Marlena McGlothlin Lester, Department of Engineering Education, Virginia Tech

1. Session # 044 (CODE #231), 2012 NACADA Annual ConferenceAcademic advising during new student orientation…marching to the beat of a different drum. Marlena McGlothlin Lester, Department of Engineering Education, Virginia Tech Amanda Stanley, Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Virginia Tech

2. Abstract • In the controlled chaos of orientation students can sometimes feel as if they have no control. • We have developed a hands-on learning approach to fully engage students and have them marching to the beat of our drum.   • For one department with 1000+ new freshmen this method can seem intimidating, however with proper collaboration, structure, and the use of technology this can be an exciting and satisfying experience for the advisor and the student.   • This presentation will address the various tools and personnel used to effectively advise students and develop their individual schedule before, during, and after orientation.   • We will analyze the benefits of a collaborative initiative, the price associated with developing a large scale process, and the evaluation of it all!

3. Overview • Background Information • Orientation Advising 2010 • Why Change? • Orientation Advising 2011 • Comparison • Result • New For 2012

4. Virginia Tech Numbers 2011-2012 • 23,647: total undergraduates • 6,723: engineering undergraduates • 5,162: incoming VT freshmen • 1,281: incoming engineering freshmen

5. Students • The Department of Engineering Education is home to all first-year engineering students. • The General Engineering Program focuses around first year engineering students being prepared for academic success in a degree granting major. • At the conclusion of the first year students are expected to demonstrate certain skills related to the engineering profession.

6. New Student Orientation • Freshman New Student Orientation is a two-day event in July. • Day One • Day Two

7. Orientation Advising in 2010 • Communication • Batch Registration • Handouts • Transportation

8. Orientation Advising in 2010 • Locations/Times • Facilitators • Advisor Interaction • Class Schedules • Cost

9. Why Change? • Professional Advisors Hired • Largest Incoming Freshmen Class • Chaos (First Week of Classes) • Time to Reflect • Fix It

10. Orientation Philosophy New student orientation is the student’s first real contact with the entire university/college/department. If a student leaves feeling prepared and heard, they will be more engaged when they arrive for the start of the semester making it their instrument to play.

11. Orientation Advising in August 2011 • Communication • Pre-Orientation Form • Website • Pre/Post-Orientation Checklists • Volunteers

12. Orientation Advising After August 2011 • Training • Advising Manual • Batch Registration • Name Tags

13. Orientation Advising After August 2011 • Locations/Times • Facilitators/WorkSheet • Advisor Interaction • Class Schedules • Cost

14. Orientation Materials • Pre-Orientation Checklist • Post-Orientation Checklist • Orientation Advising Worksheet

15. Comparison

16. The Result • The result of this interactive approach lead to more knowledgeable students, the beginning of a student/advisor relationship, a strengthened working relationship with co-workers, and a drastically reduced budget.

17. Evaluation • August 2011 • Students came to advising offices with more thought provoking questions. They seemed to be more knowledgeable regarding the resources available to them and the requirements of the first year program.

18. New for 2012 • Parent Orientation Session • Hospitality Room • Student Evaluation • Budget • Volunteers

19. Questions/Comments • http://www.enge.vt.edu • Undergraduate • Orientation