Session # 044 (CODE #231), 2012 NACADA Annual Conference
Academic advising during new student
orientation…marching to the beat of a different drum.
Marlena McGlothlin Lester, Department of Engineering Education, Virginia Tech
Amanda Stanley, Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Virginia Tech
October 5, 2012
Abstract
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In the controlled chaos of orientation students can sometimes feel as if they have no
control.
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We have developed a hands-on learning approach to fully engage students and have
them marching to the beat of our drum.
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For one department with 1000+ new freshmen this method can seem intimidating,
however with proper collaboration, structure, and the use of technology this can be an
exciting and satisfying experience for the advisor and the student.
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This presentation will address the various tools and personnel used to effectively
advise students and develop their individual schedule before, during, and after
orientation.
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We will analyze the benefits of a collaborative initiative, the price associated with
developing a large scale process, and the evaluation of it all!
Overview
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Background Information
Orientation Advising 2010
Why Change?
Orientation Advising 2011
Comparison
Result
New For 2012
Virginia Tech Numbers
2011-2012
• 23,647: total undergraduates
• 6,723: engineering undergraduates
• 5,162: incoming VT freshmen
• 1,281: incoming engineering freshmen
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Students
• The Department of Engineering Education is home to
all first-year engineering students.
• The General Engineering Program focuses around
first year engineering students being prepared for
academic success in a degree granting major.
• At the conclusion of the first year students are
expected to demonstrate certain skills related to the
engineering profession.
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New Student Orientation
• Freshman New Student Orientation is a
two-day event in July.
• Day One
• Day Two
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Orientation Advising in 2010
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Communication
Batch Registration
Handouts
Transportation
Orientation Advising in 2010
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Locations/Times
Facilitators
Advisor Interaction
Class Schedules
Cost
Why Change?
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Professional Advisors Hired
Largest Incoming Freshmen Class
Chaos (First Week of Classes)
Time to Reflect
Fix It
Orientation Philosophy
New student orientation is the student’s
first real contact with the entire
university/college/department. If a student
leaves feeling prepared and heard, they
will be more engaged when they arrive for
the start of the semester making it their
instrument to play.
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Orientation Advising in August 2011
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Communication
Pre-Orientation Form
Website
Pre/Post-Orientation Checklists
Volunteers
Orientation Advising After August 2011
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Training
Advising Manual
Batch Registration
Name Tags
Orientation Advising After August 2011
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Locations/Times
Facilitators/WorkSheet
Advisor Interaction
Class Schedules
Cost
Orientation Materials
• Pre-Orientation Checklist
• Post-Orientation Checklist
• Orientation Advising Worksheet
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Comparison
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2010
2011
2012
Student Attendance
Unknown
1275 out of 1281
1283 out of 1286
Communication
None
Numerous Emails
Numerous Emails
Handouts
13,000: 10+ per student
Plus 1300 folders
1300: 1 per student
1300: 1 per student
Staff
3 paid faculty
2 paid wage
6 employees
6 volunteers
4 employees
11 volunteers
4 employees
1 paid wage
13 volunteers
Advisor Interaction
Not required
Required
Required
Printed Schedules
Prior to adjustments
Finalized schedule
Finalized schedule
Cost
~$16,000
~$300
~2800
The Result
• The result of this interactive approach
lead to more knowledgeable students,
the beginning of a student/advisor
relationship, a strengthened working
relationship with co-workers, and a
drastically reduced budget.
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Evaluation
• August 2011
• Students came to advising offices with
more thought provoking questions. They
seemed to be more knowledgeable
regarding the resources available to them
and the requirements of the first year
program.
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New for 2012
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Parent Orientation Session
Hospitality Room
Student Evaluation
Budget
Volunteers
Questions/Comments
• http://www.enge.vt.edu
• Undergraduate
• Orientation
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