Positively Contributes to Efforts for Improved Student Retention and Persistence

At my institution, the New Student Orientation program is produced by the Student Engagement Team. The professional staff team is responsible for developing all aspects of the program and collaborating with institutional departments to facilitate each session. I have the pleasure of serving as a supporting advisor for the Orientation Team and the lead operations manager. This is an opportunity I eagerly wait for each year. In these positions, I advise one Orientation Intern, four Orientation Advisors, and 50 Orientation Leaders. Witnessing the personal and professional development of the team is incredibly fulfilling as an educator. This joy is coupled with successfully generating excitement among the incoming first-year students.

A vibrant New Student Orientation program is one of the most critical components of an institution’s present and future success. Student perception, sense-of-belonging, retention, and persistence are among the many factors influenced by the Orientation experience. An enriching program begins with the Orientation Team.

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I have the opportunity to work directly with the student team on a daily basis. My first priority is to engage with the student Orientation Advisors and Leaders. Connecting with them and ensuring that they are properly trained is necessary for them to productively lead new students. Concurrent with preparing the Orientation Team, my collaborations with campus partners and the community reflect the scope of the Orientation program. It is necessary to connect all stakeholders to develop a unified plan and experience.

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These efforts are critical to the success of the institution. From hiring a team in the winter, to training the staff in the spring, to executing every aspect of the schedule, each step contributes to a successful program. The institution's community then experiences short and long-term benefits.

• Budget Management

• Community Partnership Development

• Conflict Resolution

• Creative Problem Solving

• Data Tracking and Recording

• Training

New Student Orientation sews many of my interests and passions in education together. Each year, I have the opportunity to manage operations for the Orientation sessions, implement new and creative ideas, collaborate with the community, and advise the Orientation Team. Above all, I have the privilege of welcoming in the newest class of Nor’easters. Personal and professional satisfaction ensues. I am able to expand upon my operational skills and actively pursue my passion of engaging with students in multiple areas of the UNE community.