While institutions across the nation continue to finalize their Fall opening plans, many of them have opted-in for a virtual orientation program. About a year ago, I shared a blog post on what I remembered about orientation as a low-income, first-generation student. Though orientation is understood as an opportunity for newly admitted students to learn more about their campus, I reflected on the lasting memories I had during my orientation that made me feel unprepared and unwelcomed.
Though many students will be having this orientation experience virtually, it is important to consider how these virtual programs may be an incoming student’s first experience at an institution. Every effort should be taken in order to ensure that these programs are welcoming. For the past few weeks, I have participated in dozens of virtual programming – some social for an opportunity to learn more about colleagues, some informative to learn about data trends or resources that effect the work that I engage in, and some that are interactive ranging from having 15-20 participants to over 200. I have also spoken to friends in different industries about their experiences working in virtual settings. Through these conversations and experiences, I considered what colleges and universities can do to make sure these types of programs are inclusive. Here are some suggestions:
I’m sure there are many other things we can do to create more inclusive and effective programs to engage incoming first-year students. However, these are some tangible, easy steps institutions can take to ensure that what they have planned in the upcoming weeks is not off-putting to their students.
Dr. Andrew Martinez is a research associate and visiting scholar for the Center for Minority Serving Institutions at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. You can follow him on Twitter @Drewtle.
