By Kona Momoh, student reporter
The melting pot of people spreading across the room quickly formed into packs as orientation leaders, distinguished by their bold blue attire, directed the crowd at a recent New Student Orientation (NSO). Strangers stood face to face, drawn together by two commonalities: their favorite pizza toppings and their enrollment as new students at Collin College. It was time to break the ice.
Orientation, while often mandatory, is not the most exciting aspect of a new school year. Most students simply want the basic information they need to know — nothing more, nothing less. This is where a more convenient alternative, such as online orientation, presents itself. Students learn about all the necessary information for enrollment including the required vaccinations, TSI testing requirements, class scheduling information and details about student resources. It’s straightforward, beneficial, easy to access and the best part is that it’s online.
However, in-person NSO provides an experience the convenience of online orientation does not. Student Engagement Specialist Andrea Schenk says attending NSO “allows students the opportunity to build connections,” a crucial part of the college experience. The resource fair, which occurs just before orientation, gives students the chance to visit various tables, displaying the services provided by Collin. During this time, students are able to meet counselors and receive on campus safety tips from officers. It is essential to know that professors are here to help you through these resources. The more acquainted you become with professors, the easier it will be for them to assist you in achieving your goals.
Walking into a school full of strangers can be intimidating, but by attending NSO you get the opportunity to become acquainted with at least one person. Throughout the orientation, student leaders create games and icebreakers, such as students breaking into groups based on their favorite pizza toppings. Once settled into their groups, students are given the chance to meet one another and talk about their future plans. The icebreakers are a perfect way of getting students to engage with one another. Throughout this time, students are able to meet their future classmates and bond over their commonalities.
Transitioning to college and not knowing what to expect or how to prepare is a common experience for new students, so if there’s one thing that you don’t want to miss out on at NSO, it’s the teacher roundtable panel. Students are able to directly ask professors questions such as, “What should I expect on the first day?” “What is your homework policy?” “Do you give reviews before a test?” Many questions that new students often ask are discussed during this roundtable, and students are able to leave the orientation with a better idea of what to expect in college classes.
The best part of the NSO is that most of the event is run by current Collin students. After orientation, students are given the opportunity to ask orientation leaders questions and get their perspectives on the Collin experience. Students also get the chance to take part in a campus tour, which can definitely ease first day jitters.
NSO gives enrolling students the opportunity to become familiar with their campuses and the resources available, but more importantly, it allows students to build a connection with each other and professors. If you attend the NSO, you can be sure that you’ll leave campus with a better understanding of what to expect at Collin, who to reach out to if you have any questions or concerns and, hopefully, you will make an acquaintance or two.