Summer Orientation 2024 - Important Updates and Details

The following is a message from Director of Orientation Programs Nick Cubita:

Orientation Programs is excited to formally announce that we are redesigning new student onboarding to include an on-campus, in-person Summer Orientation experience for new students and their supporters! We are eager to respond to the evolving needs of our incoming fall cohort and continue to enhance our transition support initiatives for new first-year and transfer students.

Why in-person Summer Orientation?

Orientation is continuing to explore strategies that align with Strategic Directions Goal 3: Enhance the Student Experience to Strengthen and Align the Path to Matriculation. In-person Summer Orientation will offer new students the opportunity to build deeper connections with one another, increase their academic preparedness for college-level coursework, and strengthen their affinity to Seattle University. In-person Summer Orientation is not only known as a best practice within higher education but was a signature experience for Redhawks prior to the pandemic – a tradition we are excited to bring back to our community!

What will Summer Orientation entail?

Summer Orientation launches on Monday, May 6 after Decision Day (May 1) and continues up until Fall Welcome begins on Saturday, September 21. Summer Orientation will be delivered in a hybrid format; we will still offer virtual engagement opportunities (online modules, checklist tasks, frequent email/newsletter communications, Zoom workshops) along with in-person orientation sessions.

What will in-person Summer Orientation look like?

Though we have yet to finalize the details, here is what we know so far:

• In-person Summer Orientation sessions for FTIC students will offer a two-day, overnight experience with the opportunity to stay in our residence halls.
• We are not returning to our former model known as “Summer in Seattle.” While this was a strong, highly impactful program, our current students have different needs than our students of the past. Though some aspects of the experience will reflect our former model, our new program will be somewhat shorter in length and offer completely new sessions and workshops.
• Academic Advising and Course Registration workshops will continue to be virtual and not take place during in-person Summer Orientation sessions. However, academic success will be a prominent cornerstone of the in-person Summer Orientation experience.

How are we supporting equity and access for new students?

We recognize that visiting campus for in-person Summer Orientation will incur travel costs for students and their supporters. A few ways we are addressing this include:

• Participation for in-person Summer Orientation sessions is optional, although strongly encouraged.
• We will offer an in-person Summer Orientation option in September, just prior to New Student Move-In Day/Fall Welcome.
• Exploring virtual versions of in-person sessions/workshops.

How are we designing a new Summer Orientation experience?

We plan to continue using our Orientation Goals to design a transition support experience that prioritizes student learning and engagement:

• Sense of Belonging: Students will create a connection with SU and build relationships with peers, faculty and staff.
• Academic Excellence: Students will embrace intellectual passions and envision their path to success.
• Inclusion & Identity: Students will engage in reflection about your identities and how to build relationships across differences.
• Personal Growth: Students will explore their values, sense of purpose and social responsibility.
• Self-Reliance: Students will learn how to navigate campus, seek support resources and sustain holistic wellbeing.

What role will campus partners play in designing a new Summer Orientation experience?

Over the coming weeks, I will be coordinating workshops during which campus partners will come together to assist Orientation in developing learning outcomes and engagement strategies. We are eager to collaborate with you as we explore how to best serve our students through a redesigned new student onboarding experience.

When are the dates of in-person Summer Orientation sessions?

• July 1-2, 2024 (FTIC students)
• July 15-16, 2024 (FTIC students)
• July 18-19, 2024 (FTIC students)
• August 15, 2024 (Commuter Connections Summer BBQ)
• August 29, 2024 (Transfer students)
• September 20, 2024 (FTIC students)

Fall Welcome and Early Bird Immersions

We plan to remain consistent with our Fall Welcome program this year while fine-tuning aspects that improve the student and supporter experience. Additionally, we will seek to expand early arrival programs offered as part of our Early Bird Immersions. As we get our summer planning underway, conversations about fall will soon follow.

In addition to quick conversations with many of you, a HUGE thank you to the following individuals and groups who have made our planning possible thus far:

• Emelie Ali
• Laurie Prince
• Molly Cullen
• Melore Nielsen
• University Events
• Housing & Residence Life
• Redhawk Dining
• The Provost's Office
• University Enrollment & Retention Committee

I am excited for the many conversations yet to come and the experience we will design together as a campus community. Please do not hesitate to contact me at cubitan@seattleu.edu with any questions!

Sincerely,

Nick Cubita
Director of Orientation Programs