“Nearly 200 students and over 300 parents from as close as Canton, Ga. and as far as Winter Haven, Florida took part in the University’s most recent Orientation weekend, and we are expecting another 150+ students and 300 more parents during orientation sessions in July,” said Dr. Walter May, assistant dean of students.
Excitement and Energy on Campus
Dr. Roger Lee, vice president for student affairs, emphasized that “New Student Orientation at Reinhardt University brings all the excitement and energy to our campus family. Entering students and parents connect with new friends as we all focus on new learning opportunities and exciting futures.”
Seeking Support Opportunities and Exploring Campus Life
Steven Vosika ‘15, coordinator of involvement and orientation, further described New Student Orientation (NSO) as “a comprehensive one of a kind experience for freshmen, transfer, and dual enrollment student populations which introduces them to their first real taste of life as an Eagle. Our diverse and passionate Orientation Leaders and Student Leaders from across campus help each incoming student to experience a stress-free transition to college through educational sessions on campus life, safety, academic success, and financial success on their path as an Eagle. This time allows for us to support incoming students with opportunities to explore campus life and for incoming students to build long-lasting personal relationship with other students.”
Orientation: SOAR and Eagle Bound
Orientation at Reinhardt University is a two-part process: SOAR and Eagle Bound. SOAR is a series of one-day sessions during June and July where students learn about studying and living at Reinhardt as well as getting advised and registering for their first semester classes. Eagle Bound is an action-packed two day experience for new students the weekend before fall classes start in August.
During SOAR, new students and their families spend the first part of the morning taking their Student ID pictures, learning about housing, signing up for post-office boxes, and meet one-on-one with a Financial Aid representative.
Following the welcome ceremony, students break off into small O-groups facilitated by a Reinhardt Orientation Leader to learn more about the college experience and how to find their niche at RU.
Vosika explained, “While in these small O-groups, students take part in interactive activities that energizing the group, initiating creative thinking, make the students feel comfortable and encouraged to seek involvement within the RU community.”
Bonding Experiences and Building Relationships
“One of my favorite parts about orientation is breaking off into our “O-groups” I like being able to get to know everyone through our ice breakers. The ice breakers help the group make connections and friends. It also helps the leaders get to know each student. Since the students are in their O-group for most of the day, it helps them get a better feel for the campus and also bond with the group” said Katie Purcell ‘17, orientation leader.
Following lunch, while students are finalizing their fall semester classes, Lee, along with Peggy Feehery, director of career services, and Derek Struchtemeyer, director of counseling, lead an interactive discussion with parents about the student experience. This session addresses issues facing today’s college students and suggest tips for how to best navigate the college transition. You’ll learn how to help your student know what to expect, avoid common pitfalls, and make the most of the resource and opportunity that RU has to offer.
To find out more about New Student Orientation, visit www.reinhardt.edu/orientation
