Orientation Online: Introducing commencing students to university study. A Practice Report

Abstract

Adjusting to university and preparing for the first week of classes is a difficult process for many students entering higher education. Students often find they are overloaded with information during orientation week, which negatively impacts on their readiness for engaging with their studies. This practice report describes an evidence-based approach to information provision in the early period of transition to university study. By adopting an approach that makes information available earlier, and in a way that is easier to engage with, an online tool called Orientation Online was created. Feedback from students has been positive and, with careful ongoing maintenance, the tool provides a viable option for reducing confusion amongst commencing students.

Keywords

• orientation, online, first year experience, information, transition