Colleges across the country are facing the lasting effects of the COVID-19 shutdowns, which disrupted traditional in-person learning and important social development milestones for students. The transition to college life has become more challenging, with many incoming students feeling anxious about forming social connections on campus.
To address this issue, colleges and universities are revamping their freshman orientation programs to provide more options and support for students to build relationships. For example, the University of Colorado at Boulder is offering three unique orientation choices for new students this summer. Options include virtual Zoom calls to meet classmates, on-campus family days to learn about university traditions, and an immersive program called ‘Camp Chip’ where students stay on campus for two nights to bond with peers and explore campus life.
Prior to the pandemic, orientation programs were primarily online with an in-person “welcome week” before classes started. However, the current climate has shifted the focus to enhancing student connection experiences, according to Joe Thomas, president of the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education (NODA).
Orientation is crucial as it sets the tone for students’ sense of belonging and their likelihood of staying in college, especially for first-generation and transfer students. Katie Murray, director of new student and family programs at Towson University, emphasizes that a positive orientation experience is essential for student retention.
Embracing Flexibility
Many institutions are still experimenting with different orientation formats to determine what works best for their students. Online components have become a staple in orientation programs post-pandemic, focusing on essential tasks like class registration and academic advisement. This shift has also led to an increase in mandatory training topics, such as anti-hazing legislation.
After completing online modules, students typically engage in in-person or virtual sessions to connect with peers before the start of classes. Towson University, for example, combines online modules with a one-day summer session and a four-day pre-semester program to spread information over time and promote social interaction among students.
Creating diverse orientation options helps colleges understand the needs of their student population. At the University of Colorado at Boulder, virtual sessions are available for out-of-state students who cannot visit campus. The goal is to cater to all students and ensure accessibility to orientation programs.
Adapting Social Skills
The pandemic has transformed students’ social behaviors, affecting how colleges structure their orientation programs. Many students now have difficulty parting from their families and prefer to stay with parents during campus visits. Colleges are introducing more small-group activities to help students feel comfortable connecting with peers, focusing on low-risk, interest-based interactions.
Ohio State and San Jose State University have implemented group-based activities to foster relationships among students with common interests or backgrounds. By facilitating smaller, identity-driven gatherings, colleges aim to create a sense of community among new students.
Training for student leaders has also evolved to address the challenges brought about by the pandemic. Leaders now undergo extensive preparation to enhance their leadership skills, engagement strategies, and ability to support socially anxious students. Providing adequate support during orientation is crucial for student retention and overall campus success.
Colleges must prioritize offering comprehensive support and resources to ensure a positive orientation experience. In a competitive education landscape, institutions that invest in effective orientation programs are more likely to retain students and foster a sense of community on campus.
