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New, Transfer, and Returning
Student Orientation

Leaders at Volcano

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Fall 2008 Orientation!

Why is Orientation Important?

The 2005 National Survey of Student Engagement Annual Report found that students who attended orientation:

  • Were more involved in educationally enriching activities
  • Perceived the campus environment to be more supportive
  • Reported greater developmental gains during their first year of college
  • Were more satisfied with their overall college experience

Mission Statement

The mission of New, Transfer, and Returning Student Orientation is to serve as a vehicle that welcomes and introduces each student and their families. The University of Hawai'i at Hilo is an intellectually stimulating, culturally diverse, and caring community. The goal of orientation is to enable each student to feel personally connected and invested in their own educational success. Orientation provides opportunities for students to engage in activities that will assist them in acquiring tools that will foster a safe and successful transition to the university. Orientation is a first step in developing students into civic-minded citizens of the community.

At orientation you will...

  • Receive a UH Hilo Survival pack to include UH Hilo logo items, Community resources and special giveaways

  • Receive supportive and personalized academic advising

  • Get into small group student interaction with new and experienced students

  • Receive personalized advising from faculty
  • Have easy access to university staff to guide students' concerns and questions regarding campus life

  • Get informed about financial assistance

  • Find opportunities for leadership development through involvement with student organizations and community partners

  • Celebrate a culturally diverse campus environment through traditions and cultural receptions

  • Register to create a class schedule that is balanced and aligns with the students' academic goals

  • Be exposed to service opportunities that can be either linked to an academic course, linked to a students' tuition (Americorp), or a practical learning environment

  • Participate in career development workshops

  • You will have FUN participating in activities and meeting new people

Parents are also an important part of orientation. They will receive resourceful parent sessions that will inform, clarify, and define the family's changing role in the student's college experience.