First Impressions

Hours: 8:00am - 12:00pm

Created time sheets for Orientation Leaders to log hours in both the Residence Life Office and Orientation Office. Trish, Bob, and I stuffed envelopes with transfer orientation materials. Met the NODA intern from Indiana University, Kim Kushner. We chatted a little bit about our programs and career aspirations/goals with stuffing envelopes. I sat in on a "make-up orientation" Bob conducted with two tansfer students. The first Orientation Leader (OL) came in to do some office hours, so she (Jordan) will be testing the time card/hour tracking system that is still forming.

We haven't really done a formal GA/intern training yet because Katie, the third intern hasn't started yet, so I feel a little lost around the office. I have confidence that my learning curve is steep, and that after the NYLEC conference on Monday of next week and the formal training scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday morning of next week, I'll start to feel much more settled in.

Transfer students have seperate needs that first year students. Part of the reason for putting a hold on their account for registration until they complete a mandatory orientation, even if it's only 30 minutes long, is twofold. (1) Seperate colleges have seperate systems for registering for and taking classes,as well as distinct cultures. Orientation serves as an introduction to the particular student services that are relevant to those students for meeting their individual needs. (2) Whether the students are pursuing a second bachelors degree or transferring institutions in pursuit of their first degree, it's important for them to make a personal connection with the new campus for the purposes of retention. Especially at BSC where students primarily commute - making an initial personal connection with campus is key.