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In this presentation, Heather Speed and Dr. Trisha Van Duser from Texas Woman's University explore the evolution of student orientation. They outline a streamlined 3-step orientation process that combines Academic Planning and Registration, a community-focused Pioneer Camp, and the UNIV 1011 course—all designed to enhance the incoming freshman experience. The presentation highlights key personnel roles, improved communication strategies, and the collaborative efforts involved in fostering student engagement and retention, ultimately resulting in increased enrollment and satisfaction.
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A Seamless Approach to Orientation Presented by: Heather Speed, Director Dr. Trisha Van Duser, Assistant Director Center for Student Development Texas Woman’s University
Presentation Outline • History of Texas Woman’s University (TWU) & Orientation • 3 Step Orientation Process • Key Personnel • Roles & Responsibilities • Building a Team • Seamless Approach
Texas Woman’s University • Locations: Denton, Dallas (2) & Houston • 9,713 students • Male population – 9% • 1,330 residential students • 35.4% minority population • Incoming freshman class – 625 students • Average age – 31 years • Student to faculty ratio – 13:1 • Average class size – 25 students • From the Fall 2003 Fact Sheet
The Effect of TWU’s History on Orientation • Enrollment was very high • Began as a Student Life event • Minimal campus wide buy-in to the program • Enrollment began to decline Fall 1995 • TWU as a university revised its mission and vision • More campus wide buy-in to the program • Communication began to develop between departments • Technological advances • Increased communication between TWU and students
Orientation - Past • 2 day overnight program • Technology limited to telephone registration only • Inconvenient and time consuming • No communication management process or accountability • No one present to troubleshoot problems with registration • Result: Delayed registration for most students, timely registration process, and parent/student dissatisfaction
Orientation – Present • 3 step process: • Academic Planning & Registration (APR) • Pioneer Camp • UNIV 1011
Academic Planning & Registration (APR) • 2 day program designed to introduce students and parents to the unique educational experience that TWU has to offer • Meet with faculty & staff to discuss academic programs and student services • Take placement tests, meet with an academic adviser, register for classes via the Pioneer Portal system • Average time to register for classes is less than 1 minute
Pioneer Camp • Community-based orientation (no additional cost) • 4 day program where students are given the opportunity to explore our hidden treasures that enable them to have a successful college experience • Before the first day of class, students will have met new classmates, participated in fun activities, and be comfortable with the campus climate.
UNIV 1011 • One hour credit bearing course • Designed to equip students with the knowledge and tools they’ll need to make a successful transition to college level learning • Gain an understanding of effective learning strategies, personal abilities, interests and values, and their cumulative impact on educational success.
Admissions Student Records Bursar Academic Advising Key Faculty ITS/ISS Registrar Student Life Academic Affairs Key Personnel
Roles & Responsibilities • Admissions • Communication Management • Student Records • Involved in planning & troubleshooting • Bursar • Involved in registration process & notification of fees due; on site bill explanation • Academic Advising • Involved in planning & facilitation
Roles & Responsibilities • Faculty • Advising • ITS/ISS • Built system for communication management • Enabled web registration • Hands on demonstrations at APR • Technical support during registration • Registrar • Involved in planning & troubleshooting • Closed class issues
Roles & Responsibilities • Student Life • CSD responsible overall for implementation and facilitation of orientation and its success • Support and guidance • Academic Affairs • Support from academic side/faculty • Timely response to closed class issues
Building A Team • Began with a charge from the President to increase enrollment • New vision of TWU’s enrollment management process • Orientation committee formed to include individuals outside of Student Life • Communicate needs to academic departments • Explore new options for registration and communication management as a whole • More accountability among entire university rather than on Student Life alone
Seamless Approach • 3 Step Process • Well organized APR program • No one left behind in 2nd step – Pioneer Camp • All encouraged to register for UNIV 1011 • Communication Management • Better communication within departments • Better communication with potential students • True spirit of helpfulness
Seamless Approach • ITS/ISS • Web-based registration • Online orientation registration • Hands on • Accountability • Ultimately the entire university held responsible for success of program • Results in increased enrollment and higher retention rate • Physical presence • Actually being present during the process to take care of problems in a timely and effective manner
Orientation - Future • Virtual Orientation • Adding academic components to our communication management process • Adding a track exclusively for parents to our communication management process