Run effective orientation programs

Orientation programs are often the first comprehensive opportunity for students to interact with the university campus and community. However, student affairs personnel are challenged to make these long, information-heavy sessions engaging learning experiences. The use of interactive polling questions during orientation can serve to:

  • Spur interactive discussions
  • Allow staff to more easily gauge and address the common perceptions, expectations and concerns of the incoming freshman class and their parents
  • Help staff create active learning environments tailored to the specific needs of every orientation group
Circle of group discussion

Starting with orientation and continuing through to graduation, student affairs departments provide critical programs that enhance the college experience and promote student success.

Echo360Point interactive polling – with the option of a desktop or web platform and flexibility that allows students to respond with mobile devices or clickers – can effectively enrich these initiatives in several key areas.

Discuss sensitive topics

Student affairs staff often lead educational initiatives that target student safety and wellness, and encourage a climate of community respect and understanding.

Because these can address sensitive or controversial subjects, it is often difficult to get candid answers or facilitate productive discussions. Anonymous polling, however, lets students respond honestly and participate without worrying about the opinions of their peers.

Response systems have the ability in these settings to:

  • Debunk common myths
  • Establish group attitudes
  • Correct normative misconceptions
  • Empower students to engage in a meaningful dialogue

Gather important data

Echo360Point immediately gathers information, compiles results and stores data in an electronic format for later analysis. Echo360Point web even allows for scheduled surveys and assessments to be completed outside of class or meeting times.

The simplicity of this process can help student affairs departments:

  • Collect data for research projects
  • Compile and review programs, presentations and training evaluations
  • Collaborate with academic programs to assess and measure the outcomes of curricular and co-curricular intersections
Screenshot of data shown in Echo360Point

Train staff

In order to accomplish their goals and objectives, student affairs divisions rely heavily on student employees who likely require targeted training and professional development to perform their tasks.

With Echo360Point, trainers and presenters can increase participation, engagement and learning outcomes by:

  • Immediately gauging student understanding with polling questions
  • Conducting pre- and post-assessments of policies, protocols and conduct expectations
  • Checking for understanding of roles, responsibilities and guidelines

‍