UT Tyler Freshman Orientation

                Last week a group of students made the next step in their transition to college. Newly graduated from high school, freshman received a peek at the college life. Freshman Orientation 2013!

Passing out tea for dinner

                This too was my first freshman orientation that I worked as an Orientation Leader. I partnered with a fellow leader to provide a positive and engaging experience to a group of 12 upcoming students.

                Day 1 began as an introduction, as freshmen were assigned two orientation leaders. They got to know their orientation leaders through fun ice breakers. They received presentations on the different resources they needed. They received presentations on money management services, housing plans, dining plans, student integrity, as well as attending a fair with some of the student organizations showcasing. Stanley's BBQ catered for dinner. If you would like to know more about Stanley's check out Dallas' blog post at http://go2uttyler.blogspot.com/2013/06/stanleys-famous-pit-bar-b-q-best-bbq-in.html

                After all the informative presentations were over, the free time began. How else can freshman unload the overload of new student information? POOL PARTY! This was my personal favorite part of orientation because it allowed everybody to get to know each other by swimming, playing pool volleyball, basketball and just having a good time.

                When it was time to leave the pool, everybody headed to Ornelas Hall student dorm where everybody was checked in to spend the night earlier in the day. But it wasn’t time for bed, I mean, who would?  The excitement overcame drowsiness. Orientation leaders and new freshmen got to spend time hanging around the media room in the first floor, as well as playing ping pong, watching TV and playing video games.

Students listening to presentations

                Day 2 was filled with more important activities as students experienced a mock class with Melissa Dotson teaching like she normally would during the semester. With great feedback, students were excited about their first day of school!

                Later they got to have some time with the orientation leaders to talk about anything they needed to know, or even answer questions they could only confide in fellow peers. 

                Meet your college was next, as students got to meet their designated colleges to meet some of the faculty and staff they will encounter the rest of their academic career.         

                As things wounded down, students waved goodbye to their orientation leaders and the campus that would soon be their new home.

                Orientation is a great experience as future students are able to get immersed early to some of the amenities that our campus has to offer. If you haven’t had the chance to register for freshmen orientation go to http://www.uttyler.edu/orientation/register.php

Check out a fellow blogger's blog that has pictures of what goes on in orientation at      http://go2uttyler.blogspot.com/2012/08/its-like-university-came-back-to-life.html#more