Vol. 19, No. 38

Aug. 24, 2000

Online chatrooms offer students info and insight

The University of Delaware continues to stand on the cutting edge of technology by establishing a series of online chats for incoming freshmen this week prior to moving-in day on Saturday, Aug. 26. The chats allow members of the Class of 2004 to continue their orientation experience online from the comfort of home. Some 2,800 incoming freshmen and transfer students (out of the approximate total of 3,600) supplied e-mail addresses, Robert Snyder, admissions counselor who coordinated the project, said. All of those students were notified via e-mail of the chatroom schedule. The chats began Aug. 21 with a general chat hosted by orientation leaders. "The program was a great success with as many as 15-20 different students online at any given time," Snyder said. "The interaction was very good. It ranged from questions like 'Are you bringing an iron?' to 'What's the best residence hall?' to 'Oh look! We're in the same class.' I think it was especially valuable for some shyer students who might feel more comfortable asking questions online than in person," he added. The program continues through tonight, Aug. 24, with chats involving dining personnel from 7-8 p.m., and an open chat from 8-9 p.m.