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Learning Outcomes for First Year Students

By participating in our Orientation program, first-year students will:

  • Successful complete the registration process and have a full course load 
  • Understand the degree requirements met by each class in their first semester schedule
  • Meet a fellow first-year student
  • Meet a faculty member within a chosen field of interest
  • Discuss possible transitional issues they may encounter, specifically managing relationships including roommates, making choices, and adjusting to academic expectations
  • Be knowledgeable about at least one department location and contact information so that future questions may be directed appropriately
  • Confirm their decision to attend SUNY Cortland

Additional Program Objectives

 

Transitioning to the college environment is a process and therefore does not occur solely over the course of our Orientation program. In light of this, it is our hope that by participating in our program, students will increase their understanding and knowledge of resources on campus to help them manage this transition. In addition, we hope that our program will assist first-year students with:

  • Gaining insight and appreciation of:
    • Campus resources and services available to them
    • Campus organizations and how to become involved
    • The skills and competencies necessary to be successful academically including listening and note taking skills in a large lecture hall
    • The rights and responsibilities associated with being a part of Cortland's campus community
    • Cortland's residential living experience
  • Beginning to understand:
    • The terminology and language used at SUNY Cortland
    • Their academic requirements and expectations
    • The use of myRedDragon for students
    • Community expectations, requirements, and responsibilities of SUNY Cortland student
  • Developing a connection to the SUNY Cortland campus through interacting with fellow students, Orientation Assistants, faculty, and staff
  • Feeling comfortable on campus
  • Developing strategies for managing some of the transitional issues they may encounter
  • Having fun and being excited to return to campus