Each fall, Illinois State holds Welcome Week to help students connect with each other and become acquainted with the campus and the community. As part of the experience, various sessions and activities are held to create an environment of inclusion for all participants. Some of the sessions that will help with this transition include the veteran’s orientation, a spirituality session, and the non-traditional student orientation.
“Welcome Week is designed to assist our students in transitioning to Illinois State. That transition includes preparing them academically, socially, and by providing resources,” said Michelle Whited, coordinator of student activities and involvement for the Dean of Students Office. “We believe these sessions designed for special populations and interests will make a difference in an individual’s experience on campus.”
This will be the third year for the veteran’s orientation, which is coordinated by the staff in Veterans & Military Services. Veterans and students currently serving in the military may have special needs or need assistance with their transition to university life. “It is our goal to have these individuals meet with the staff and see the study center so they can learn more about how our institution can assist them in pursuing their degree,” said Whited.
The non-traditional student orientation can help ease the transition for students with families or anyone who is older than the traditional college attendee. This orientation helps non-traditional students understand how to work with and relate to a new generation of students. This session is coordinated by the Dean of Students Office.
The spirituality session is coordinated by the Student Affairs Spirituality Committee and is designed to help students understand different ways and opportunities to explore and express their spirituality. “Students rarely take time or know how to reflect or be mindful of what is important in their lives, what they value, and how their actions and behaviors align with what they say they value,” said Spirituality Committee Chair Kerri Calvert. “This session gives them some ideas and tools for how to do that.” Information about student organizations and community resources will be shared during this session, as well as how expressing spirituality will benefit students socially and academically.
“Our goal with all these sessions is to allow students who fall into a special population to meet their peers and learn about resources that are not pertinent to the general student population,” said Whited.
