Fall Orientation Engages First-year Students
June 29, 2010
To get first-year students engaged quickly, a jam-packed Fall Orientation Weekend keeps students busy—on campus and off—from the moment they arrive on Thursday right up until the first class begins on Monday morning. One of the highlights during orientation is when all first-year students participate in a day of service, education, and action in the Central Florida community. Known as SPARC (Service Philanthropy Activism Rollins College), it is the only program of its kind in Florida.
“Fall orientation is about equipping new students with the basic skills and information they need to survive the first week—RCCs makes sure they learn the rest over the next 16 weeks,’ said former Assistant Director of Explorations Andrew Hughes.
During Fall Orientation Weekend, students will not only move into their resident halls, eat their first meal using their R-Card and receive their room key, they’ll also meet their peer mentors and faculty advisers.
“First-year students spend a lot of time with their RCC peers, faculty and peer mentors during orientation,” Hughes said. “Together they explore the campus, take part in community engagement activities and join in fun events such as the first-year talent show and the annual Pancake Flip.” By Monday when school begins, these new students already feel deeply anchored in the Rollins community.
