Every year, the Division of Student Affairs is asked an important question about Orientation: What did our new students actually learn?

This year’s results show that students left Orientation better prepared to navigate UIS, more aware of the resources available to support them and more connected to the campus community.

Pre- and post-Orientation surveys showed significant gains in two key areas. Awareness of campus resources increased 36 percentage points, from 58% before Orientation to 94% afterward. Students’ confidence in navigating campus increased 37 percentage points, from 48% to 85%.

Students also told us what made the biggest difference. They valued meeting other students and beginning to build a sense of community, seeing and navigating campus in person and learning about resources they did not know were available, including the Learning Hub and UIS Cares food pantry.

That learning happened through a year-round approach to new student programming. Student Affairs offered a Living Learning Community webinar series on weeknights from November through May, virtual Orientation sessions in January, May, June and August for online students and those unable to attend in person, and on-campus sessions for freshmen, transfer students and their families throughout the summer. Transfer students were included across sessions, with a dedicated “Taking Care of Business” session for transfer and incoming graduate students.

The goal of Orientation is not simply to introduce students to UIS. It is to make sure they know where to go, who can help them and how to begin finding their place in our community. This year’s student feedback shows meaningful progress toward that goal.

Thank you to every faculty and staff member who gave their time to Orientation this year. Your partnership helps students begin their UIS experience with the knowledge, resources and connections they need to succeed.