First State Times

What students and parents can expect when they visit campus in person or virtually to prepare for 2022-23

The University of Delaware’s office of Orientation and Transition Programs (OTP) will welcome the  newest Blue Hens and their families to the community during the summer of 2022. New Student Orientation (NSO) serves as a student’s roadmap to becoming a successful Blue Hen and this summer’s experience has been designed to best meet the needs of students and their families. 

Student orientation leaders said they look forward to welcoming new students to campus.

“There is a moment that every student goes through in their orientation experience, almost like an awakening, where they finally see themselves as a Blue Hen,” said senior biological sciences major Sinit Abraham. “We as student leaders on campus are able to show them the ropes and help them prepare for college from the perspective of a student.”

Junior English and biology double major Conner Holm said new students can expect to meet orientation leaders from a wide range of backgrounds so they can more easily make connections.

“Transitioning to college and finding your place in a new community can be challenging,” said Holm. “By focusing on making connections and helping students feel heard, we can ensure that their transition is smooth and that they feel welcomed, accepted and excited for their time as a Blue Hen.”

The NSO 2022 Experience for new first-year and transfer students on the Newark campus includes:

• A live orientation program, which students and families can participate in either on campus or virtually. These programs, beginning Tuesday, June 21 and running through Tuesday, July 19, will occur on weekdays (except for Monday, July 4). Students can view the details and register to attend through the NSO portal within their My Blue Hen Home.
• A self-paced online orientation course through Canvas, UD's Learning Management System. The course will open in mid-June, and students will receive a course invitation at their UD email account after Tuesday, June 7.
• A virtual academic advising appointment within their chosen college, as well as the opportunity to participate in a virtual pre-advisement session with their chosen college. Advising appointments begin in mid-June and run through July. 
• A variety of live Zoom information sessions about important topics, including residence life and housing, dining, student financial services and more, offered throughout July and August.

Details about these experiences have been shared with new students through the NSO portal page within their My Blue Hen Home, and with students and families through email. Families will be able to join their students at the live in-person or virtual NSO programs, as well as opt into any live info sessions offered throughout the summer. OTP will continue to send a series of weekly email orientation communications to families through the Blue Hen Family Hub, which they will be invited to join in mid-June.

If members of the UD community have any questions or receive questions from staff or students, please contact Orientation and Transition Programs at otp@udel.edu.

Original source can be found here.