Orientation engages new students in the Rowan experience

Orientation at Rowan University is about more—way more—than choosing courses or knowing where to find Campbell Library, the bursar’s office or the Rec Center.

“At Orientation, we want to introduce to new students and parents the multiple pathways to campus engagement…and how to be successful at Rowan,” says Drew Tinnin, director of Orientation and Student Leadership Programs (OSLP).

“We do this by discussing academic success, co-curricular programs and services, dual community membership and holistic wellness.”

OSLP is presenting a dozen Orientation sessions this summer—three for transfer students, eight for freshmen and one for international students. By August 29, more than 3,500 new students—and their parents and family members—will have completed Orientation sessions designed to help them make a seamless transition to Rowan. All new Rowan students are required to attend Orientation.

Freshman Orientation sessions, which are residential, are being held June 25-26; June 30-July 1; July 7-8, 10-11, 13-14, 16-17, 20-21 and 23-24. In each session, incoming students, guided by veteran Rowan students in the PROS (Peer Referral and Orientation Staff) are learning about everything from how to succeed academically to how to register for classes. In between, sessions focus on managing money, campus involvement, leadership and making healthy choices, among many others.

There’s also plenty of time for fun. Students are enjoying activities at the Rec Center and participating in late-night programing such as a comedian and a trivia game show offering cash prizes.

Induction Ceremony

Students leave Orientation with their fall academic schedules in place. They “seal the deal” as official Rowan students by participating in the Class of 2018 Induction Ceremony. Provost Jim Newell and Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Richard Jones preside over the ceremony, held on the second day of Orientation at 1 p.m. in the Pit of the Chamberlain Student Center.

“It’s a wonderful event,” says Tinnin, adding that students--and their parents--enjoy the public rite of passage in one of the most popular gathering areas on Rowan’s campus. “It’s enjoyable to see all of the students wearing their Rowan t-shirts with pride at the end of each Orientation session. That’s when we know that we’ve done our job.”

Parent and Family Orientation

While a student’s knowledge of and comfort with the University, its campus, its students, its expectations and traditions are tantamount to their collegiate success, parents also require an introduction to Rowan as their children begin their academic careers.

To that end, the University offers Orientation sessions for parents and family members that run concurrently with student Orientation. Also led by PROS, parents have the chance to meet with the deans from individual colleges, to learn about supports that are in place to help students succeed academically and socially, and to learn about services such as the Career Management Center and the University’s study abroad opportunities. PROS are on hand to give parents first-hand information on life at Rowan.

More than 2,900 parents and family members are attending Orientation.

“We want to engage parents and family members as an important resource for their Rowan student’s success,” Tinnin says. “Parents attending Orientation leave with the knowledge of the various campus programs and services available to their son or daughter. We hope they are confident in encouraging students to utilize them as needed.”

For information about Orientation, visit http://www.rowan.edu/studentaffairs/orientation/