Freshman Orientation

timely · 05-09-2008, 08:48 AM

So, what happens in those few days after freshmen arrive and before school starts?

Me&BobbyMcGee · 05-09-2008, 03:37 PM

From the literature it sounds like they want to smooth the transition to Chapman.

Are you going to register on-line or go to Chapman in July?

timely · 05-09-2008, 06:57 PM

S will be registering online. I want to get his completed transcript to them asap so they can evaluate his credits. He has quite a few dual-credit courses and I want to see how they will count them.

Kenz07 · 05-10-2008, 05:19 PM

During orientation there are a bunch of activities that both students and parents participate in. Students meet with the people that will be in their Freshman Foundation class a few times, so when school starts they already know people in one of their classes. There are fun activities, themed meals, information sessions, speakers, etc... so overall it is just a time to get settled, get to know the campus, meet people, and have questions answered.

paying3tuitions · 05-10-2008, 11:48 PM

Last year, they did some really nice things, too, both formal and informal. I recall a Convocation with bagpipes in the gymnasium where we heard the college president speak, followed by an award to someone on the staff who'd started a school in his homeland with a power-point presentation, some receptions at various departments/majors where students got to meet faculty informally; an outdoor barbecue for families where you sat by state-of-origin or nation-of-origin (just another way to meet people than the usual ways of dorm or academics). There was a very beautiful night-time ceremony in the main quad. with candles and a chance to say good-bye to your kid. There was a mandatory meeting for freshmen with their RA and new dorm neighbors.

There are some trips to nearby beaches, Disney and so on. My kid opted out of them, figuring he'd see them soon anyway. He was more eager to move in during those evening hours. To me it seemed like a nice way to get to see beyond the campus and have some fun, but that was his choice. By the time we heard about them, they were all fully registered (not sure why that happened except it was our fault, really. They made a mention of tour sign-ups and we just weren't on the ball. However, if he'd wanted to go, they told us he just had to arrive an hour early for the departing bus and line up, since there are always a few no-shows who pre-registered.

timely · 05-15-2008, 08:57 PM

Oh, my....a good-bye ceremony with candles? I'll be a sobbing mess!

paying3tuitions · 05-15-2008, 10:30 PM

You won't be alone with the weepiness. That's how they put out the candles (I'm joking on that last part)

What amazed me was how they can plan so many outdoor ceremonies. Being from the Northeast, I was always looking over my shoulder for rainclouds or asking, "should we bring an umbrella, just in case?" August in Orange Co, CA = no rain worries. The afternoon outdoor lunchtables had tents for shade, which was really nice.

2012rent · 05-31-2008, 03:25 PM

Has anyone received paperwork lately from Chapman? The acceptance package was lost in the mail last time. What is the last thing you received?

Chinaski · 06-01-2008, 08:51 AM

I received a letter stating they received my payment back in early May - that's it.

simplyxeva · 06-27-2008, 03:49 AM

well i recieved postcards about the freshman orientation and summer reading. also information on counseling for classes.

Couchptato10 · 07-07-2008, 05:46 PM

Hey everyone, I was just curious because I have been in Europe for a while and missed quite a few things.

I got everything else done, but what I am kinda confused about is the Freshman Orientation. When exactly is this? How long is orientation for? I registered, but it says I can't apply for Saturday events because it is full

But I applied for some cruise. Can someone shed some light on orientation, what events are happening, etc.? Thanks a lot!

timely · 07-07-2008, 09:39 PM

Here is the website for new student orientation: Chapman University - Student L.E.A.D. Center - Student Orientation

It sounds like you've probably been there since you have registered. I don't believe they have announced a detailed schedule yet, but the dates are 8/19-24.

Here is the freshman checklist in case you haven't looked at it yet: Chapman University - Fall 2008 Checklist for Freshman

Oh, and my son is going on the harbor cruise, too.

paying3tuitions · 07-07-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

I registered, but it says I can't apply for Saturday events because it is full

Encouragement: I'm not sure what Saturday events are, but last year our S missed signing up for bus tours to the beach, mall, Disney and so forth. He phoned L.E.A.D> Oreintation committee folks in July and they reassured that even if bus tours are already full, if you go anyway 45 minutes early to line up, there will always be some no-show kids and a place on the bus when the time comes.

As it turned out, he didn't want to go to area tours anyway during Orientation week. So I hope he could've gone, had he wanted to. Maybe you can check into that.

Within the first month, he got to all those tour places once anyway on his own steam or with new friends. I am just passing along that info.

It's logical, too. Once students are all on-scene together at ORientation, a few might have someone to talk to and figure they'll see the beach or Disney some other moment, so just don't show up for the bus trip. That leaves a few spots for "stand-bys" who get there 45 minutes early.