Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange

1700 Asp Ave.
Norman, OK 73072

Phone: 405-325-2158
Fax: 405-325-7309
csrde@ou.edu

A Comprehensive Student Orientation and Registration Program: BAM I, BAM II, and BAM@NITE (Becoming a Mulerider, Being a Mulerider, and BAM at Night)

presented by Donna Allen, Sarah Jennings, Shelly Whaley, J Courson, Sandra Smith, Southern Arkansas University

Date of webinar: October 28, 2009

Materials are now available for this webinar. Click here to login into the webinar material page.

Abstract

BAM is a unique orientation program that encompasses much more than a typical orientation program. Backed by preliminary research findings, this new twist on a traditional orientation has proven successful. It follows a holistic approach to beginning the University experience. By offering appropriate sessions for specialized populations along with the services to enhance these sessions, individual needs are met. Specialized populations include beginning freshmen, transfer students, veterans, and nontraditional students. In addition to these specialized populations, the vital role of parents is embraced and addressed in both segmented and combined sessions. Academic expectations, transitions to college, utilizing a BAM Facebook group, housing, freshmen seminar, student activities, academic and developmental advising, financial aid, billing, technology, participation in a mentoring program (mentors attend program), and other areas of orientation are combined into one cohesive program. Services are provided for each group as part of the overall program such as child care for students with children, and evening sessions. Anecdotal and formal evaluations indicate a high level of satisfaction and increased comfort level as students begin their University experience. Participants will receive retention statistics, detailed program information, timeline and outline guide for implementation, as well as practical tips for day-to-day operation of the program.

The Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange at the University of Oklahoma is a consortium of two-year and four-year institutions dedicated to achieving the highest levels of student success through collaboratively sharing data, knowledge, and innovation.

CSRDE is a sponsored activity of the Center for Institutional Data Exchange and Analysis at