As new college students prepare for their new academic environment, orientation serves as a crucial stepping stone into campus life and a pillar of support throughout their college experience.

Traditionally, orientation has been an in-person experience, but with the progression of higher ed technology, online orientation tools have risen in use. Let’s explore the importance of online orientation, how it compares to traditional in-person sessions, and how colleges can incorporate an online portion in your orientation program.

Why Orientation Matters for Your Students

The transition to college can be both exciting and overwhelming, and orientation provides essential information about campus resources, academic processes and expectations, and social opportunities. By participating in orientation, students can gain confidence, reduce feelings of anxiety, and start to develop a sense of belonging, all of which are vital for their success throughout college.

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The Case for Implementing an Online Orientation

According to a study completed by the Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, online student onboarding boosts measurable success, including a 7% increase in semester-to-semester student retention. Online orientations have also been shown to increase enrollment by almost 50% and decrease withdrawal rates in online courses to as low as 36%.

Online orientation platforms can help students engage with essential information at their own pace, accommodating diverse learning styles and providing ongoing access to valuable resources. But there are even more benefits to incorporating an online orientation:

Accessibility

Online orientation can be accessible to a larger number of students simultaneously, breaking down barriers associated with space and resources, particularly for students who may be living with a disability that could make an in-person orientation session difficult. This inclusivity ensures that no student feels left out of the orientation experience, regardless of their circumstances.

Flexible Learning

Online orientations offer flexibility in how and when students engage with the content. Unlike a set schedule for in-person sessions, students can learn at their own pace, revisiting information as needed. This flexibility caters to different learning styles and helps students absorb information more effectively.

Wider Reach

Students can participate in an online orientation session from anywhere, allowing those who may not be able to travel for an in-person session to still receive essential information. This is particularly important for international students or those with family obligations.

Resource Availability

Online platforms can house a wealth of resources, including videos, articles, and links to services that students can refer back to throughout the semester. This centralized repository allows for easy access to vital information long after the initial orientation.

There’s Still a Place for In-Person Orientation

While online orientation programs have a number of advantages, it’s not necessarily time to discount in-person orientations just yet. There are certain aspects of the orientation experience that are more difficult to replicate in a virtual environment.

In-person orientations, for example, provide opportunities for students to build personal connections. Students can meet peers, faculty, and staff, helping to build a sense of community from day one. These personal connections can significantly ease the transition into college life.

They’re also a better format for hands-on learning activities, such as campus tours and team-building exercises. These experiences help students familiarize themselves with their new environment and spark friendships, which can lead to a more supportive campus network.

But in the age of technology, busy schedules, and distractions, it can be harder to ensure your students stay engaged during in-person orientation sessions, especially during long sessions. Findings from Inside Higher Ed indicate that most students would prefer an in-person orientation to be half a day – but how do you pack all that information into just half a day?

Blending online and in-person sessions can be the answer to delivering critical information and optimizing student engagement.

Finding the Right Balance with Online & In-Person Orientations

Ultimately, there doesn’t need to be a choice between online and in-person orientations. Many institutions are finding success by integrating both methods. Hybrid orientations can offer the flexibility and accessibility of online programs while still providing the personal touch of in-person interactions.

For instance, institutions can use online platforms to deliver foundational information and reserve in-person events for promoting community and building connections.

And the data shows it works: when analyzing the correlation between students participating in online orientation programs and using support services, researchers found a positive link. Students who had completed the online orientation program more readily used available support services.

By moving this part of the student’s orientation online, they can engage with, absorb, and ultimately make use of the information while prioritizing meeting new people and becoming acquainted with their environment during in-person sessions.

By leveraging the strengths of each orientation format, colleges and universities can create a comprehensive experience that meets the diverse needs of their student populations.

Build Your Online Orientation with Axis

If your institution does not yet have an online portion of student orientation, getting one off the ground may seem daunting. And if you choose to build an entirely new online orientation program in-house, it certainly could be.

But there are solutions for institutions that want to innovate with their orientation program but may not have the resources themselves. Take Axis, the online orientation program that’s flexible, efficient, and built to be simple and customizable for administrators as well as engaging and intuitive for students.

It’s ready to implement for any college while still allowing customization of branding and orientation content, saving time and effort throughout the setup process. In the end, you’ll have a personalized platform that caters directly to your administrators’ and students’ needs.

Why Axis

We created this platform specifically because one of our clients needed it. From the beginning, the goal was to serve both administrators and students with ease.

With Axis, your team can:

• Streamline login processes with single-sign-on integration
• View, upload, and manage documents and multimedia content
• Create and tailor orientations to meet students’ needs
• Track and monitor students’ progress
• Incorporate your college’s branding
• Gather insights with the feedback module

The platform works across devices, and students can start and stop based on their schedule, without losing their place or having to start over. They can also always refer to it as a resource, meaning they can access information whenever they need it throughout their time on campus.

Simplify Student Onboarding with Axis

Now more than ever, every minute counts for today’s administrators and students. Balance is important for every member of your community, and Axis can help. Visit our website to learn more and schedule a demo to see how Axis can drive success for your team.