Staying Curious and Creative: UVA's Mantra for Enhancing the Student Orientation Experience

Straight from the Source: Nathan Flyzik Shares His Secrets

We recently caught up with Nathan Flyzik , the go-to guy for all things orientation at the University of Virginia . With three summers of orientation experience under his belt, Nate's got some serious wisdom to share about streamlining processes, using tech to your advantage, and staying ahead of the curve in higher ed.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Last year, Nate and his crew faced a major challenge: figuring out how to group orientation leaders without the headache. By teaming up with VZO, an orientation software powerhouse, they created a solution that automated the process and saved them hours of grunt work. Nate's advice? Take advantage of the tools at your fingertips and take a close look at your processes to find room for improvement.

Checking In, Checking Out

UVA's orientation check-in process is a well-oiled machine. Thanks to QR codes on name badges, orientation leaders can scan and check in students faster than you can say "welcome to college." Nate raves about the benefits of this system, which allows orientation leaders to sharpen their skills while giving him the freedom to tackle other important tasks during check-in.

One Size Doesn't Fit All

Nate knows that every orientation program is unique, with its own set of challenges and needs. UVA's check-in process works like a charm for their program size, which welcomes 500-600 students per session across four residence halls. The key, according to Nate, is having the right resources in place, like multiple check-in lines and halls, to keep things running smoothly.

Keeping Up with the Times

Looking to the future, Nate sees some major trends in higher ed that orientation programs need to address. At UVA, they've seen a big uptick in students self-identifying as first-generation, limited-income, and military-affiliated. To meet their needs, the university has stepped up its game with fee waivers, affinity groups, and targeted support. Nate stresses the importance of honoring these diverse backgrounds and providing resources tailored to each student's unique situation.

Eyes on the Prize

Orientation professionals need to think long-term, and UVA is doing just that. They're zeroing in on the "24 months," looking at the programming and support students need throughout their first two years of college. This means identifying gaps, creating peer mentorship opportunities, and making sure second-year students have a positive experience.

Stay Curious, Stay Creative

When we asked Nate what advice he'd give to his future self, he didn't hesitate: stay curious and embrace creativity. He encourages orientation professionals to question the status quo, be open to trying new things, and always look for innovative ways to serve students and their families.

Wrap-Up

Nate Flyzik's insights are a goldmine for anyone in the orientation field. By streamlining processes, leveraging technology, and staying on top of trends, orientation programs can give students the support they need to crush it in college. With a focus on collaboration, efficiency, and creativity, orientation professionals can create unforgettable experiences that set students up for success.