Freshman Orientation

Since my school is on the quarter system, we will begin classes on Monday, September 18. That means that yesterday and today I have been involved with “Centralia College 101”, our orientation for new students.

Because community colleges frequently have students entering at more than one point in the year, finding a way to help new students feel a part of the campus community has always been problematic. At my campus we have a two day class that runs from 8:30 am to 3:00 each day. The time is spent with a major speaker, workshops and time with a smaller “team.” Faculty can participate in a number of ways, as team leaders or as presenters in workshops, for example. The decision to be involved is always difficult because it means I lose significant planning time, but once again, I am thrilled to be participating.

I am a paired with a continuing student, and together we meet with our “team” of about 15 students at four different points during the two day class. I’ve had a chance to get to know this small group in a way that is different from my classroom interactions. These connections with others in the group seem to be pivotal in helping students feel like they belong on campus, that they have people they know already on the first day, and that they have at least one on campus resource (me) who can help them with questions.