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Evolving Orientation Strategies in Higher Education
As academic institutions gear up for a new semester, the landscape of higher education is continuously adapting to meet the needs of students. Dr. Karnell McConnell-Black, president of the Association of Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education (NODA) and vice president for student life at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, offers insights into how campuses can enhance student retention and support amid these evolving circumstances.
Reimagining Student Onboarding
In the wake of the pandemic, colleges are reconsidering their approach to student orientation. Dr. McConnell-Black emphasizes the importance of diversifying onboarding experiences beyond traditional in-person programs. This shift takes into account various challenges faced by students, such as financial constraints for travel, the unique circumstances of international students, and the need for greater accessibility in orientation programs. The pandemic underscored the potential of technology to foster engagement, allowing institutions to safely and meaningfully connect with students.
Intentional Communication and Information Delivery
One notable change in orientation practices is the emphasis on intentional communication. Institutions have learned the value of providing students with crucial information well in advance of the academic term. By utilizing technology platforms to scaffold content, educators can deliver necessary information throughout the summer, allowing new students to digest information at a comfortable pace. This contrasts sharply with the previously overwhelming experience likened to “drinking from a firehose.”
Supporting Freshmen in Transition
In light of disruptions during the last academic year, colleges are actively working to ensure incoming first-year students are adequately prepared for college-level coursework. Many institutions have adopted comprehensive, year-long transition programs, which include first-year seminars and academic peer mentoring. Faculty collaboration also plays a key role in tailoring academic curricula to address the specific needs of this cohort, particularly in STEM fields, thereby enhancing academic support services.
Fostering Connections for Sophomores
Sophomore students, who missed key experiences on campus during their first year, are being proactively engaged in orientation activities. By welcoming sophomores to first-year orientation events, institutions aim to foster deeper peer connections and reintroduce them to campus traditions. Such initiatives are integral in cultivating a sense of belonging and institutional loyalty among these students.
Welcoming Deferred Students
Institutions are also mindful of students who deferred their enrollment. Just like first-year and sophomore students, these individuals are given opportunities to connect with peers and access essential academic resources. Continuous support and regular check-ins throughout the academic year are critical for helping these students navigate their new environment successfully.
Holistic Approaches to Retention
The past year has highlighted the significance of addressing holistic student development, particularly concerning mental health and overall well-being. Cross-departmental collaborations are becoming more common, helping institutions leverage data from admissions, technology, and marketing to enhance student support systems. Recognizing retention as a collective responsibility ensures that all departments contribute meaningfully to student success, including facilities and dining services.
Innovating Post-Pandemic Orientations
The shift to remote orientation during the pandemic has led to lasting innovations in how institutions approach onboarding. The use of digital tools to disseminate information has broadened access to essential resources, enabling a more layered and accommodating orientation experience. While in-person programs remain critical for community-building, institutions are exploring creative programming, such as outdoor events and centralized activities, to maintain campus vibrancy.
Adapting Orientation Staffing Structures
Amid these changes, orientation staffing and organizational structures are also evolving. Some institutions are reassessing where orientation programs fit within their operational hierarchy, with discussions about aligning these programs more closely with enrollment management. This realignment may foster a more strategic approach to meeting enrollment and retention objectives.
As higher education continues to adapt to new realities, the evolution of student orientation practices reflects a commitment to inclusivity, support, and responsiveness to the diverse needs of the student body.
Source
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