Orientation is an annual event on Southeastern’s campus. Each summer the Office of Admissions organizes a series of programs meant to prepare new students for their looming college careers. Invitations are sent to students who have been accepted for the upcoming fall term.

More than 2,200 students have already gone through orientation, with more coming for the late orientation program from August 8-9. The late orientation session is for the students who were unable to attend their original session.

The invitees are divided into groups to be guided by their student Orientation Leaders.

“I think it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life,” said Anna Ellis, a senior Orientation Leader majoring in pre-law, psychology and criminal justice. “I just get to work with awesome people, meet awesome kids who love what we do and we love them as much as they love us.”

The two-day programs are designed to inform those attending orientation what they need to know about their new college experience. Day one of the program is jam-packed with informational meetings and social gatherings, lasting until midnight. Important guidance about academic planning, campus housing and honors programs is provided. Day two includes an assembly and a luncheon before allowing the students to schedule their classes for the fall semester.

The Office of Admissions views orientation as a critical experience. New students are often filled with fear and anxiety about their upcoming transition into college and the goal of these programs is to ease them into this new phase of their lives.

“It’s very encouraging to see students come into college and have something to look up to. It’s about being able to inspire them to do their best,” said Orientation Leader­ Cody Martin, a psychology sophomore.

The events have run smoothly and without any problems.

“Everybody really pulls together,” said Anthony Ranatza, the Assistant Director of Admissions. “I really think our program here is phenomenal. We couldn’t do it without our Orientation Leaders.” According to Ranatza, communication among the many organizations involved is key to this success.

The people in charge of orientation are dedicated to making the events as effective as possible. After orientation, students and parents are asked to review their experiences.

“We tweak our programs based on feedback,” said Ranatza. “We’re getting a lot of positive feedback this year, specifically a higher amount of feedback.”