UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 37, Page 5
July 20, 1995
Paving the way; Summer orientation offers overview of campus

     With yearbook signings, proms, graduations and other rites of passage
behind them, high school graduates are preparing to make the transition to
becoming college freshmen.
     "Coming to the University of Delaware for new students, many of whom
are leaving home for the first time, is a time of change and adjustment,"
said Linda Hardin, senior associate director of admissions.
     "Through the summer's New Student Orientation Phase I program, we try
to pave the way for freshmen and transfer students to get off to a good
start when they arrive on campus in late August to begin the fall
semester."
     All new students and their parents are invited for a one-day intensive
program that operates from June 27 to July 26.
     "We have a very high attendence rate of more than 90 percent, which is
more than most schools. I think one factor is that we have a one-day
program versus a multi-day program, and, for students or families coming
from a distance, we offer overnight accommodations in Christiana Towers,"
Hardin said.
     "One of our goals is to make the University a warm and welcoming
place," she said.
     At registration, each student receives an individual, personalized
schedule and a packet of information. The program begins with a welcome to
the University by either President David P. Roselle or Provost Mel
Schiavelli.
     The students and parents then separate for different activities. For
students, this is their initiation into academic University life. First, a
math placement test is given to incoming students, and it is graded
immediately to assess their background and skills. During the day, each
student has an appointment to meet with an adviser to set up a schedule and
register for the fall semester.
     Students also are photographed for their UD#1 cards, which are issued
and they attend at least one student workshop.
     Four Student Information Systems kiosks are set up in Christiana
Commons, as well as sites to cruise the Internet. There also are
information tables, served by University staff, that offer literature and
assistance about such topics as student health, housing, dining, billing,
financial aid, personal computer connections, studying abroad, Winter
Session and public safety.
     While students are being introduced to academic life, their parents
also are learning about life at the University. Parents' workshops begin
with "Academic Life: Creating an Intellectual Adventure," in which a dean,
faculty member and student give their perspectives on how to achieve
success in college.
     "Student Life: Maximizing the University Experience" is facilitated by
student life staff and includes information about life outside the
classroom, such as services provided by the student life division and
athletic and recreational facilities.
     The parents of on-campus students attend a workshop on living in
residence halls. Commuter students' parents attend a session on networking
and becoming involved on campus.
     The morning concludes with a session by counseling and student
development staff, in which parents who have had sons or daughters in
college are encouraged to talk about their experiences with those who are
first-time college parents.
     Lunch is followed by an introduction to the many technologies
available to students in the "U-Discover: UD's Electronic Campus" workshop.
The day's activities conclude with a session, "Tell It Like It Is!,"
featuring a student panel that fields questions from parents and new
students. An optional campus tour rounds out the day.
     According to Hardin, parents have many concerns as their students
begin college, ranging from what size sheets are needed to questions about
safety and alcohol. Parents appreciate the opportunity to learn about the
University and have their questions answered. The feedback from the
evaluations has been very positive, she said.
     The orientation is a cooperative effort from across campus with
administrators, faculty, staff and upperclass students. All contribute to
making summer orientation a success, Hardin said.
     The upperclass student orientation staff, in particular, acts as
ambassadors. From 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., student assistants are on hand to
welcome, help, participate in panels and interact with new students and
parents to make them feel a part of the University of Delaware community.
They also staff an evening hospitality suite from 7-10 p.m. to welcome
guests spending the evening in the Christiana Towers.
                                                        -Sue Swyers Moncure