The ongoing pandemic required that the Orientation Team consider alternate approaches to delivering a comprehensive orientation program for incoming students this summer.
Orientation Leaders began their training in June, participating in eight weeks of online training. Programming included sessions on recognizing personal strengths, understanding student development theory, and sharing the University’s EPPIIC values with incoming students. Orientation Leaders began to connect online with students from their Orientation Groups in late July.
All incoming students were invited to participate in an online component to orientation titled, “Countdown to College.” The intent of the program was sharing important information about Millersville University, its programs, services, and culture, with incoming students prior to their arrival on campus. Over 40 live sessions were offered in the two weeks leading up to the week of move-in; over 300 students registered to participate. Sessions offered included online welcomes from some of the academic departments, Q&A sessions with current students, a review of study abroad opportunities, information on move-in procedures, and a discussion of the Student Success Network.
On August 15, Orientation Leaders arrived back in the ‘Ville and participated in three days of intensive training in preparation for the arrival of new first-time-in-college students. Training included information on group dynamics, leading groups, conducting icebreakers, and understanding the practical logistics of the orientation program.
New students arrived on campus August 19. OLs got right to work that evening, meeting with their Orientation Groups in-person for the first time. Over the next three days, OLs shepherded their students through various academic and extracurricular programs, showed them around the campus, and helped them to connect with other students and members of the community. A particular highlight was having each orientation leader conduct a session on the University EPPIIC values. OLs demonstrated creativity in their delivery of the content – from open discussions to a game show to incorporating examples from Disney films – to help incoming students understand how the values impact their daily experiences at MU.
As usual, the Marauder Pride Ceremony and Candle Lighting was a particularly meaningful event for students, both new and returning. Senior Josh Marzak served as the master of ceremonies for the event and introduced several dignitaries to the attendant incoming class including Vice President Hazlett, Dr. Wubah, and the President of the Student Government Association. The incoming President of the MU Alumni Association oversaw the freshmen pinning ceremony, and President Wubah installed the students into the MU community with the candle lighting ceremony.
While the pandemic presented many challenges to the delivery of the program, most incoming students were pleased with the effort and felt it made a positive impact on their introduction to the University.