Dear Penn State community,
As we prepare to welcome a cohort of new Penn State students, and their families, into our community this summer, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of New Student Orientation (NSO) in fostering a sense of belonging and helping our students begin their academic career successfully.
As you may know, NSO, which begins next month, is the first time we truly embrace these new students as Penn Staters.
From the moment each new student arrives on our campuses, they receive a wealth of information and resources to successfully navigate their transition to college. NSO is also one of the first opportunities to make our expansive university feel small. Penn State is an institution where every door is open to our students, as well as a home where they find a unique, tight-knit community. For that reason, I truly believe that the NSO experience is a key lever in a student’s success.
Across our campuses, every new student participates in a New Student Orientation program that is designed to welcome them to their specific campus community and to familiarize them with the unique attributes and resources available at their campus. Every orientation includes a chance for students to meet other new students, meet with an adviser, schedule courses, and attend an involvement fair, among other opportunities.
For example, one of the unique ways we offer this orientation experience at University Park is through the innovative musical theater show, “Results Will Vary*.” This experience not only provides a memorable capstone to our orientation programming but also demonstrates the power of the arts in enhancing student learning.
I had an opportunity to go behind the scenes of the 2024 show and was blown away by the talent, dedication and impact of the cast, NSO leaders and staff who make this experience possible. Through storytelling, sketch comedy and skits, current students welcome the audience and share valuable lessons and information to help new students successfully adapt to life as a Penn Stater.
After viewing “Results Will Vary*,” students take a follow-up survey to gauge their recall and opinions about the information and topics presented and participate in conversations and activities with orientation leaders. Surveys of NSO participants revealed that, after experiencing the programming, new students were more likely to recognize the importance of helping friends when they need assistance and to recall resources available to them, including mental health support.
Among other measurable impacts, this underscores the importance of exploring innovative teaching methods and highlights how the arts enhance student learning as we continue to elevate our focus on student success as a university.
In addition to the cast of “Results Will Vary*,” I also met with Katie Motycki, director of student orientation and transition programs and senior associate director for NSO, and Ashley LeBron, a College of Education student and student orientation leader last summer.
Katie, along with many other dedicated staff and student orientation leaders, makes more than 30 sessions of NSO possible each summer. Each event immerses students and their families in activities designed to help them feel welcome, informed and prepared for the exciting journey ahead. There are sessions about life on campus, the business of being a student, academic consultations, student panels, resource fairs, staying safe and social activities.
Through each individual experience, Katie and her team strive to provide students with the tools they need to thrive academically and socially. I am so impressed by their dedication and am glad to have witnessed their impact firsthand.
As we continue through the spring semester and beyond, I encourage all of us to continue seeking new ways to engage our students, embrace innovative educational approaches, and foster a supportive Penn State community that empowers our students to reach their full potential.
Sincerely,
Neeli