The LSE has had a rethink, and this year's Orientation, formerly known as Induction, will be a different experience for all. The Student Services Centre, Students' Union and Academic Departments are all working together with the aim of making Orientation 2009 an experience fitting with LSE's world class reputation.
Many of the changes to Orientation have been taken directly from the Orientation workshop held in March, where discussions took place to define the objectives and identify possible actions.
To make Orientation successful we think it's essential that our new students see this as a cohesive event, so this year we're asking all staff involved to wear badges; indicating that they are there to help. We're in the process of creating a user friendly map and guide designed to point out all the important parts of the LSE and Estates are installing directional signs on buildings over the summer, which will be on the key corners of buildings.
School changes to Orientation
The name 'Induction' is now Orientation. This signals a new beginning and a break from past years.
It is important that Orientation: 09 events, at School and Departmental level, are as synchronised as possible. In order to avoid clashes between Departmental Orientation and other Orientation events, the School Orientation Web Template has now been distributed to all Academic Departments, this template contains the dates and times of all School Orientations and Freshers' Fayre. Departments are required to organise and insert their Orientations around these dates and times.
SU changes to Orientation
The dates of The Freshers' Fayre during the Student Union Festival are now Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th September, which allows the Students' Union to keep the Fayre in one place; Clement House, and should reduce clashes with Departmental Orientation Events.
SSC changes to Orientation
We will be increasing the number of staff /student helpers and adding more information desk locations over the Orientation period to help new students adjust as quickly and comfortably as possible to life at the LSE.
In addition, two proposed films on the new arrivals website will give an insight into the Student Mentoring Scheme and how to use the Student Services Centre.
This year the Student Mentoring Scheme will be more comprehensive. 2009 will be the first year that all Academic Departments invite and introduce LSE student mentors to new undergraduates at their departmental orientations.
It is important that the LSE, a world class brand, has a world class orientation and that first impressions for our new students set the feel for the rest of their studies. We may not achieve everything we want in this first year but we hope it will mark a move towards a student focused, more professional, comprehensive orientation.