Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, URI is currently conducting freshman orientations remotely. Graphic by Alison Carpino.
The University of Rhode Island has continued to hold virtual orientation for incoming students as COVID-19 continues to disrupt traditional in-person orientation.
Virtual orientation had been offered to new students last summer as well as at the start of this semester. Since orientation is no longer held fully in person as it was in the past, students and families can now log on to a virtual orientation, where they will be able to connect with new students, speak with orientation leaders, learn more about majors and get all of their questions answered.
In an effort to overcome the inevitable challenge of keeping students engaged in an online environment, the orientation team worked together to create some unique ways for students to feel involved.
One way the team has gotten students involved has been through live sessions. During these sessions, students were able to hear from Jayne Richmond, the dean of University College for Academic Success, as well as speak with orientation leaders about their experiences at URI. The orientation team has also taken advantage of social media to engage students.
“We used Instagram and other social media to share more information about the student experience at URI,” Director of New Student Programs Kristina Perrelli said. “For example, we did Instagram live events and also did contests via Instagram that included sending contest winners URI gear from the campus store.”
One thing that has stayed the same for orientation has been the role of orientation leaders. The only change is that they work online instead of in person. Leaders still play a big role in orientation and are imperative for its success. They are still able to connect with incoming students and use their experiences and knowledge to help new students transition to college.
Making the transition from in-person to online was tricky at first, according to orientation leader Lagzacine Alexandre. Sessions were made more intimate this semester by having orientation leaders, both individual and paired up, branch off into breakout rooms with students.
“We wanted to make sure that students felt they could share and get to know us, without being overwhelmed by the whole group,” Alexandre said.
Many other virtual events are happening right now for students who are considering or have committed to URI to learn more about the University.
“We learned from last year that students want more opportunities to engage with each other in less structured formats,” Perrelli said. “So we are offering lots of fun, casual opportunities to meet new students in addition to sessions that will help them find roommates, learn how to use all of URI’s technology systems, learn about URI traditions, explore majors, learn about academics and meet with academic advisors.”
The Office of New Student Programs and the Office of Admissions have been working together to create the best orientation experience possible. They have launched Rhode to Becoming a Ram, a committee where individuals from both offices meet on a weekly basis to talk about how to create the best events possible for students and their families.
Orientation sessions for new students in Fall 2021 have already started. For the upcoming orientation taking place this summer, the University is currently planning to hold a one-day, in-person orientation which will include events that will help students get to know other new students and explore URI in person.
“The University also plans to once again hold an orientation week right before the semester starts,” Perrelli said. “It was really successful last year.”
During this adjusted orientation, students will be able to participate in activities to get to know each other, with COVID safe measures in place.