Orientation Programs Goals & Learning Objectives

The student representatives of Orientation Programs, in collaboration with Cal Poly staff, have created the program’s goals to ensure that incoming students and their families are provided with an orientation that serves as a transition into academic and social life at Cal Poly as well as in our community. Through the quality and integrity of leadership training programs, orientation leaders will have the skills necessary to effectively facilitate groups to ensure that every participant will have the information and support needed to succeed at Cal Poly, which includes but is not limited to the following:

1. information and opportunities to explore academic success strategies.
2. the ability to function safely in the Cal Poly & San Luis Obispo environment.
3. the ability to articulate and understand the advantages and challenges
of a diverse campus community.
4. a sense of connectedness within the San Luis Obispo community.
5. the ability to negotiate the physical environment of the campus.
6. an integrated social support system and connection with other students.

Adopted: 1997 by WOW leadership and Student Affairs staff
Revised: 2002, 2009

Goal 1: To provide participants with information and opportunities to explore academic success strategies.

To achieve this goal, the following learning objectives will be addressed. Orientation Programs will:

1.1 Assist new students as well as their families in understanding the purposes of higher education and the mission of the institution.
Addressed: Open House, SOAR, & WOW

1.2 Articulate the institution's expectations of students (e.g., scholarship, integrity, conduct, financial obligations, ethical use of technology, Cal Poly University and Diversity Learning Objectives) and provide information that clearly identifies relevant administrative policies, procedures, and programs to enable students to make well-reasoned and well-informed choices.
Addressed: SOAR, & WOW

1.3 Use qualified faculty members, staff, or peer advisors to explain class scheduling, registration processes, and campus life.
Addressed: SOAR

1.4 Assist students in assessing their interests and abilities, examining their educational goals, making decisions and developing short-term and long-term plans to meet their objectives.
Addressed: SOAR

1.5 Discuss and clarify educational, career, and life goals.
Addressed: SOAR

1.6 Provide accurate and timely information and interpret institutional, general education, and major requirements.
Addressed: SOAR

1.7 Make students aware of and refer to educational, institutional, and community resources and services (e.g., internship, study abroad, honors, service-learning, research opportunities).
Addressed: Open House, SOAR & WOW

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Goal 2: To provide participants with the ability to function safely in the Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo environment.

To achieve this goal, the following learning objectives will be addressed. Orientation Programs will:

2.1 Provide time for students and their families to become acquainted with the campus and local environment.
Addressed: Open House, SOAR, & WOW

2.2 Inform new students, as well as their families, about the availability of services and programs.
Addressed: Open House, SOAR, & WOW

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Goal 3: To provide participants with the ability to articulate and understand the advantages and challenges of a diverse campus community.

To achieve this goal, the following learning objectives will be addressed. Orientation Programs will:

3.1 Provide new students with information and opportunities for academic and personal self-assessment.
Addressed: SOAR, & WOW

3.2 Inform new students, as well as their families, about the availability of services and programs.
Addressed: Open House, SOAR, & WOW

3.3 Provide intentional opportunities for new students to interact with new and continuing students, faculty and staff.
Addressed: Open House, SOAR & WOW

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Goal 4: To provide participants with a sense of connectedness within the San Luis Obispo Community.

To achieve this goal, the following learning objectives will be addressed. Orientation Programs will:

4.1 Provide time for students and their families to become acquainted with the campus and local environment.
Addressed: Open House, SOAR, & WOW

4.2 Make students aware of and refer to educational, institutional, and community resources and services (e.g., internships, service-learning, research opportunities).
Addressed: Open House, SOAR, & WOW

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Goal 5: To provide participants with the ability to negotiate the physical environment of the campus.

To achieve this goal, the following learning objectives will be addressed. Orientation Programs will:

5.1 Provide time for students and their families to become acquainted with the campus and local environment.
Addressed: Open House, SOAR, & WOW

5.2 Inform new students, as well as their families, about the availability of services and programs.
Addressed: Open House, SOAR, & WOW

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Goal 6: To provide participants with an integrated social support system and connection with other students
and their families.

To achieve this goal, the following learning objectives will be addressed. Orientation Programs will:

6.1 Provide time for students and thier families to become acquainted with the campus and local environment.
Addressed: Open House, SOAR, & WOW

6.2 Provide intentional opportunities for new students and their families to interact with fellow new students and their families along with continuing students, faculty and staff members.
Addressed: Open House, SOAR, & WOW

6.3 Promote student growth and development.
Addressed: SOAR, & WOW

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