<p>I got to the step in my pre-orientation homework where I need to pick an orientation workshop. I was surprised there are so many choices! I’ve read on here that some of the workshops are better than others, so I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on them (I’m guessing they are at least somewhat similar to last year’s…). Are there ones that are more helpful / interesting than others?</p>
<p>For everyone’s reference here is the list of ones being offered this year:</p>
<p>Can I Do That?
College academic culture is different from what youre probably used to youll have much more freedom of choice! In this sessions, well discuss options to explore the full breadth of your academic interests. In the classroom you can add a second major or select a minor (or two USC offers over 150). Beyond the classroom other opportunities abound: explore Los Angeles as an integral part of your education, study overseas, participate in community service or Alternative Spring Break, or engage in research with a faculty mentor. Come join the conversation!</p>
<p>From Personal to Purposeful: Exploring Your Identity at USC
Who will you be at USC? Explore the visible and invisible aspects of your identity through this interactive workshop. Figure out what matters to you and learn how to tie all aspects of your identities into your future classroom and out-of-classroom experiences. Discover resources that will be valuable as you create your sense of self on campus. Meet other new students, hear about their unique identities, and share your own individual perspectives at this workshop. Everybody inhabits diversity find out how this can be one of your strengths at USC!</p>
<p>Googled it and didnt find it? Try the Library
To succeed in college you need more than Google. A million hits wont help if the right one is missing. This session will introduce you to the USC Libraries and the people who can help you find the information you need.</p>
<p>How I got an F on my A Paper: Understanding academic integrity at USC
What is the value of my USC degree? This workshop will introduce students to academic integrity expectations at USC and how they differ from high school. Participants will be given case studies on students who were referred for judicial review to discuss and debate scenarios and consequences. Workshop will also share techniques on success and prevention.</p>
<p>Integrating Study Abroad into a USC Education
Studying abroad is a very broadening experience academically, culturally, and personally. This session will focus on incorporating overseas study into your USC academic plans and the challenges and rewards of living in a different culture.</p>
<p>Is College Really that Different?
This session will provide you the opportunity to ask candid and intimate questions to current USC students. Questions such as: Do professors really care if I come to class? How much tougher is college than high school? Do teachers act differently to you in college versus high school? Ive always had my own room - how did you adjust to living with 3 other people?</p>
<p>Mapping out your Career Path
The path to your chosen career starts with the decisions you make during your undergraduate experience. In these tough economic times decisions you make in college can help you to be more competitive after graduation. Nationally, employers are hiring over 62% of their entry level employees from internship programs. In this workshop learn how to make the most of your time here at USC, how to get that internship, and what services are available to you in the Career Planning and Placement Center even as a first year student.</p>
<p>Media, the Web, and Your Future
It’s hard to imagine life without Facebook, YouTube, iPhones, or the Wii. Easy-to-use tools for music, video, and even animation production make today an exciting time to be a college student. Whether you’re socializing, learning, or just staying informed, it’s crucial to embrace the future of web based media. This workshop provides hands-on experience with video and Internet tools to publish short, fun and compelling multimedia. You’ll also gain insights into how to use these skills to benefit your time at USC and build a foundation for success in your future career.</p>
<p>Pre-Health, Pre-Law, Pre-Grad, Oh My!
Are you wondering what it means to be Pre-Health, Pre-Law, or Pre-Grad? This workshop will provide new students interested in pursuing professional/graduate studies with general information. Topics to be discussed include possible majors, various USC resources, as well as general tips to help you get on the right track and make the most of your undergraduate experience.</p>
<p>The Contrarians Guide to Student Innovation
Learn how USC can help you make impact with your new ideas! Explore your own creative prowess at USC, identify innovation opportunities, and become part of the innovation culture on campus. In addition to harnessing your creative thinking, engage with the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation to find out about programs designed to help you maximize your potential as a student innovator.</p>
<p>Undergraduate Research across the University
An important part of the academic career of any student at USC is participating in research. Whether that is partnering with faculty to do research or performing independent research, there are many opportunities for you to leave your mark. Join us for this interactive discussion that will show you the ropes and connect you with those opportunities.</p>
<p>Volunteering: Can it really help me in college?
In this hands-on workshop, you will explore active civic engagement, volunteerism, and service learning. The interactive session will show you the benefits of volunteering, highlight opportunities like Alternative Spring Break and JEP, and demonstrate how you can incorporate this into many facets of your life at USC.</p>
<p>What Matters to Me and Why
The central mission of USC is the “development of human beings and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit.” This workshop will focus on what it means to cultivate and enrich the human spirit by exploring the ultimate questions of meaning, purpose, and identity. Students will also be introduced to resources at USC that support spiritual life and will be encouraged to articulate what matters to them and why.</p>
<p>Writing Papers at USC
Writing papers in college is not the same as writing papers in high school. Faculty look for different things and encourage different ways of thinking. Come to this session to get an inside track on best practices and how you can be prepared for your first writing class.</p>