June Spotlight: New Student Orientation

“I am so glad that my daughter is coming to Idaho State University in the fall semester. She’s had such a unique senior year, and living through COVID-19 in our state has had its challenges. We are excited for her to start a new adventure in Idaho and to meet new people.”

Phone calls such as this one from the parent of an incoming ISU freshman remind us of perhaps the most important facet of university life that we in Student Affairs provide our ISU Bengals - COMMUNITY. Now, more than ever, connection matters. Our work in providing students with a Bengal family atmosphere matters deeply, including to their family members.

Like many units of ISU, the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs has existed in a state of “pivot” in preparing for the arrival of our newest Bengals. What was going to be our newly developed summer model of orientation, advising, and registration has been put on hold until summer 2021. As many colleagues are well-aware, we have adjusted our plans back to a Welcome Week model for one more year. We will welcome all first year and transfer students to campus with New Student Orientation in August, and our celebration of Bengal Community will continue through Bengal Welcome Week for all Bengals. Even in the midst of social distancing precautions that will be necessary, our new and returning students will be invited back with celebration and will be encouraged to ROAR!

Even in the midst of recent challenges, we are excited for several new developments with New Student Orientation this year. THE ROAR IS REAL!

• Online Pre-Orientation Modules: With enrollment numbers increasing every day, nearly 900 incoming freshman and transfer students have successfully participated in our ISU online module and newly-developed alcohol, drug, and consent courses through SafeColleges, Inc. These courses were designed to provide students with a critical foundation of resources prior to attending the live NSO program and beginning their fall classes.
• Virtual Orientation Small Groups will be held in the month of July, allowing student leaders to engage online with incoming new students prior to their arrival. We will create excitement within the new student community for upcoming activities and allow them the chance to meet each other online before meeting each other on campus.
• March through the Arch and Celebration Dinner will now be held on the Family Day of New Student Orientation (Thursday, August 13) and will include the family members of our new students! We are thrilled to include families in this important Bengal tradition.
• Health and Wellness Focus: We look forward to the new addition of health and wellness activities during New Student Orientation, such as Yoga on the Quad. More details will be posted online, soon, as we encourage students to start the year with a mindset of healthiness of mind and body.

As we enter the summer months, we will utilize the Student Affairs weekly email bulletin to share full schedules, volunteer details, and other faculty/staff resources with the ISU community related to New Student Orientation. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime with questions at nso@isu.edu. More information for New Student Orientation can be found online at isu.edu/nso.

GO BENGALS!

The Office of Orientation and New Student Programs
Brooke Barber, Director
Marci Oncale, Administrative Assistant