Summer Orientation Notes

Summer Orientation Overview

Ready to start summer orientation, with the first session starting in a week, with four sessions scheduled. As of now, there are 15 students registered for the first session, with more expected. Registration will stay open through the weekend. The schedule, responsibilities, and small group meetings will be discussed. The program is a two-day program, typically Thursday/Friday (or Monday/Tuesday).

Day 1 Schedule & Responsibilities

Check-in (1:00 PM - 1:45 PM, Shadowen Hall)

  • Focus leaders arrive around 12:00 PM, Fellows at 12:30 PM to assist with check-in.
  • Early arrivals are expected (as early as 11:45 AM).
  • Responsibilities include:
    • Mingling, helping families with parking, holding doors, managing lines, and assisting with room location on all three floors.
    • Focus leaders staying in Shadowen get their keys first to drop off their belongings, time permitting.
    • Staff will be in the cub (second floor) to assist families.
    • SDCV staff, including Mackenzie (Student Coordinator for First Year Experience and Transitions), will be present to manage the process.

Welcome and Opening Presentation (2:15 PM, Stetson Room)

  • Transition from Shadowen to the cub around 2:00 PM.
  • Welcome from President Rolke and Jimmy Kelly (Director of Student Development and Campus Vibrancy).

Break

  • Hang out in Lee's Garage (instead of 202A), which will be available this year.

Small Group Meetings / Parent Information Session

  • Leaders will rotate in and out of small group meetings.
  • Focus leaders will assist first-timers in leading the sessions.
  • Parents' session in the Rinker Welcome Center (new location to avoid moving chairs in Lee's Garage).
  • Some leaders will guide parents to the Welcome Center.
  • Leaders are encouraged to visit small groups to observe and engage.

College and School Meetups

  • Escort students to their respective college/school meetups.
    • School of Music: SAGE 222 (due to music camps in Presser and McMahon)
    • School of Business: LBC (potential construction/tech updates in the auditorium for the first session)
    • College of Arts and Science: Brown Hall (new location to showcase the building)

Summer Fellows Dismissal

  • Summer fellows are dismissed after small group meetings unless prior arrangements have been made.

Dinner: Stetson Story (5:45 PM, the cub)

  • Focus leaders have a break until 5:45 PM.
  • Dinner includes the Stetson Story and an orange juice toast.
  • Taco dinner (same as previous years).
  • Focus leaders sit with students to encourage conversation and engagement.

Pool Party

  • Run by Renee Dubois with Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Residence Hall & Evening

  • Students return to the residence hall.
  • No headcounts are required.
  • Snacks and games will be available on each floor.
  • Separate number for hall issues; Public Safety & Campus Life on-call for emergencies.

Day 2 Schedule & Responsibilities

Early Morning

  • Focus leaders are expected to be there at 8:15 AM. Fellows start at 10:00 AM
  • Wake students up and ensure they pack up their belongings.

Breakfast (8:30 AM)

  • Enter from the coffee shop side; breakfast in the Stetson Room catering space, exit through Lee's Garage.

Academic Session (9:00 AM)

  • In the Stetson Room. Commuter/Residential sessions added this year. Residential students stay in Stetson Room, commuter students go to Lee's Garage.
  • Clean-up of Lee's Garage (encourage students to clean up; wipe down tables).

Curbside Advising (10:00 AM, Library)

  • Advising in the library, Financial Aid open.
  • Various responsibilities:
    • Helping families in the library and Welcome Center (financial aid).
    • Setting up family/student swag on the first floor.
    • Assisting with ID cards (Second Floor of the cub in the SGA finance office).
    • Managing lines for ID cards.

Community Send-Off (11:00 AM)

  • Tabling with different offices, resources available. Set up at 10:30 AM
  • Witt's ice cream available.
  • Swag for students.
  • Most people move inside to help with mingling and distribution.

Dismissal (12:30 PM)

  • Help pack up last-minute items.
  • Mackenzie and others check Shadowen for check-outs and key returns (fees for lost keys).

Duty Schedule

  • Sent out before the session with specific times and locations and will be done by the end of day on Monday.
  • Note: Flexibility is essential; adjustments may occur.

Small Group Meetings Outline

Overview

  • Revamped format with less screen time and more interactive activities.
  • Binder provided with information, activities, note cards, and pens.

Introduction & Icebreakers

  • Introduce yourself: name, major, involvement, and experience at Stetson to connect with students.
  • Establish ground rules: respect, privacy (unless serious concerns arise).
  • Answer questions respectfully, even if they seem trivial.

Icebreaker Activities (choose based on group vibe):

  • Name Line: connect names to a personal detail or preference.
  • Speed Dating: pre-prepared questions for quick, one-on-one interactions (silly to serious questions).
  • This or That (Debate Game): Split sides based on preferences (e.g., Marvel vs. DC), discuss, and have representatives debate.

Life in College Expectations

  • Discuss academic and social expectations, myths vs. reality.
  • Myths vs. Reality:
    • Professors don't care (Reality: Attendance and grades matter).
    • Need to declare a major right away (Reality: Discovery Program is an option).
  • Share personal experiences to make the information relatable.
  • Question Prompts:
    • Questions or concerns about college life?
    • Characteristics of a successful college student?
    • Differences between college and high school?
  • Mention resources: TAs, SPIs, tutors, accessibility services.

Getting Involved (Use Computer)

  • Show Engage (Hatters Connect): events, clubs, organizations.
  • Finding their fit, discuss the Involvement Fair (two weeks into the semester).
  • Mention Jeremiah's (free ice cream). Encourage attendance but emphasize it's not mandatory.
  • Discuss campus events: Focus events (glow games, bingo), Homecoming, late-night breakfast, athletics games (free for students).
  • Also athletic games.

Q&A and Closing

  • Ask any remaining questions.
  • Encourage students to connect with each other (exchange contact information).
  • Activity: One-word check-in (gauge how students are feeling).
  • Goal setting: one personal, one academic, one involvement goal.
  • Mention upcoming orientation events.

General Information

What to Wear

  • Staff shirts will be provided (or Focus/Transition Fellow polo or Stetson shirt).
  • Non-athletic bottoms (skirts, pants, shorts, tennis skirts).
  • Comfortable closed-toe shoes.

How to Log Hours

  • Focus Leaders: Instructions will be sent out after the session.
  • Transition Fellows: Log hours as instructed by Renee.
  • Inform Kristen (KG) if you have another on-campus job to manage hour limits (29 hours/week).

Expectations

  • Flexibility is essential; adjustments may occur.
  • Respect for all staff and volunteers.
  • Have fun and enjoy the experience!

Advice from Previous Years

  • Give funny nicknames for inclusion.
  • Be prepared for weird/awkward questions (e.g., best parties, leaving campus).
  • Address sensitive topics carefully (Greek life, etc.).
  • Direct students to downtown DeLand to explore.
  • Acknowledge their feelings about being away from home and their parents.
  • Be prepared for influx of vibes and topics during group oriented sections.
  • Let the conversations happen organically -- don't apply excessive forces to speak.

Contact Information

  • Kristen (KG) Graham: kgraham@stetson.etu