The Orientation Program selected 22 students of different classes and majors during the fall to welcome approximately 2,300 incoming freshman and transfer students to Southeastern.
Although the program was last updated in 2009, the Office of Admissions continues to implement new ideas and procedures that will allow students to have a successful transition into college and the Southeastern atmosphere.
“As our university continues to grow and evolve, the Office of Admissions decided to re-evaluate the effectiveness of the program,” said Amanda Hammonds, Coordinator of Recruitment.  “We began by collecting feedback from family members and students, as well as several departments on campus. The major changes that were made were the length of the program. It went from a two day program to a day and a half program, optional overnight housing accommodations, separation of the family program and student programs.”
Feedback is welcomed and accepted through surveys and suggestions from students and parents.
“Based on the evaluations that we have received from both family members and students, we do believe that the program changes were effective,” added Hammonds.  “However, once the summer is officially over we will go back and re-evaluate the effectiveness of the program.  We are constantly looking for ways to improve and enhance Southeastern’s Orientation program. We will always evaluate the effectiveness of each aspect of the orientation program.  If changes or updates need to be made then we will make changes when necessary.”
Although the last Summer Orientation Program takes place July 16-17, Orientation leaders will return in the fall and continue recruiting at all special events hosted by the Office of Admissions, in addition to training leaders for the next orientation program.
“They are required to work all of our Special Events that the Office of Admissions executes during the fall semester,” said Hammonds. “Also, it is their job to ‘train’ the 2014 Orientation Leaders during Spring Orientation that takes place January 13-14, 2014. They also have the option to recruit with the Admissions Counselors to nearby high schools during the fall semester.”
Students interested in the orientation program are encouraged to speak to past orientation leader about their experiences.  Applications are currently being accepted online at www.southeastern.edu/orientation.