At the start of each academic year, colleges and universities hold an orientation program for their freshmen. At this gathering of the entire freshman class, new students get to meet their college classmates for the first time. They are introduced not only to the curriculum but also to the culture within the campus.

Upper classmen, faculty members, as well as university staff give a heads up to what college life is — from giving tips about navigating their way through the campus to discussions about other things that these new and young students become excited and sometimes worried.

Freshies enjoying one of the Team Building Activities (The Magic Carpet)

Here at SFU, the freshmen orientation which includes the College Preparatory Program lasts for 3 days. For two days, the freshmen spend time with their upper classmen and the Student Council to learn about campus life through the lens of students like them. The remaining day is spent with the Management team and the staff of the university to discuss school policies. Parents are likewise gathered in a separate orientation program in order to discuss a broad range of topics and issues that students of today face. Rolling out the welcome mat also builds relationships with parents, who are much more involved in their kids’ lives now compared to parents in previous generations. There is a pressing need to recognize these issues of transition that are equally important, if not greater than, the academic side of college life. 

Guest Speakers alumni Kimberly Pedge and Gian Antonio on the subject “Life in SFU” (Day 2)

Freshmen orientation is not mandatory but it is a good idea to attend. Not only will students find out everything they need to know about being a freshman but they will get to meet other freshmen too. They have to realize that every person there is in the exact same boat as themselves. It can be intimidating to be surrounded by a lot of strangers but once these strangers are turned into friends and colleagues, one would feel great to be surrounded by a diverse group of people, which is a great part of college life.

Guest speaker Ms. Zara Carbonell accompanied by Garren Elorde of Elorde Alabang on the subject “Power Dressing and Self Branding”

A generation ago, college orientation was just a perfunctory affair, lasting a little more than a day. The focus then was on registering for classes and buying textbooks. If parents were needed at all, it was primarily for their wallets.

Active and enthusiastic reactions from the freshmen

Now, more than ever, universities are putting emphasis on this annual ritual hoping that these welcoming activities will boost students’ confidence to face the challenges of college, overcome difficulties during the school year, and keep an eye towards success. 

ACQUAINTANCE PARTY

Popular games (Soda pong)

Finale: The Piñata

Our SFU Freshies writing on each other’s shirt as a sign of a start of new friendships

Freshmen of 2014