IN THE HEART OF STUDENT AFFAIRS:NDSU’S ORIENTATION PROCESS

By: Jessica Soucy Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Birmingham

English 467: English Studies Capstone Experience

Images credit: NDSU University Relations

Overview

Project Description Rationale – Why is this important?

Why can an English major do this? Goals Background Information

Methods Data

Importance of Orientation Development of NDSU’s Program

Conclusion

Project Description

Rationale COAR Team 2013 and role within orientation

Goals Explore and understand recent trends

English Majors and Student Affairs?

Research skills Managing large projects Ability to write in a variety of genres

Student Affairs

“A body of knowledge, professional literature, long-established professional philosophy, theoretical base, and set of

commonly recognized jobs and functions… focus[ing] on all things related to the

student and the student’s life in college but outside of the classroom”

(Helfgot)

NDSU Student Affairs

“The Division of Student Affairs at North Dakota State University embraces the mission of the

university by providing services, programs, and resources to students in support of academic,

professional and personal growth.”

Current Situation

Changing atmosphere, being competitive Retention Recruitment

Being successful here How do we do that? What is driving this field?

Methodology

Data Collection Interviews with:

Director of Student Success Programs Laura Oster-Aaland Associate Director of Student Success Programs Jackie

Schluchter Learning Services and Orientation Coordinator Angela

Seewald-Marquardt Vice President of Student Affairs Prakash Mathew Director of Residence Life Rian Nostrum

Professional Organizations NODA – Association for Orientation, Transition, and

Retention CAS – Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher

Education

Standards for Orientation

According to CAS… Transition for new students Preparing them for opportunities and

responsibilities Initiating them into the culture Supporting family members

Value of Orientation

Unique to each institution Balance of needs

“Orientation is where expectations meet realities” (Habley) Recruitment and Retention function

“Feel welcome, feel confident in this decision” Connection to the university, having a role “I would hope they are so excited” Family reassurance

History of NDSU’s Program

Family Program (early 1990s) Conference, Orientation, And Recruitment

(COAR) Team Two Day Program (until 2003)

Changes in students Residence hall tours New Student Summary Sheet

What is to come?

Works Cited

“CAS Standards.” NODA. CAS, 2008. 29 Nov. 2013.

Fabich, Mary Jo ed. Orientation Planning Manual. Flint: National Orientation Directors Association, 2004.

Helfgot, Steven R. "Core Values And Major Issues In Student Affairs Practice: What Really Matters?." New Directions For Community Colleges 2005.131 (2005): 5-18. EBSCO MegaFILE. Web. 3 Nov. 2013.