Student Engagement Series: Part One...Orientation

September is upon us and at institutions around the world. Particularly here in Canada, Orientation has become an increasingly important opportunity for post-secondary schools to welcome, inform, and prepare their new students. With regards to student engagement, a student's first-year experience is seen as one of the top three strategies for success (positive interactions with faculty and academic advising being the other two), according to Noel-Levitz research. Therefore, Orientation has become a key series of events that could have a significant effect on student success.

So what can be expected with Orientation programming for new students? It's more challenging than I would have guessed before becoming the Orientation Officer for Lakehead University. To be honest, I couldn't believe that a person could have a full- time job to help organize a week's worth of activities...and then I started doing it and gained a new found appreciation for the profession (yes, we are a profession -- the National Orientation Director's Association).

First of all, you need to develop your institution's strategy and philosophy towards welcoming new students. We strive to help make new students, plus their family and friends, feel comfortable (as according to Uncle Maslow's hierarchy of needs). By feeling comfortable, we hope that students will be better prepared for success in their academic career. It sounds simple, but the programming in place must be designed around achieving this goal.

Orientation programming differs from institution to institution. Some places have week-long events, while others last for only a day or two. Some are mandatory, while the majority of Orientations in Canada are recommended, but voluntary (this is another topic for another time). At Lakehead, our Orientation Working Committee decided that we wanted to ensure that there was a healthy balance between programming and downtime. We also make a conscious effort to start off with the social events and finish strong with the academic events, involving many different facets of campus. It is important to realize that successful Orientations should be supported campus wide.

Compared to 15 years ago, today's Orientation events have evolved to be alcohol-free, free of the discrimination that hazing or initiations would have subjected new students to, and have a heightened awareness of risk management, liability and safety. That being said, with most institutions starting their residence move-ins this weekend and classes starting next week, Orientation provides the opportunity for institutions to acclimatize their incoming first-year or transfer students to their culture. I intentionally don't use the word 'campus' in front of culture, because many of our students are studying at a distance -- another factor that has not always been a consideration.

Like I said, Orientation programming can be challenging, but it is also a very rewarding opportunity for everyone involved: students, family and friends, administrators and professors alike. Feel free to contact me, post your opinions or stories on the subject, or look forward to future student engagement blogs.

Brendan Hughes has been the New Student Orientation & Commuter Services Officer for Lakehead University's Thunder Bay, ON campus since June 2007. Partnering with the Lakehead University Student Union and Residence Life, the Orientation Office as a part of Lakehead's Student Affairs unit helps to coordinate campus wide welcoming of new students. A member of Lakehead University's Enrolment Management Committee, Brendan has a research interest in Student Engagement and best practices in Orientation. He can be reached at 807.766.7290, at orientation@lakeheadu.ca, or by visiting www.orientation.lakeheadu.ca