This month, approximately 1,300 members of the class of 2013 and incoming transfer students will arrive on campus to participate in the annual Academic Advising, Registration and Orientation program (AARO).
The two-day program is designed to acclimate incoming students to their new surroundings by focusing on academics, campus resources and involvement opportunities, according to the SMU Web site.
AARO begins with a discussion about the transition from high school to college. The bottom line is that in college each student controls his or her own destiny, with the responsibility for success resting squarely on his or her shoulders. However, students are not simply tossed into the wilderness to fend for themselves – they may rely on a host of campus resources, including their academic advisors.
While selecting classes is a primary goal, Ashley Stone, assistant director of new student orientation and student support, wants attendees to know that AARO is not just about registering for class.
“We want students to become aware of the academic climate of SMU,” Stone said.
According to recent trends, students are seeking more intellectual engagement, which Stone says places a greater imperative on her office to thoroughly address the topic.
A luncheon on day two allows students and parents to meet faculty in an informal setting to get advice on how to succeed. Stone believes this will foster relationships between students and faculty by forging connections early.
“SMU Essentials” provides an introduction to several departments, including Services for Students with Disabilities, Residence Life and Student Housing (RLSH), SMU Dining Services, and the SMU Police Department.
The Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, located in the SMU Memorial Health Center, hosts its own session to educate about substance use and abuse.
A recent report by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism warns that binge drinking among college students is on the rise. That statistic, as well as SMU’s own recent history with alcohol and drug-related deaths, has forced administrators to take a hard look at how these topics are addressed, beginning with orientation.
Health Educator Megan Knapp said she plans to engage AARO audiences by using cutting-edge technology to help dispel misconceptions. Knapp said she hopes by exposing students to the truth about alcohol and drug use through an approach called “social norms,” students will curb extreme behavior and keep themselves safer.
The Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center also will be introduced at AARO. Students may avail themselves of tutorials, paper editing, study tips and help with time management by making an appointment.
Involvement on campus is highly encouraged at SMU, and opportunities abound. During AARO, student leaders will emphasize the benefits of being a part of an activity outside the classroom. From student government to campus programming, cultural activities and much more, students are certain to find the right club or group out of more than 200 student organizations.
Student Body President Patrick Kobler says AARO helped lay the groundwork for his involvement on campus.
“The biggest thing for me was that I wanted to get involved with leadership positions, so it was important to network and meet new people that could help me along the way,” Kobler said.
Parent Liaison Deanie Kepler said she hopes parents will be actively involved in their student’s AARO experience to help absorb as much information as possible within the short span of time.
“There is so much information coming so fast…it’s really helpful for [students] to have another set of ears and eyes,” said Kepler.
It should be noted that the AARO schedule is very full. Sophomore Chad Robinson, who attended AARO last July, said he left AARO feeling comfortable with the campus and proud that he knew about SMU’s traditions and resources, but said he was uneasy about the pace of the schedule.
“As soon as I put on the nametag, I felt as if the 48 hours were a complete whirlwind,” he said.
Robinson and his mother Diane said there is little time to process the information provided in back-to-back sessions, but that the vast majority of what is presented is valuable.
“They really need to allow ‘breathing room’ for parents to absorb the information,” Diane Robinson said. “I thought of a lot of questions after AARO was over that I just didn’t have time to contemplate while there.”
Despite the brisk speed of the program, AARO leader Susan Watkins said it is important to be present and engaged throughout each session.
Watkins and her fellow AARO leaders have been hard at work for the past year making certain this year’s event will serve the incoming class well. “We really want students to have a fantastic orientation experience,” Watkins said.
