Orientation - Crazy, large scale production!

[Anonymous]

Just returned from dropping DS at college. Orientation was incredible - live music, full fireworks display, cheer squads outside dorms to welcome students. Obviously, college orientation is very different from 30 years ago when I got dropped off. I heard one college had hot air balloon rides at orientation. Is this happening everywhere? Is it all about retaining kids, impressing parents?

[Anonymous]

Which university was this?

[Anonymous]

Real fireworks? That is why tuitions are so high 😡

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Real fireworks? That is why tuitions are so high 😡

Yes, like 4th of July fireworks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Which university was this?

Must be an SEC.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, my kid’s drop off was most definitely not like that. They had a tent with nice people and some balloons to direct us to the right dorm, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just returned from dropping DS at college. Orientation was incredible - live music, full fireworks display, cheer squads outside dorms to welcome students. Obviously, college orientation is very different from 30 years ago when I got dropped off. I heard one college had hot air balloon rides at orientation. Is this happening everywhere? Is it all about retaining kids, impressing parents?

Sounds like it could feel a bit overwhelming on day one at a new place. I have an outgoing happy kid but drop off for college he already had lots of adrenaline and nerves so that kind of huge display and performative spirit would not land as well as if it was after they'd adjusted or finished orientation week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, my kid’s drop off was most definitely not like that. They had a tent with nice people and some balloons to direct us to the right dorm, though.

I'm a professor and BBQs, standard parties in campus spaces, tents, tote bags, and lots of friendly energetic orientation volunteers (students) running around are basically what we do. This sounds like a huge state school or a $$$$ school to me.

[Anonymous]

DD's orientation featured Playfair, which she hated in 2022 as much as I did in 1986. I was not particularly impressed.

[Anonymous]

People: why is college so expensive?
Also people: OMG PRETTY COLORS!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, my kid’s drop off was most definitely not like that. They had a tent with nice people and some balloons to direct us to the right dorm, though.

Same. It mostly reminded me of my own freshman year drop off. The university costs more than I bet per year. I’d be pretty pissed if over the top crap like fireworks was part of the reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People: why is college so expensive?
Also people: OMG PRETTY COLORS!

Right? It all seems so performative, unnecessary, and expensive!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, my kid’s drop off was most definitely not like that. They had a tent with nice people and some balloons to direct us to the right dorm, though.

I'm a professor and BBQs, standard parties in campus spaces, tents, tote bags, and lots of friendly energetic orientation volunteers (students) running around are basically what we do. This sounds like a huge state school or a $$$$ school to me.

This was similar to my son’s orientation. I don’t even remember mine 🤔

[Anonymous]

Which SEC school?

[Anonymous]

My kid last year and my kid this year both said it’s too much and they are utterly exhausted after three days of programming. I think it’s well-intended but a lot for the introverts this need to recharge.