Monday, June 13, 2011

Barauskas - Week 1 - MUW Orientation

Presentation Room
MUW is halfway through their Orientation season! Which can be viewed as one of the positive sides of working at a smaller university, or a negative, if you happen to love Orientation and don't want to see it end having done only 2 Freshman Orientations and 2 Transfer Orientations. It does seem crazy when you compare the size and scale of Orientations with that of my Alma Mater, the University at Buffalo, where we had 8 Freshman Orientation sessions that hosted around 400 students. That's not including the Transfer Orientations that were hosted.

I had my first and only presentation on Friday during the Transfer Orientation. I have to say, for lack of a better word, it was slightly painful. My presentation consisted of different topics, not dealing with academics, that I feel students should know about and be able to discuss them. I had YouTube videos ready, and then probing questions that would help to get a discussion started. This did not happen at all. I merely presented, when I wanted to facilitate a discussion. The presentation was cut from today's Freshman Orientation, as administration felt that it was redundant. I have spoke with my supervisor about this, and my overall experience and we are planning on meeting with the folks over at Admissions to discuss what can be done differently and other ways that I can remain involved with Orientation.

As you can imagine, this was a frustrating process, but I am hopeful that things will turn around and this will still be a great experience.

-Jason Barauskas

1 comment:

  1. Hey Jason - Sorry about the cutting of your presentation for the second session. I know it's gotta be aggravating, having made such strides in preparation only to get taken off the schedule. I bet we will experience this more than we think as we get out of school and into our jobs. I know that here in the Library I have become WELL adept at rolling with changes and switching gears at a moment's notice. Still, it can be aggravating, but at least you know you were prepared. Too, I bet you'll be able to spin your presentation and use it in the future. Save everything! :)

    Lyle

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