Why you should have a virtual Family Orientation Hub – and 4 tips for how to pull it off
Orientation isn’t just about welcoming students to campus; it’s also a crucial opportunity to engage families and set them up for success in supporting their college-bound students.
From academic program overviews to campus event calendars, these resources provide families with a comprehensive toolkit to support their students every step of the way.
Online orientation specifically can serve as a valuable resource hub that families can revisit throughout their students' college journey. Here’s why it matters, and how you can improve your family experience.
By empowering families with knowledge and resources, colleges strengthen their support network and improve the overall college experience for students and families alike.
Why online family orientation resources matter
Pacific Lutheran’s Family Orientation Hub becomes a go-to destination for all the resources and answers parents and families need.
Providing orientation resources online isn't just convenient—it's essential.
It comes down to inclusivity and access.
Many families don’t have the opportunity to visit campus in person due to a variety of reasons – from not being able to afford the cost of travel to not having the flexibility to make the trip.
When offered virtually, these sessions offer families vital insights into the college experience and empower them with the tools they need to navigate this new chapter alongside their students.
These sessions provide crucial insights into various aspects of college life, including things like:
Academic programs
Campus resources
Support services
By offering information and support in a digital format, colleges can reach families wherever they are, making it easier for them to access resources and stay connected with the campus community. This accessibility fosters inclusivity and ensures that all families can participate in the orientation experience regardless of location or schedule.
4 creative ideas for a virtual family orientation
1. Engaging welcome messages
Instead of simply providing information, colleges like the College of Charleston supported over 4,500 families during the Fall 2023 Orientation season by creating a variety of messages to resonate with their families.
It was these 48 personalized touches that set a positive tone for students and their families around things like; student checklists, convocation, mandatory programming, and important documentation and events that resulted in a 75% open rate and 13% click rate.
2. Interactive campaigns
Flagler College utilized the campaign feature on CampusESP to promote their orientation sessions, resulting in the second highest viewed campaign with 19,000+ impressions (and most engagement over the summer months).
By incorporating interactive elements such as quizzes or polls, colleges can captivate families' attention and encourage active participation.
3. Tailored content offerings
Recognizing that families have diverse needs and interests, colleges like the University of Arizona have curated customized content offerings for their online orientation communities.
They created a drip announcement that went to families sharing about the Family Essentials Orientation Community, which reached over 15,000 families with a 73% open rate and 18% click rate.
4. Utilizing multimedia
Clemson University leveraged multimedia capabilities by uploading videos from in-person orientation sessions to their online community. By incorporating videos, presentations, and other multimedia content, colleges can provide families with dynamic and immersive orientation experiences — with over 2,800+ clicks!
Impactful outcomes of online orientation hubs
The impact of these online orientation initiatives extends beyond mere engagement metrics. Colleges have reported tangible outcomes, including:
Increased Family Engagement — The University of Pikeville witnessed peak engagement — a 60% increase in active users — over the summer months, demonstrating the enduring value of online orientation resources in maintaining family connections.
Enhanced Communication — Temple University's online orientation platform reached over 7,000 families and facilitated over 10,000 post-clicks, highlighting the effectiveness of digital channels in fostering communication and information-sharing. They focused on areas of importance in departments like; Housing, Billing, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Campus Dining, Advising, and IT Services.
Build Trust and Connection — Penn State University created a series of automated emails with relevant orientation content. Families remained highly engaged throughout the summer – incoming PSU families averaged a 67% overall open rate, with open rates as high as 73% in August.
Other way to support families through the summer and move-in
Institutions can offer additional features like SMS reminders for deadlines and surveys to gather valuable feedback. By utilizing SMS, colleges can keep families informed and engaged throughout the orientation process, while surveys provide insights into their preferences and experiences.
Another great way to engage families is by hosting live webinars and affinity group sessions that allow families to connect with campus partners and deepen their affiliation with the university.
These bonus features not only enrich the orientation experience but also foster stronger connections between families and the college community, ultimately enhancing student success and satisfaction.
By equipping families with the tools and resources they need, colleges have contributed to enhanced student success and well-being. From academic support to campus life tips, online orientation resources empower families to navigate the college journey with confidence.
As families become more engaged and informed, they serve as valuable allies in promoting student well-being and academic achievement. Ultimately, by investing in online orientation resources, colleges lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling college experience for both students and their families.