Retention Principles For New Student Orientation Programs

Abstract

New student orientation programs are effective retention strategies. It is important, however, that directors remember the basic tenets to ensure that success. This article reviews the need for a balanced program and suggests ways to develop student responsibility, to make the program attractive to students, to utilize faculty and staff members effectively, and to select and train student orientation leaders well. Observations on how to best utilize campus constituencies to provide a strong program for freshman, transfers, and for parents will be highlighted.

Keywords

• testing
• registration
• enrollment
• goals
• retention
• student-institution fit
• balance
• student responsibility
• value
• orientation leaders
• parents