Since the COVID-19 pandemic, life has become largely a virtual experience, viewed primarily from a computer screen. Some activities adapt well to an online environment. It seems RIC's Accepted Student's Day and New Student Orientation are two of them.
In years past, Accepted Student's Day for admitted students and their families consisted of a full day of on-campus programming that included tours of RIC's campus, presentations by deans and the Financial Aid Office, a Student Support Services Fair, a Student Activities Fair and many other events to celebrate admitted students.
This year, walking tours turned into virtual tours and more than 90 virtual webinars replaced other events. According to Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions Coral Maack, more than 600 admitted students attended the webinars. "In fact, virtual attendees exceeded the number of attendees at last year's on-campus Accepted Student's Day," she says. "I'm extremely proud of the work the admissions team has accomplished during these challenging times to usher in the Class of 2024 Anchors."
Likewise, the Office of New Student Orientation will prepare first-year students for fall semester by interacting with them on a Blackboard learning platform. Students will work through seven, self-paced modules that take four hours to complete. Modules include a welcome to the campus community by RIC President Frank D. Sánchez, information about campus resources, campus events, how to get involved in student organizations and work study. Discussion boards within the modules allow students to ask questions, engage with orientation leaders, faculty advisors and other new students.
After completing the modules, students will then be allowed to register for a Virtual Advising Session, where they meet with a faculty advisor and discuss program requirements, class offerings and have their class schedule approved.
They can also continue to take part in live online sessions throughout the summer, ranging from talks with faculty to virtual hangouts with student orientation leaders. Family members are also invited to register for online sessions to support the new student on their journey to RIC.
Interim Director of New Student Programs Alie Hallam says, "Although New Student Orientation will be held virtually this year, our orientation team is excited about the engaging opportunities we've created for first-year students. We look forward to guiding them through the online program and helping to prepare them for the start of their academic career here in the fall."
The deadline for registering for New Student Orientation is June 15 for first-year students and July 15 for transfer students. For more information, go to www.ric.edu/orientation and scroll down to "How to Register for Orientation & Orientation Session Guide."
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will continue virtual events and tours throughout the summer. Visit LIVE Virtual Campus Visits.