions may be unique or exciting. Students who feel bored or uneasy with an orientation should ask themselves whether they just had a bad day or whether the school really isn't a good fit. If you feel that you aren't getting the information you need, talk to a peer student or someone in academic life. Take the initiative and say, 'I want to know more.'
In the end, remember that orientation lasts a short period of time when compared to how long you'll be at school. It probably won't be a harbinger for your entire four years at college, whether the orientation is positive or not. The most important things are to get familiar with your surroundings, meet some new people and kick off a fabulous college career.
How to Make Your College Orientation Experience a Success
Take your parents. At many colleges, parents are welcome to attend orientation with the student. Attending orientation will give your parents vital information as well as lessen their anxieties about letting you live away from home. College orientation can help ease a parent’s transition as well as your own.
Take placement exams. Many times colleges will offer placement exams (free exams to help determine what level classes you should be starting) during orientation. You may be able to save money on expensive classes by gaining credit through exams. It is definitely a worthwhile investment.
Meet as many people as you can. You will be attending orientation with several new students who are going through the exact same thing you are. This is your chance to make several good friends to hang out with when the school year starts.
Talk to older students and professors. These people are valuable sources of information. Ask them all of your questions. They will generally give you very honest answers.
Become familiar with the campus. This is the place where you will most likely be spending several years of your life. Take the time you have at orientation to become familiar with all of the buildings, restaurants, and stores. By doing this you won’t be lost the first few weeks of school.
Visit the financial aid office. Use some of your free time to visit the financial aid office, explore scholarship and employment opportunities and make sure that all of your financial aid records are correct.
Visit the Housing and Dining Services office. Check out room assignments, meal plans and ask questions. Perhaps even go and measure your room or a similar room in your assigned dorm.
Talk to an advisor. College advisors are there to help you…so let them! Always talk to an advisor before you schedule your classes to make sure that you are making the right decisions. They will make the whole enrollment process just a little bit easier. Examine a few sample programs offered
Check with the colleges you will attend regarding their orientation program. Whatever they call it, when ever they do it.......Don't miss it! |