Making plans to attend college can be invigorating, but it can also leave you uncertain of the next steps regarding move-in and the start of classes. After visiting campus, talking to your admissions counselor, laying down a deposit, and determining what courses you will take in the upcoming semester, you’ve made a lot of difficult decisions. Although you have found some answers regarding your future endeavors, you might be wondering if there is anything you’re missing.
Starting college can be hectic, uncharted territory that requires assistance in navigating. It is for this reason that Geneva College’s Summer Orientation exists.
Summer Orientation is designed to welcome both incoming students and parents on a journey together along with Geneva faculty and staff to ensure a well-informed, smooth transition into college. The college strongly recommends that incoming students attend Summer Orientation.
You might be wondering why you should attend this event. Summer Orientation gives accepted students deeper insight into student life, a time to meet with academic advisors, and a space to connect with future classmates. Furthermore, you will have the ability to learn more about your declared major or other possible majors that might interest you.
Summer Orientation is also a great time for you to become more familiar with your college, which will be your home away from home for the next four years or so. You will discover more about Geneva’s history and traditions, while also having the time to explore campus and the residence halls.
Before starting classes in the fall, all students will need to get their photo taken for their student ID. Summer Orientation provides a time for students to get this done and ensures that other enrollment checklist items are completed.
Last but not least, students will have the opportunity to become more familiar with the many campus services available to them during their time at Geneva. These services are set in place with the end goal of assisting each student to find academic success from start to finish. This time is helpful in clearing the path for an easier transition from high school to college life.
If you are a parent of a student, why should you attend Summer Orientation? It is important to note that a student’s transition to college does not just involve the student but the whole family, A.K.A., you - the parents.
Summer Orientation at Geneva College is also a resource available to family members, who play a significant role in a student’s success through support, encouragement, and care. One way to become a better Geneva parent is to network with other parents whose children are also attending the college. This event provides a time for parents to engage with other parents as they gain greater understanding of Geneva and their mission to integrate both faith and learning. There will also be the opportunity to attend Q&A sessions with faculty and staff and inquire of the Student Financial Services office on standard procedures for student financial aid.
So, student, in order to attend Summer Orientation, what will you need to bring?
You… and your many questions. Simple enough?
Over the span of the last few years, Summer Orientation has taken place virtually, however this is no longer a restriction. Bring your parents, your thoughts, concerns, and questions, and allow Geneva’s faculty and staff to help you on this journey to college.
Summer Orientation is a tool that Geneva provides for students and parents to ensure a smooth transition into college life. While gaining better understanding of the college as a whole and acquiring better understanding of available on-campus services, students can have a space for connecting with fellow classmates and for becoming ever more familiar with their campus.
You’re well on your way to stepping into a new journey called college, do yourself a favor and attend Summer Orientation. The transition into college can be difficult to navigate but it doesn’t have to be.
-Abigail Forton ‘22
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Photo by Matese Fields on Unsplash
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Jun 8, 2022
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