A Note from Neeli: Fostering student success and belonging through New Student Orientation

Dear Penn State community,

As we welcome a cohort of new Penn State students and their families into our community this summer, I want to take a moment to share my visit to New Student Orientation last summer and reflect on the importance of NSO in fostering a sense of belonging and helping our students begin their academic careers successfully.  

As you may know, NSO, which is now in session across our campuses, 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.   

Every new student participates in a New Student Orientation program that is designed to welcome them to their 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.  

Across our Commonwealth Campuses, our students have opportunities to acclimate to campus life and make new friends by participating in campus scavenger hunts, peer advising, academic presentations and games, ice cream socials, and more. While this may be a challenging transition for some, we are here to support students every step of the way and have a number of resources in place to help students transition to campus life and prepare for success as Penn Staters, including Navigation Coaches who can help students chart their academic paths. 

At University Park, one of the unique ways we offer this orientation experience 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.  

WATCH: Behind-the-scenes with the Results Will Vary* student cast

Last summer, 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 they 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 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 NSO possible for more than 9,400 students at University Park each summer, in addition to the teams who welcome students across the commonwealth. 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, like staying safe and the business of being a student, academic consultations, student panels, resource fairs 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. 

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 

View the full "A Note from Neeli" series on Penn State News.