Orientation plans in the work for fall semester

It’s about that time when incoming freshman are finalizing their decisions on which college to attend, and by the end of August, those who chose Keene State will be immersed in a well thought out program with a dedicated staff.

The Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Anne Miller works with first-year students as the director of orientation.

According to Miller, she feels a responsibility to first year students because they’re coming to her institution, similar to a guest in her home.

“I love the moment when I go upstairs in the Student Center, look down and see all of these groups and I know they’re just beginning that process and connecting with other people,” Miller said.  “That is a sweet spot.”

The beginning of a new orientation program occurred last year after what Miller said was six to seven years of research.

“Their minds are doing other things [in June]. They’re finishing up their senior year and I felt bad to force them to face some other thing when that’s not really where they wanted to be or needed to be your senior year,” Miller said.  “Then come [move-in day] and I could see on their faces they were looking around and we didn’t have a program when they were really ready, when they need it the most.”

According to Miller, however, the program could also be better. 
One of the complaints from last year’s program, Miller said, was a certain level of redundancy. 

She said a programming committee came together to discuss programs offered at orientation about residential life, drugs and alcohol and a scavenger hunt to avoid being repetitive.

Miller compared students choosing a college as choosing a pair of shoes that fit just right.
“’I can see myself here,’ it’s funny how much they say those words,” Miller said.  “I don’t want them to fit into somebody else’s Keene State College, but to see themselves playing a role here and be a little jazzed about what they might do.”

Organizing an orientation program also includes input from current students, two of whom will lead a staff of orientation leaders.

Juniors Hannah Hayes and Coleman Bentley were chosen as orientation coordinators by Miller, after an application process and deciding they would work well together.

According to Miller, Hayes and Bentley have only known the August model of orientation as they had participated as members of the orientation staff last year.

According to one orientation coordinator, a Keene State College Senator and Junior Class representative, Hayes said she enjoys being involved at KSC.

“I love this school and I know what my transition was like,” Hayes said.  “I have a say on campus and I like having my voice be heard and having an impact.”

According to Hayes, she thinks the August orientation program is great because in June students are still in high school mode.

“They’re not making the connection that could last,” Hayes said.
Hayes included a few more changes coming into this year’s program as opposed to the last. 

One of which is more involvement and choices on what students can attend during orientation.

“There’s also a new program concentrating on how all the majors connect,” Hayes said.
A few major concerns first-year students have, Hayes pointed out, is making sure they’re in the right classes and getting along with their roommates.

“People can’t pre-judge until they meet them,” Hayes said.  “Someone’s identity online is not who they are.”

Incoming students can rest assured those involved with orientation have listened to concerns and can look forward to working with a knowledgeable staff.

“Being an orientation leader is about being a good resource,” Hayes said.

Justine Miller can be contacted at jmiller@keeneequinox.com