philosophy of unt's orientation program fall 2011

Advisor Training Fall 2011

The Philosophy of UNT’s Orientation Programs

Melissa McGuireOrientation and Transition Programs

October 14, 2011


Do you remember your orientation experience?


Background

• 96% of institutions have an orientation program.– Most are geared toward freshmen, but

increasingly transfers are required to attend.– Number of days:• 23.13% - 1 day program• 23.13% - 2 day program• 22.5% - 3+ day program


Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS)

• Orientation programs should:• Facilitate transition• Prepare students for educational opportunities

and student responsibilities• Initiate the integration of new students to the

intellectual, cultural, and social climate• Support parents and guardians


Theories that Guide Practice

• Theory of Student Departure (Tinto, 1975)

– Academic Integration• Identification with academic norms and values • Identification with one's role as a student

– Social Integration• Personal contacts/interactions

• Involvement Theory (Astin, 1993)


Theories Cont.

• Ultimately, the more students are academically and socially involved (integration), the more likely they are to persist and graduate.


Existing Research• Existing research on orientation:– Embedded within research on first-year

programs, seminars, or learning communities– Findings not widely disseminated– Impact on student outcomes rarely assessed

empirically– Few Empirical studies found:

• Orientation strongly influences expectations of college

• Orientation improves adjustment, rates of performance, retention, and graduation


Orientation Trends

• In the last 10 years, orientation programs:– Include more time geared toward testing,

advising, and learning about the academic culture.

– Utilize technology– Better reflect changing demographics (drive

ins, online, etc.)– Involve parent/family members


UNT Freshman Orientation• 3-day program (currently)– Key components:• Overnight stay on-campus• Small groups led by current UNT students• Organization Fair• Get Connected• Life on Campus Production• Advising

– Guidebook/College Advising– Departmental Advising

• Registration


UNT Transfer Orientation

• ½ day – 1 day program– Key components:• Advising• Registration


UNT Online Orientation

• BAAS programs in PACS and COI and transient students– Key components:• Traditions• Virtual resource fair• Financial Aid/Registration Information• Advising modules with text and videos

– Once through videos, students get advised through WIMBA or over phone.

• 100% on quizzes move students to next module


UNT Parent Orientation• Freshman Parent Orientation– 3-day program; runs concurrently with freshman

orientation.– Student and parent only together periodically. – Key components:

• Opportunity to connect with other parents and UNT staff and faculty

• Academic Dean Session• College Success Session• Life on Campus (attend with student)• Student Services Session


How We Measure Success

• Yield• Evaluative data*• Word of mouth


Methodology

• 36 item instrument (5-point Likert scale) • Distributed by Orientation Leader and

completed prior to check out• n=2427 • 61.5% response rate• Surveys scanned into SPSS for descriptive

analysis and non-parametric tests of significance


Respondents by School or CollegeSchool or College Frequency Valid %

College of Arts & Sciences 796 33.4

College of Business 306 12.8

College of Public Affairs & Community Service 110 4.6

College of Education 176 7.4

College of Engineering 235 9.9

College of Information 8 0.3

Mayborn School of Journalism 88 3.7

School of Merchandising & Hospitality Management 75 3.1

College of Music 165 6.9

College of Visual Arts & Design 175 7.3

Undergraduate Studies 249 10.4TOTAL 2383* 100

*44 did not respond to this question.


Overall Gender

1098, 45%

1329, 55%

MaleFemale


Overall EthnicityEthnic Group Number of

RespondentsValid %

African American 377 15.5

American Indian 42 1.7

Asian/Pacific Islander 145 6.0

Hispanic 528 21.8

Non-Resident 16 0.7

Other 6 0.2

White 1313 54.1

Total 2427 100


Overall FindingsStatement Mean Orientation helped me understand the importance of college. 4.12

I received valuable academic advising from my college/school. 4.35

I understand the tuition payment process and will be able to navigate this process in the future.

3.89

I now understand my responsibilities as a UNT student in the area of INTEGRITY.

4.33

I now understand my responsibilities as a UNT student in the area of CONDUCT.

4.36

I now understand my responsibilities as a UNT student in the FINANCIAL OBLIGATION area.

4.29


Overall FindingsStatement Mean Orientation provided me with information about academic policies, procedures, and requirements.

4.40

Orientation provided me with sufficient information to make well-reasoned and well-informed choices.

4.34

The orientation program provided me with the information about student services and programs that are relevant to me.

4.39

I am now familiar with the campus layout and feel that I can comfortably navigate my way around campus.

3.37

The orientation program provided opportunities for me to interact with faculty, staff, and continuing students.

4.24

The orientation program provided opportunities for me to meet and interact with other new students.

4.59


Overall FindingsStatement Mean I know what resources are available to me regarding CAREER DEVELOPMENT.

4.16

I know what resources are available to me regarding ACADEMIC SUPPORT.

4.29

I know what resources are available to me regarding PERSONAL HEALTH.

4.04

I know what resources are available to me regarding SAFETY AND SECURITY CONCERNS.

4.04

Orientation offered programs that explored the transition issues affecting me.

4.00

Attending orientation has helped alleviate anxiety I had about attending UNT.

4.04


Overall FindingsStatement Mean I believe UNT will be supportive of me through my transition to college.

4.22

I believe the university cares about my education.

4.40

I feel I am joining a community by coming to UNT. 4.42

I am well-informed of involvement opportunities on the UNT campus.

4.36

I know how to get involved in social and academic opportunities on the UNT campus.

4.36

I believe UNT will provide me with a quality education. 4.34


Overall FindingsStatement Mean I believe UNT will provide an environment that is supportive to me.

4.51

I feel that I can complete my undergraduate degree at UNT in four years.

4.39

I now have a better understanding of what will be expected of me academically at UNT.

4.27

My advisor takes an interest in my academic well-being. 4.33

I know how to reach my advisor throughout the semester. 4.24

My advisor provided complete and accurate information regarding courses, procedures, and requirements.

4.00


Overall FindingsStatement Mean My advisor assisted me with understanding course options available to me to fulfill degree requirements.

4.22

The Advising Guidebook is a valuable tool that I will use in the future.

4.23

Having the Advising Guidebook online is helpful. 4.25

The information provided in the Academic Success Session (Advising Guidebook) on the afternoon on day one was helpful.

4.24

How confident are you on your choice of major? 3.07


Was a 3-day worth it?• Orientation Yield– 2010: 96%– 2011: 97%

• Evaluation Increases from 2010:– Orientation program provided opportunities for me

to meet and interact with other new students. (4.57 – 4.59)

– I feel I am joining a community by coming to UNT. (4.39 – 4.42)

– I believe UNT will provide an environment that is supportive to me. (4.41 – 4.51)