As the summer sun casts a warm glow over The University of Akron (UA), a new crop of students walks through campus. New Roo Orientation marks the beginning of a transformative journey for thousands of incoming students, setting the stage for academic success, personal growth and lifelong friendships.
Skylar Wershey from Diamond, Ohio, is one of the many new faces eager to start this journey. Planning to major in education, she
hadn’t spent much time on campus before.
“The Orientation leaders were so welcoming — we walked and got familiar with campus and did fun games to learn more about the University. It was extremely helpful and reassured me — we learned so much and Orientation leaders showed me where my classes would be. I am really excited to come to UA,” she shares enthusiastically.
Several New Roo Orientation days are held from June through August, accommodating more than 100 students each and supported by a staff of about 30 dedicated undergraduate Orientation leaders. Each session caters to both students and families and kicks off with an energizing welcome session in the Paul and Dorothy Martin Ballroom in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union. Following the welcome session, students break into smaller groups to walk through the University’s picturesque grounds and gain an introduction to the places where they will learn, live and grow over the next few years. Additional sessions cover topics such as campus safety, UA history and pride, downtown Akron, student health and wellness, and student employment. Students can also get help with class scheduling, discuss financial aid and tour housing. The day also includes an involvement fair, showcasing the variety of clubs, organizations and extracurricular opportunities available to students.
Carly DeBord, director of New Student Orientation, emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community through the Orientation process. “Making connections and feeling like you have someone on campus that you can go to within those first couple weeks makes the whole experience just feel a lot less daunting for students. Of course, before everyone leaves, we ask what the best part of their day was, and sometimes families will say they’ve made a new family best friend group, or students literally make a friend connection that day and they go over to housing to set up a roommate agreement.”
From the moment they step onto campus, new students like Wershey are greeted by Orientation leaders, a diverse group of enthusiastic upperclassmen. Brimming with pride, these leaders play a crucial role in guiding new students through the maze of Orientation activities.
Ka’Travion Pointer, a senior from Mansfield, Ohio, serves as an Orientation leader. As a first-generation student, he understands the challenges new students face. Reflecting on his experience, he says, “Orientation helps point students in the right direction. Without my connection to others through Orientation (when I was a new student), I am not sure I could have stuck it out. I joined a learning community and made real connections with the Office of Multicultural Development. Now I enjoy helping others get started at Akron.”
New Roo Orientation is more than just an event. As new students embark on their academic adventures, they do so with the confidence that they are part of a supportive and dynamic University family. The Orientation not only prepares them for the challenges ahead, but also inspires them to make the most of their UA experience.
Story by Cristine Boyd