About Orientation and Transition Programs
Orientation and Transition Programs (OTP) operates within the Division of Student Life to support new students on ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ’s Oxford campus.
Student leaders play an integral role in implementing the mission of Orientation and Transition Programs). Student Orientation Undergraduate Leaders (SOULs) represent the ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ student experience and are the connection point between the campus experience and the new student transition.
Mission and Framework
OTP promotes a successful academic and social transition to college through the orientation process for new students, which includes:
- introducing students to university resources and support
- fostering environments that promote students’ sense of belonging
- promoting interdependence between students and their communities of support (staff, faculty, peers, family members)
- creating academic and co-curricular goals
- cultivating curiosity and action about new ideas, experiences, and directions
The Orientation and Transition Programs mission is enacted through the PATHs framework. Through orientation programs and transition experiences, students will experience each of the concepts in the PATHs framework.
Your ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ PATHs will include:
- Perspective: As a new ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ student, you will grow your own perspectives by considering the perspectives you'd like to share with others and the perspectives you'd like to learn about.
- Ask: While you're a ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ student, asking questions will be paramount to your success. Remain curious about new topics and experiences, and ask for support when you need it.
- Thrive: Consider what thriving at ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ means to you. What does thriving through the ups-and downs of college life mean to you.
- Habits: Having strong habits during the college experience will support your success. What habits do you have now that you'll keep? What new habits do you need to create in the new context of ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ?
- Spark: How will your ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ experience spark new interests and create new paths?