A&M-Victoria hosts orientation events for new students
New students had the chance to visit campus and register for classes Friday during the first orientation event for Texas A&M University-Victoria.
Ninety students and about 75 guests came to campus Friday for new student orientation. During their time on campus, students were able to learn about what to expect from life on campus, success tips for their classes and opportunities to be involved in campus life. The university will host two more orientation events on June 29 and July 11.
“New student orientation provides a valuable opportunity for students, whether it’s their first visit or they’ve been to campus before,” said Jay Lambert, vice president for student affairs. “Orientation helps students gain a deeper understanding of campus life and connect with the faculty and staff who will support them throughout their academic journey. We are always excited to welcome new students and ensure they start off on the right path.”
Students started the day by checking in inside University North, where some breakfast snacks were provided. While there, students could visit the advising table, where they could make sure they had everything in order to register for classes later that day. They also listened to a welcome and presentations from A&M-Victoria President Christian Hardigree and student leaders, followed by a fun skit featuring the university’s mascot, jaX, which highlighted what not to do in college.
Throughout the day, students and their families attended a variety of information sessions and panels to help them prepare for life on campus. Students spoke with faculty members who shared tips on how to be successful in the classroom and what resources are available to help with academic challenges. Afterward, students attended a Jag-to-Jag panel that allowed them to ask questions and hear from current students. Meanwhile, family members were invited to attend the Supporting Your Jaguar Q&A session that focused on safety, federal privacy rules, and how families can encourage and support their students during their first year of college.
“It’s very important for new students to take the time to attend an orientation event,” said Hannah Hayward, director of Student Services. “The things they learn during this event can set them up for success and connection when they start in the fall.”
At 11 a.m., students were able to meet with academic advisors to register for classes. While students were meeting with their advisors, family members participated in Exploration Power Hour, where they had the opportunity to take a guided tour of campus and learn more about where their students would be living and learning. Afterward, the university hosted a baked potato bar lunch in Galvan Community Hall.
During the afternoon, students and their families were able to attend a range of events, including a Resource Fair that highlighted campus resources and departments that work with students. There also was a Dorm Life 101 session with staff members from Residence Life who shared the ins and outs of living on campus, followed by a Roommate Mixer that allowed students to meet each other and potentially find their future roommates.
In addition to the information sessions and events, students were able to meet with staff from the Financial Aid office and Student Business Services to make sure all their paperwork was in order before the semester begins. Students also were able to get their student IDs, visit the bookstore, and tour campus and the residence halls.
At the end of the event, students and their families were asked to take a short survey to give their feedback on their orientation experience. Most of the responses said that attendees had an excellent experience, Hayward said.
“The students and their families were so excited,” she said. “They indicated in the survey that they left orientation feeling more prepared and more comfortable with living on campus. More than that, they felt welcomed and valued on campus. That’s exactly the kind of impression and message that we want to convey to all of our current and future students. I want to thank the entire campus community for coming together to make this first orientation a success and for supporting the upcoming sessions.”
For more information about future orientation events, go to https://www.tamuv.edu/orientation/sessions/.
Texas A&M University-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 50 academic programs in the colleges of Business, Education & Health Professions, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, and Natural & Applied Science. A&M-Victoria provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as online classes that students can take from anywhere. The university supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.