Sunday, August 25, 2013

Skip Orientation? No Way

It happens every August: a small number of students call our office and ask what's going to happen at Orientation and whether it's really necessary for them to attend.

I'm always okay with the first question, which is pretty understandable.   

But the second?  Asking if they have to attend their college orientation? 

Come on guys!

At Nassau, Orientation is where students' college experience begins to take shape.  It's where students meet other students, get a feel for the campus, catch a glimpse of college life, and go home with some tips about handling the first weeks of classes.

Orientation is also about learning to make connections--through classes, clubs, sports, campus services, community service projects, and other experiences that provide a sense of community and belonging.  Such connections matter: they play an important role in students' overall happiness and success in school.  They sometimes even lay the groundwork for life beyond Nassau. 

That's not all.  Orientation introduces students to the promise and possibilities of college.  Its message to students: "Here's your chance to see what the world is all about, to discover (or re-discover) yourself, to be whatever you want, and to pursue dreams and goals that once seemed out of reach."  Romantic notions?  Maybe.  But if people can't dream big in college, when can they?

All this happens at Orientation.

So if you're one of those people still wondering if it's okay to skip Orientation this week, the answer is NO.

See you there.

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