Academic Advising and New Student Orientation
Student services also includes a new student registration session, academic advising and the requirement that all students successfully complete a new student orientation course, ORI101: Orientation to College (Exception: The ORI101 course is automatically waived if a student attended another institution and completed at least 12 semester credit hours.). Academic advising is an important component of student services. Academic advisement is completed using a split-intake model that includes both student services personnel and faculty advisors.
The purpose of the new student orientation program at Drake State is trifold: to present the student with information about the College, ease the registration process, and orient the student (over the first semester) to personnel, policies and procedures which can help him/her progress through the curriculum and associated activities. The college has Academic Completion Specialists, Admissions Office personnel, the Student Success Specialist and Financial Aid personnel to help new students transition into their first semester. The student is assigned a faculty advisor upon entry; however, the program faculty advisor typically takes over the advising process during the second semester of the student’s matriculation.
The new student registration session helps the student plan his or her first semester. During this portion of the orientation, the student is advised concerning program requirements. The instructional divisions provide information to help new student advisors know exactly the assortment of courses needed to help a first semester student be successful.
During ORI101, students are introduced to various staff persons and specific functions of the College; however, other topics covered include time management, study skills, health and fitness, and other relevant topics. The orientation course is a one credit hour course that spans the semester and is offered in a hybrid format.