Assemble an orientation committee to organize and run the orientation program. Include students who have useful insights into the orientation process as they experienced it. Interested faculty, administrators and student support staff should also be involved in decision making.
Brainstorm a menu of orientation seminars and events. These activities could include a campus tour, a lecture on plagiarism or a student panel on college life. Individual departments may wish their students to engage in particular orientation activities that emphasize the requirements and skills necessary for different majors. Decide which events should be mandatory and which are not. Offer separate events for transfer or foreign students, who face a different set of challenges than freshman, in adapting to college life.
Ask faculty, administrators and students to serve as lecturers or hosts for your orientation. People already active in student life, such as advisers, counselors and student government, may be more willing to present their knowledge. Committee members should also be willing to step up and run important seminars, if necessary.
Create a schedule. Ensure that mandatory or recommended events do not overlap. Optional activities may be scheduled at the same time, particularly if they appeal to different audiences. Allow time for check-in on the first day, as new students will arrive at different times. Spread events out, allowing spaces for rest, meals and independent exploration.
Collect other necessary information for new students. This may include an explanation of class registration, information on student housing or other services. Contact departments heads to find out which placement tests and assignments are required. Condense this information, along with your schedule and a campus map, into a brochure for new students. Hand out the brochures at check-in.