Revamped freshman orientation more parent friendly BY ADRIENNE FRANK
Photos by Jeff Watts
After learning about IDEAS (internationalism, diversity, ethics, action, and service), students attending freshman orientation created an art project reflective of AU's mission statement.
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This summer, the organizers of New Student Orientation unveiled a revamped program that better prepares freshmen and their families for life at AU. “This year, the sessions on academic transition, diversity, and AU’s values are getting great reviews because of their interactive formats and engaging subject matter,” said Gail Hanson, vice president of the Office of Campus Life. “These sessions accomplish the important objective of communicating the character of the AU community to incoming students.” According to Tiffany Sanchez, orientation director, changes to the program were based on feedback from past participants, including parents. “We take their comments seriously,” she said. “Good or bad, they’re very helpful.” Sanchez said the majority of the changes consisted of adjusting the schedule so students and their parents “will have more time to accomplish other tasks, whether it’s opening bank accounts or stopping by the Financial Aid office.” By moving the service and club fair to the second day of orientation, for example, students have more time to meet with academic advisors like Anne Kaiser of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Under the old system we didn’t give as much personal attention to students; there was just no time,” Kaiser said. “Now, about half the students come back after their group [advising] sessions and meet with me one-on-one. “And, of course, parents like that because they can put a name with a face. If there’s ever a problem, they can tell their child, ‘I remember your counselor. Go see her.’” 
All of the panels painted during the "Making Your Mark on AU" session will be taped together and displayed during opening convocation.
The five overnight orientation sessions were held on Monday and Tuesday, and Thursday and Friday through July 12. In the past, Saturday sessions “weren’t great for the staff and weren’t great for families since a lot of the campus offices were closed,” said Sanchez. The sessions, which included campus tours and seminars on everything from computer technology to AU’s rules and regulations, drew 1,000 freshman this summer, more than 80 percent of the incoming class. [top] |
