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Getting Acquainted: ; Orientation Helps Freshmen Ease the Transition From High School to College

Posted on: Monday, 12 September 2005, 21:00 CDT

For FlipSide Saturday

The transition from high school to college can be a tough process. From tackling the demanding curriculum to becoming accustomed to campus life, acclimating to the flow of college can be quite strenuous. Both in and out of the classroom, freshmen unavoidably run into some obstacles that are not easy to overcome alone.

College newbies need not worry, though. Most colleges across the country offer some sort of freshman orientation, which is held anywhere from a few days to a few months prior to the start of classes. Orientation typically consists of a series of programs to help freshmen better adjust to college life.

At the University of Charleston, each orientation has a theme. This year, it was "The Ride of Your Life." Student affairs staff member Martia Brawner spearheaded the organization of the event.

"This year was filled with overwhelming excitement, new faces and a variety of opportunities for students," she said.

Throughout UC's orientation, freshmen learn about the services and opportunities available to them. They also get to meet new friends, their faculty mentors and instructors and other students who are enrolled in similar courses.

Peer educators run UC's orientation. They are a group of upperclassmen who are trained to co-teach the University 101/102 classes (which help freshmen further adapt to college life) with the freshmen mentors. Peer educators are as much big brothers and sisters to the freshmen as they are sources of information and guidance.

Junior Michael Cary is ecstatic about the peer educator position he holds. "As a second year PE, I enjoy instilling in freshmen the vital awareness they need to make their initial year of college a success," the Charleston native said. "Building meaningful relationships is a key ingredient for retention, so I also make sure that I spend a generous amount of time outside of the classroom with freshmen."

In the University 101/102 classes, freshmen are taught the basics of the University of Charleston's curriculum and how to take full advantage of its opportunities. University 101/102 classes are organized by what UC calls Living-Learning Communities, where students are grouped together by their academic divisions in order to promote a collegial learning atmosphere for freshmen in the same field of study.

In fact, for freshmen who reside on campus, the University of Charleston places them on a particular floor with peers who share their major. Under this living condition, they can more easily access other freshmen who take the same or similar classes.

Freshman Kyle O'Connell of Toledo, Ohio, strongly approves of this format. "If I reach a point in which I need assistance on homework or projects, all I have to do is walk out of my dorm room and my hallway is filled with options," he said. "I mean, almost everyone in my hallway has the same classes as I do!"

So, for high school students planning on attending college, know that adjusting to college life will have its inevitable obstacles, but also know that with freshman orientation and other programs, you have nothing to fear. When researching colleges, be sure to look into what types of programs each institution offers to help freshmen more easily find their comfort zone.

Source: Charleston Gazette, The

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