Freshman experience; breaking the ice

Lafalum84
Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:45:33 +0000

Pizzagirl, I’m not sure what you’re expecting to see here. Other than running orientation programs with games and bonding exercises, familiarizing kids with the campus and services, what else is it that you think colleges could to to break the ice?

I did list one new/unusual idea in my post on page 1:



D was also in an experimental freshman English class, where all the students in her class lived on her (co-ed) floor.



Her college is expanding this program, and is actually building housing based around the concept - freshmen will live in groups, and the group will have a core class academic together. Not a “getting to know you” class, but an actual academic class that all freshmen are required to take - either English, or her college requires a multi-disciplinary seminar called “The Global Experience.”

Also, look at what Union College in Schenectady NY does with their “Minerva Houses.” All freshmen are assigned to a Minerva House, which functions somewhat like a frat or sorority except that everyone is randomly assigned to one, and is a member of that house for their entire college career. Minerva Houses have elected upperclassmen officers and are given a budget from the college for socials. The freshmen in a Minerva House take a seminar together. Not everyone in the Minerva House actually LIVES in a HOUSE together, they live in the regular dorms. But each Minerva House does have space on campus with a social/gathering area, a kitchen and housing for its officers. Kids can choose how much they want to do with their house, or they can do nothing with their house at all (outside the seminar) if they choose. But it gives them a built-in sense of “belonging” and a social network from day one.
[The Minerva Program - Campus Life - Union College - Union College](http://www.union.edu/campus/minerva/index.php)