Anonymous wrote:this is not an expensive event for most colleges - they get a ton of free (ish) sophomores to cheer and move kids in, set up the various bands and glee groups around campus to sing in t shirts and shorts, let the parents eat in the dining halls for free, have a lemonade and cupcake reception with the parents and dorm head, hold a panel or two in the main lecture rooms about supporting kids from afar (and what not to do), receptions for first gen, affinity groups, international, etc. Get the mascot rolling round shaking hands and taking pictures, get the president rolling around shaking hands and taking pictures. Have an opening ceremony the next morning with some music, couple speeches, and the first time signing the alma mater. Then last stop back at the dorm to drop off the last target run and goodbyes.

I've run events my whole career. Many every year with price tags into the millions. For colleges with the grounds and the cheap labor, this is a smart way to get information to customers/parents and make everyone feel good about their purchase/education. It's money well spent for Pharma, tech, and ... yes colleges.

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Apparently Duke is also way OTT.

It was last year with the Ed Sheeran concert.

Of course, they fired a bunch of people 9 months later and now have a hiring freeze…..

So…..

Ed Sheeran was for the Duke Centennial in September, not orientation. They do have fireworks on campus for the students once a year though

And they paid him $2m for that gig.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Apparently Duke is also way OTT.

It was last year with the Ed Sheeran concert.

Of course, they fired a bunch of people 9 months later and now have a hiring freeze…..

So…..

Anonymous wrote:OP, here. We actually loved the whole experience. Fireworks aside, the campus was swarming with friendly, helpful student volunteers, and the whole move-in/orientation process was incredibly well orchestrated. It ended with a candle light ceremony on a quad. Yes, pretty OTT, but we felt good about leaving DS in their hands.

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Anonymous wrote:Which university was this?

Must be an SEC.

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Anonymous wrote:I have a feeling OP is trolling. Otherwise, she would just name the school. I've never heard of any school having an orientation like that.

Not trolling at all. It was Chapman University--very positive experience. I just didn't think the specific school was relevant.

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Anonymous wrote:Friend of mine said the W&M first year move in was “really over the top”.

We just returned and it was awesome. Not over the top at all. My husband and I were impressed and left feeling completely comfortable that DD is in great hands. Move in was well orchestrated, thoughtful of students and families, great spirit, no fireworks. Lots of happy volunteers directing students. OAs on hand to whisk kids off to dinner together after saying goodbye to parents. Kids had staggered move in windows so each family had time alone in the room to get set up and say goodbye privately. Just right IMO.

Anonymous wrote:Which SEC school?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a feeling OP is trolling. Otherwise, she would just name the school. I've never heard of any school having an orientation like that.

Pitt used to have fireworks for orientation but they switched to a drone show this year.

Anonymous wrote:Princeton does a ceremonial march through the front gate.

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Anonymous wrote:Friend of mine said the W&M first year move in was “really over the top”.

My DS is an Orientation Aide at W&M this year. Their first job is to get the new kids info on W&M policies and procedures. Their second job is to keep them so busy they're exhausted at night and don't go out drinking. The OA's used to help families move into the dorms but after a couple of injuries, they are instructed to just cheer when the new students move in. I haven't talked to my DS since Wednesday night - I'm sure he's as exhausted as the new students.