Window to a new world: online freshman orientation via portal

In June 2003, Lehigh University embarked on an experiment to present incoming freshmen with an online pre-orientation experience using the SCT Luminis 3 Portal environment. Three main content areas were developed: targeted information about the student’s college/program area, a customized course selection tool, and an online Calculus-readiness test integrated with the Blackboard course management system. The goal of this project was to replace the three-day, on-campus pre-orientation program held in July each year, and to introduce the incoming students to the MyLehigh Portal. This paper will present an overview of the content areas developed and deployed, the results of a student satisfaction survey developed to gauge response to this preorientation experience, and thoughts on how to improve the process for the future. Categories and Subject Descriptors K.6 [General] General Terms Management Keywords Portal, First Year Student, Student Orientation, On-line Orientation

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: SIGUCCS
• Authors: Sherri Yerk-Zwickl
• Keywords: Content Areas, First Year Student, Information Management, SIGUCCS 2004, Student’s College/program Area