| They don’t
call it the sophomore slump for nothing. Second-year
students are often overwhelmed as they try to choose
a major, land fulfilling summer internships, locate
research opportunities and decide whether to study abroad.
And all without the guidance of New Student Orientation,
with its advising sessions, placement tests and curricular
talks.
Enter Sophomore Reorientation, held January 7 at the
Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center. The three-hour program
allowed students to attend up to five panels or presentations
on topics ranging from internship and law school applications
to fulfilling general education requirements. Organized
by the office of freshman and sophomore programs, the
event drew an estimated 150 students.
“I’m starting to look around for something
to do this summer,” said sophomore Evan Hindman
as he waited for an internship seminar to begin. “I
thought I’d check this out to get a few ideas
and get going.” Students looking into research
and career opportunities had the chance to speak with
juniors, seniors and professionals with experience in
their areas of interest.
Dena Slothower, an academic technology specialist at
the office of freshman and sophomore programs, said
the event exceeded expectations in both attendance and
positive student reactions. While Sophomore College,
in which up to 300 students participate in 20 intensive
two-week courses before the start of fall quarter, has
included a reorientation for several years, Slothower
says it was “about time” to offer such a
program to the entire class.
It hasn’t been decided whether the event will
be held again next year. If so, it will likely become
part of the University’s effort to focus more
attention on sophomore advising under the leadership
of new
faculty director Steve Zipperstein.
|
