Of the many meanings of orient, perhaps the one that best describes OC Extended Orientation, the College's new program for first-year students, is the following: to work out where you are and in which direction you need to travel.

To help 787 new Obies better work out where they are and in what direction they need to travel during the next four years, the Division of Student Life is launching OC Extended Orientation, a pilot program "designed to prepare students for a successful journey through Oberlin," says Adrian Bautista, associate dean of student life and dean for the Class of 2008.

Targeting such issues as health, time management, and best use of Oberlin's resources, the program will kick off Sunday, Sept. 4, at the end of the initial Orientation week, and continue through the week of Oct. 3.

"Instead of being overwhelmed with information the first week they arrive," Bautista says, "newcomers will be able to assimilate information over time, because Orientation sessions will be stretched out and made available at alternative times."

"Students who take advantage of Extended Orientation activities will be well equipped to get the maximum benefit out of their college experience," he adds.

The goals of the pilot program are to help new students relate to fellow students and the community; develop personal skills and goals that promote self-confidence, trust, and personal responsibility; gain the knowledge and skills that ensure a smooth transition into college life; and benefit from a holistic introduction to college life.

President Nancy S. Dye will initiate Extended Orientation with an address to first-year students titled "Connecting with Oberlin's History." An overview of Oberlin's remarkable past, the lecture will take place Sunday, Sept. 4, at 4 p.m. in Finney Chapel.

The following Sunday, Sept. 11, alumni and faculty members will attempt to answer some of new students' most burning questions: What does it mean to study at a liberal arts college? What is all this reading, writing, and thinking good for? What do people do with an Oberlin degree? Titled An Oberlin Education and the Meaning of Life, the panel discussion will take place at 7:30 p.m., also in Finney.

During the weeks of Sept. 12, Sept. 19, and Oct. 3, sessions designed to help students manage everyday life at Oberlin will be offered. Topics include wellness of body, mind, and spirit; time management; and academic advice on planning for winter term and spring registration.

A complete schedule will be posted on Oberlin Online.

Orientation and Information for New Students