Incoming freshmen pick up tips from students, faculty at orientation

"For the students and their parents who attend, the transition is less traumatic and considerably smoother."

Does our child have to have a laptop? Are there professors I should avoid? "TR" means Tuesday/Thursday, right? These are questions incoming freshmen and their parents alike asked when they visited campus June 6-7 during the Summer Academic Orientation Program.

Knowing how difficult it can be to adjust to college, Vanderbilt has hosted the annual orientation program since 1983. The program consists of six sessions conducted by more than 100 members of the administration, faculty and student body who work to help acclimate approximately 1,200 incoming freshmen and their parents to the Vanderbilt community.

"For the students and their parents who attend SAOP, the transition is less traumatic and considerably smoother," said Larry Dowdy, dean of students, professor of computer science, and professor of computer engineering.

At times, the students and parents were separated, allowing the presenters to address concerns unique to the respective audiences. Doing so also gave the students a chance to make their initial steps as independent individuals at the University. While students met with academic advisers and attended presentations regarding the campus and career services, the parents attended programs geared toward issues they may face in the upcoming months. Bonnie Daniel, director of the Parents and Family Office, delivered a presentation titled "Hanging On, Letting Go, and Wishing You Were Here," and Dr. John W. Greene, director of Zerfoss Student Health Center, spoke on "Letting Go in '00."

Greene is also a professor of pediatrics and a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, as well as an adjunct associate professor of pediatric nursing.

David L. Tuleen, associate provost for administrative affairs and associate professor of chemistry, addressed the students and their parents on the first day of the program.

"Certainly we provide a rigorous study, but we recognize that college is a great deal more than classes," said Tuleen. "We mean for you to have four wonderful years here."

SAOP offered the students their first exposure to academic counseling and registration at Vanderbilt. Each participant met privately with a faculty member who served as a temporary academic adviser. With the help of the adviser, professors and registrars, the incoming students planned their schedules and registered for classes on OASIS, the computer-based registration system.

Attendees also had access to 17 summer academic orientation leaders. These current Vanderbilt students can offer advice from a peer's perspective.

"The SAOLs are here to tell the new students and their parents what Vanderbilt is all about from a student's perspective," said Dave Pacula, a student leader during this year's SAOP. "We spent a great deal of time talking to administrators and representatives from each of Vanderbilt's colleges and departments so that we are able to answer just about any questions the students and their parents might have."

Pacula is a senior in the College of Arts and Science.

Ross Doyle, incoming freshman in the School of Engineering, said he enjoyed meeting other members of the Class of 2004.

"It's important to meet people to have a foundation when you come back in the fall," he said.