AN orientation programme is an event planned and delivered by an organisation to help students, employees or any new group adjust to their environment.

It usually includes presentations, tours, meetings, and greetings at an informal session.

In educational institutions, orientation is held for both staff and students at the beginning of the academic year. For students at the tertiary level, this event is of great importance and is given

much attention.

This is so since students may find it difficult to adjust to a situation, which is significantly different from what existed at the previous level. Additionally, the campus population usually consists of a significant number of regional and international students or nationals from outside of the geographical location of the campus.

If you have been accepted to pursue a programme of study in a tertiary institution, be sure to get involved in the orientation programme. Remember, orientation is NOT ragging.

Here are some good reasons why you should participate:

. You will be introduced to key people in administration, and the faculty. These people will help you, through interesting presentations and small group discussions, to understand various aspects of the institution, such as its history, structure, rules and regulations, as well as the institution’s expectations of you as a student.

. You will be given the opportunity to meet other students, particularly those pursuing similar programmes of study. This will be useful, especially as you begin to develop linkages for study and other support.

. You will be advised on how to finalise your programme of study and how to begin your career development plans, which include making connections between subject choices, programmes of study and career objective.

. You will begin to find out more about important available support services needed to help you make maximum use of your tertiary level education. These include clubs and societies, financial aid, counselling and career development services, as well as development programmes.

. You will get to know your physical surroundings. You do not want to waste time looking for your lecture rooms and other needed support services after lectures have begun. In your tour of the campus, therefore, in addition to your classroom, be sure to know where to locate services/facilities, such as banking, health care, student services, admissions, your faculty administrative offices, library and main eating areas.

. If you reside off campus, try to find out if there are facilities and services, which relate to your specific needs. These include a commuting student’s lounge, specific travel arrangements, and assistance for finding off-campus accommodation.

. You begin to know the culture of your campus. You will find out what social and cultural events are held, when and where, as well as the groups, which participate.

. Orientation programmes also help you to adjust to being away from home by having sessions to help you cope with separation and loneliness – which many may experience since this may be their first time away from home. You will also begin to adjust to the new routine of campus life which most likely involves a different time schedule.

. You could also benefit from having your spouse, parent or ward attending a special session organised for them by some institutions. They, too, get to be informed of what to expect of you as a student and how they can assist you to make the best use of your tertiary level education.

. You will receive brochures, pamphlets, websites, information with maps of your campus, contact information for student services, student affairs and faculty personnel, a timetable of all events during orientation, a guide to local shopping and other important services and facilities.

Merrit Henry is a career counsellor and Students Services Manager at the Placement and Career Services Unit, UWI, Mona. She may be contacted at merrit.henry@yahoo.com.