September 13-14 - Nebraska State College System

8.2.-1
Chadron State College
President’s Report
September 2007
New Student Orientation
This fall, Chadron State College implemented a required, three and one- half day long
orientation for all new students. The last mandatory orientation at CSC was decades ago. The
coordinator for the event was Ms. Amanda Nipp who is assigned to the Project Strive/Trio
program. Ms. Nipp selected 25 student orientation leaders from an applicant pool of current
students. The orientation leaders helped to plan and organize the event and were responsible
for leading a group of 20-25 new students through various orientation activities.
In addition, the Orientation Planning Committee, a core team of people representing most
offices within Enrollment Management and Student Services along with representatives from
Conferencing, Business Office, Grounds and Maintenance, and the Sandoz Center helped to
plan and support the event.
On August 16, 2007 over 1000 people converged on campus; 400 new students and 600
parents to participate in the opening session of Orientation. Thursday evening’s opening
session and class photograph was presided over by Mr. Craig Caulkins, President of the
Campus Activities Board. President Park addressed the group of students and parents and set
the tone of the event with a challenge to students to become engaged with the campus and the
community.
New students, both freshmen and transfers, were organized by major into small groups led by a
student Orientation Leader. The 25 groups participated in a number of sessions including
campus tours, meeting faculty from their major, student to student information sharing, a
campus scavenger hunt, and planting of trees on C-Hill.
On Friday and Saturday, students and parents attended presentations on a variety of topics
including, “Succeeding at CSC,” “Student Life at CSC,” “Student Information Panel,”
“Technology at CSC,” and an “Information Fair.” The focus of many of the sessions was on
academic and student expectations, policies, and effective communication strategies with
faculty, staff, and other students. Information about the wide array of services available to
students to help support their academic career was presented. Also, information for parents on
how best to help support their student, how to help CSC staff help their student, and how to deal
with homesickness was presented.
Throughout the event, offices such as Financial Aid, the Business Office, the Advising Center,
the Bookstore, and Admissions were open extended hours and on Saturday to provide services.
Many fun activities were planned as well. Students could participate in BBQs, movies, a
climbing wall, sand volleyball, basketball, and a variety of discussions led by the Orientation
Leaders. The Student Center served as the hub for all activities and a festive 40 foot by 100
foot tent served as the location for the outdoor meals. A movie and dance were scheduled for
Saturday and Sunday.
The following are some written and e-mailed reactions to the new Orientation from faculty, staff,
and students:
1. A resolution from the Faculty Senate, King moved; Cary seconded to commend the New
Student Orientation Committee for a successful weekend. Motion passed.