Campus Partner Resources
OTP strives to provide timely updates to Orientation campus partners. We know this results in lengthy emails where details sometimes get lost. The goal of this site is to provide a resource for Orientation updates while allowing OTP to streamline email communication.
Accessibility Resources
Orientation is an opportunity to highlight EMU’s mission and brand. Additionally, EMU aims to be an inclusive campus and this begins from their first interactions with us. Please research and implement the following recommendations as you update your presentations to make sure they are accessible for all students and their guests.
Have questions or concerns about your content? Please contact Disability Resource Center for more information and resources.
- All videos should have correct captions and enable while showing. Auto-captioned videos are not recommended.
- Pictures with meaning should have a descriptive caption below.
- Images with words embedded should have a combined text description of the words in the image.
- Provide clear verbal descriptions of visual content, such as images, charts, and videos.
- Check the color contrast of presentation fonts.
- Paper handouts should be available in a digitally accessible format, upon request.
- Limit the use of non-accessible presentation formats, such as Prezi.
- Consider an ending accessibility statement. Example: “If anyone needs an accessible version of the [content presented], please contact our office.”
Planning
Each year we anticipate following the General Orientation Planning Timeline below:
January
- Host Winter Orientation prior to start of Spring semester [December]
- Review Winter Orientation assessment
- Host meetings with Campus Partners regarding Orientation changes and improvements (includes special populations)
- Prepare to open SOAR Registration System for Spring/Summer (coordinate with Admissions, communication materials, website, and finalize session capacities)
- Review/prepare Virtual Pre-Orientation for Fall
- Request content for SOAR publications (workbook, schedule, etc.); design for Orientation t-shirts
- Develop Spring/Summer Orientation Assessment instruments (partnership with Admissions & Campus Labs)
- O-Team Meetings and Orientation Group Leader training begins
- OGL & O-Team Pre-assessment
- 1:1 with OTP Coordinator & OTP Student Staff
February
- Distribute SOAR schedule
- SOAR Registration System opens
- Compile Spring Orientation dates for review/approval
- Last meetings with Campus Partners regarding Orientation changes and improvements
- Send SOAR publications to print (workbook, schedule, etc.)
- Finalize SOAR Assessment instruments
- Deadline for SOAR presentations from Campus Partners
- Reserve classroom/lab spaces for EMU Connect
- Review Orientation publications for changes
- CGL App closes
- SWAT Coordinator Training begins
- CGL Interviews begin
- OGL & Advisor Mixer
March
- SOAR programs begin!
- OTP student staff delegation attends regional NODA Conference
- Administer OGL training assessment
- Launch SOAR Assessment instruments Student & Guest Survey launch (including component about OGL)
April
- SOAR programs continue; includes hosting events and day-of logistics
- Prepare for O-Team May Retreat
- 1:1 with OTP Coordinator & OTP Student Staff
- EMU Connect Rental Reservations
- SWAT Hiring complete
- CGL FireUp Training
May
- SOAR programs continue; includes hosting events and day-of logistics
- EMU Connect publications finalized and sent to print; Orientation t-shirts ordered
- EMU Connect Planning Meetings with Campus Partners
- O-Team May Retreat
- O-Team retreat assessment
- Mid point review of SOAR surveys
- OTP Spring Retreat
- New OTP Student Staff pre assessment
- Identify SOAR dates for two years out
June
- SOAR programs continue; includes hosting events and day-of logistics
- 1:1 with OTP Coordinator & OTP Student Staff
- EMU Connect giveaway bidding process
July
- SOAR programs continue; includes hosting events and day-of logistics
- Deadline for EMU Connect presentations from Campus Partners & presenters. (end of month)
- Prepare CGL Training - Pre & post assessments
- Prepare OGL and Oteam applications
August
- Host final SOAR programs
- Close SOAR survey instruments
- Connect Group Leader (CGL) Training
- Host EMU Connect Programming
- O-Team Training Assessment
- CGL Training - Pre & post assessments
- SOAR Internal Feedback & Debrief Meeting
September
- Review collected First Three Assessment data
- Review/prepare Virtual Orientation for Winter
- O-Team & OGL Recruitment
- Send out F3 survey to students & Guests
- Student Staffing debrief meetings/exit interviews
- OTP Fall Retreat
- 1:1 with OTP Coordinator & OTP Student Staff
October
- Winter Orientation Registration System for Winter opens
- Virtual Orientation available for Winter admits
- Review of EMU Connect assessment
- Finalize EMU Connect assessment reports & season report
- O-Team Group Interviews
- OGL Group Interviews
November
- Host debrief meetings with Campus Partners regarding Orientation (review of previous year, plans for future)
- Review SOAR materials (workbooks, giveaways, etc.)
- O-Team Individual Interviews and selection
- OGL Individual Interviews and Selection
December
- Host Winter Orientation
- Host meetings with Campus Partners regarding Orientation (review of previous year, plans for future, updates)
- SOAR Schedule Changes solidified; request approval
- Request Online Orientation edits for SOAR
- Review FITIAC communications with admissions for changes
- Prepare to open SOAR Registration System for next season (propose changes, coordinate with admissions and advising, communication materials)
- 1:1 with OTP Coordinator & OTP Student Staff
- Connect Group Leader (CGL) App opens
2020 Orientation and Transition Programs Updates
Our Purpose
We connect incoming students to holistic resources in support of their transition into student engagement and success. Our Vision
We envision a cohesive and inclusive experience that is student centered, student driven, and highlighted as a best practice example regionally. Our Values
Intentionality | Inclusivity | Authenticity Our Priorities
- Provide positively impactful experiences that anticipate and support the holistic needs of our incoming EMU community members.
- Represent and celebrate the traditions and cultures of Eastern’s diverse community, to support a sense of belonging and social connectedness.
- Cultivate cross institutional collaboration and robust community partnerships.
- Facilitate an intentional platform and experience for current EMU student development, empowerment, and leadership.
Learning and Development Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending our Orientation and Transition Programs (SOAR and EMU Connect or Winter Orientation), students will...
- Understand EMU’s academic expectations and students’ responsibility for their own academic, social, and personal experience. (Knowledge acquisition and application)
- This includes academic advising, class registration, degree requirements, deadlines, financial responsibilities, etc.
- Articulate and demonstrate expectations for Eastern’s community members and how students can positively contribute to and engage in the community. (Humanitarianism and Civic Engagement)
- This includes the Student Rights and Responsibilities, the EMU Creed, Federal Regulations, etc.
- Navigate the campus physical and digital environment and utilize University resources that will contribute to their success and engagement at Eastern. (Practical Competence)
- This includes involvement opportunities, leadership positions, College-specific experiences, and student support systems, etc.
- Identify leadership skills and begin to interpret how they relate to their personal success as an Eastern Student. (Cognitive Complexity)
- This includes skills such as conflict resolution, ethical reasoning, teambuilding, time management, effective communication, and goal setting.
- Develop a sense of belonging and social connectedness to the Eastern community and collaboration in their collegiate experience. (Interpersonal Competence)
- Cultivate a sense of self-awareness through identifying personal values, identities, and strengths and how they can support their personal and professional goals. (Intrapersonal Development)
Guest Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending Orientation and Transition Programs (SOAR and EMU Connect or Winter Orientation), guests will...
- Interpret and articulate the supportive role they play in their student’s transition process.
- Understand EMU’s academic and community expectations, as well as, their student’s responsibility to make decisions and take actions related to their academic, social, and personal experience as an EMU student.
- Identify on campus resources available to support their student academically, socially, and personally as an EMU student.