New Student orientation is an opportunity for students to learn about UI life
There are plenty of things to do before coming to campus.
Packing, saying goodbye, checking VandalMail, ordering textbooks and finding a roommate are only a few. However, once they’re on campus, there is really only one thing new students need to do.
New Student Orientation begins Aug. 20 with an event called the Vandal Scramble, said Cori Planagan, director of orientation planning. Events last from Thursday – Sunday and include a volunteering opportunity called SYNC, Late Night at the Rec, president’s barbeque and Palousafest.
Planagan said the biggest difference between this year and last year is that Greek recruitment is earlier. Instead of finishing halfway through orientation, rush is Aug. 13-17, meaning new Greek students can participate in all of the orientation events.
While orientation isn’t mandatory, Planagan strongly suggests attending and hopes for full participation. A nonrefundable $100 orientation fee is charged to every new student account. Planagan said it is best to take advantage of the event.
“Show up, attend and seize the moment,” Planagan said. “Most of all, enjoy it. The experience starts now.”
Orientation isn’t just limited to freshmen either. International and transfer students are invited to attend as well as parents. Planagan said there is a defined transfer student track that takes students through the career center and helps them find possible internships and jobs.
There is also a separate parent orientation. Parents of new Greek students have orientation on Aug. 13 and residence hall or off campus parent orientation is Aug. 20-21, Planagan said.
Nicole Lichtenberg, orientation programming student coordinator, said non-traditional students are also more than welcome at the orientation events. For students with children, there is childcare offered and information about the childcare services UI provides. Lichtenberg said there is also an information session for veterans or children of veterans who are using a GI bill to aid in financing their education.
A few things Planagan suggested looking at before getting to campus are the required program “Think About It,” which is an interactive presentation about staying safe on campus. It discusses issues of drinking and sexual harassment and discusses ways to react in difficult situations like those.
Lichtenberg said students who complete “Think About It” before the end of orientation receive a free T-shirt and will be entered into a drawing for a free iPad.
Planagan said there is also a program on Blackboard Learn called “Vandal GPS” that has helpful tips and information. It isn’t required, but Planagan said it has great information.
New Student Orientation is tailored to help students feel welcomed into the Vandal family, Lichtenberg said. She said she also hopes students will become familiarized with campus and get to know Moscow before classes start on Aug. 24. She said she knows it seems overwhelming, but there are 60 orientation leaders to help.
“Don’t be nervous,” Lichtenberg said. “We’re excited for them to be here, and there are lots of people to help.”
Claire Whitley can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Cewhitley24