Think about the process JMU used to socialize you into the institution. Discuss the type of orientation program provided by this organization.
Evaluate the program in light of their recent knowledge about the socialization process. What suggestions would you make in order to improve the process?
Your responses to Blog Post #3 are due by 5 pm Eastern Time on Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.
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The socialization process that James Madison provides consists of tours to introduce prospective students to campus called Choices day. They also provide the FROG program which requires all incoming freshmen to come to campus a couple of days early and involve themselves in the orientation process. Those four to five long days in my mind where pointless after day one considering I slept through most of the "required" activities. The activities mainly consisted of ways to get to know others in your resident hall but I felt more like a little kid being made to do arts and crafts. Needless to say that I really did not gain a true sense of James Madison until classes started and I could experience the campus on my own terms and not through a silly ice breaker.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest for James Madison to concentrate more introducing new students to the campus rather than making them make friends. I know the process of getting to know one another is important but that is what people do when they get bored in the dorms. I would have felt much better about starting school if I had a better idea of what exactly to expect and if I had known where all my classes where the first day that would have been wonderful. Overall James Madison needs to work on letting students know the university and not just the people living in their hallway.
After being accepted into the University, a program is held called Choices. This program is one of the first ways JMU socializes students into the institution. Later in the summer there is freshmen orientation where students are broken into groups with an upperclassman leading them. Throughout orientation students learn about the pride that JMU has. They can also ask the upperclassman any questions they may have, which is another way that helps new students learn the ins and outs of classes, campus, and college life. Through this orientation program students also get to know one another and create bonds with each other.
ReplyDeleteThe University has a good program to slowly socialize new students into the institution. However I feel that they focus too much on group activities and getting to know one another. Instead they should focus more on teaching students where different buildings are on campus and how to budget time for schoolwork while also having many new and exciting activities possible at college. The students need to make bonds and connections with one another so they don’t feel “alone” on campus, but I think that a bigger issue that students will have is understanding the layout of campus and how to budget their time with the workload they will have once classes start. Overall, JMU can socialize the students into the institution by getting them to know one another and understanding the University’s pride, but they should also strive to teach students the layout of campus and how to be successful in a college environment.
As any new freshman would be, I was very nervous myself. After all I was in a new place, with new people, new environment, and new freedoms. However, the process of becoming part of the JMU community was a very smooth transition. The First YeaR Orientation Guides (FROG’s) were extremely helpful. They were the already accustomed students who knew the lay of the land, including jargon, rituals, and more of the school. It was there job to make the freshmen ease into their first year with few bumps in the road. Orientation was throughout the first week at school and all sorts of things were involved. There were games, activities, tours around campus, giving you the ‘in’s’ and ‘out’s’ and everything to make the freshmen feel comfortable and become accustomed to the JMU culture. The first year leaders had a large role because their efforts would help to determine if the new freshmen wanted to stay the whole four years. I’m pretty proud to say that I think they do a great job because I’ve loved every minute I’ve lived here.
ReplyDeleteThis example of transition is a great representation of socialization as talked about in class. The FROG’s and other students here on the JMU campus were there to make new students familiar with the culture of the JMU “bubble.” However, a little more touring would have helped for the first day of classes. They were more than enthusiastic in helping freshmen make new friends, but getting some college advice and tips would have been nice. Anywhere from how to budget your money because it goes quicker than you think, the best times to go get food so you don't have to face crowded dining halls, the best spots in the library to study, and how to deal with 5 college level classes all at once. The activities that were used to make us feel more comfortable were good at times, but also some one-on-one time with each other would have eased the tension. I think a little more insight on being in college would have created a confidence in me that I didn't gain until a little later.
Coming to JMU as a freshman, I thought JMU did a great job at socialization me into the institution. The first week here at JMU was orientation week filled with overexcited FROGs and scared freshman. This week was packed with ice breakers and on-campus programs to get up familiar with the college life. They did a good job at getting us familiar with who we would be living with and easing our concerns with our first college class. Plus, the whole campus was filled with other freshman trying to make friends, so it wasn’t weird to go up to a stranger and introducing yourself. Because of that week, I met friends that gave me a familiar face to see on the walk to my first day of classes. I also had two upper classmates (my FROGs) who could answer any question I had about JMU, classes, how the meal “punches” worked, etc. That week eased my transition into college and opened my eyes on what JMU had to offer.
ReplyDeleteI would give the orientation week a high score for evaluation. It provided both task and culture specific traits. A task characteristic I was exposed to that week would be when my FROG group was able to talk to a professor to see what JMU teachers are like and what they expect from students. I was able to learn about college homework, test, project, etc. Also, that week I learned all the services on campus that would provide almost anything we needed—health center, library, computer labs, bookstore, etc.
During orientation week I also learned many culture characteristics of JMU. I was exposed to the friendly atmosphere, school pride, and how outgoing everyone was. I was able to experience the top rated food and dining halls. Because I was getting use to the JMU community, I did not explore the community of Harrisonburg. The culture traits of Harrisonburg I’m still exploring. But being a freshman, I think it’s smart just to stay on campus and get use to that lifestyle.
Although I did enjoy orientation week, I do have some suggestions to offer. My FROG group slowly decreased in number and I think it was because there was TOO much to do. I remember my FROGs waking everyone up at 8:30am to go to a volleyball game…that event didn’t have much interest seeing how early it was. The day was packed with high spirit that it was overwhelming at times. I would suggest they give freshman more downtown to make friends on their own instead of all the overwhelming ice breakers.
Orientation week opened my eyes to all JMU had to offer and started my college life. It showed me which organizations and clubs I wanted to join to help socialize myself better into JMU. Socializing during orientation week helped me make friends and ease my nerves of college.
As an incoming freshman, the university offered a variety of ways for socializing my fellow class. First of all, I attended CHOICES day with my parents before committing to JMU, that way I could go on tours of campus, eat at dining halls, look through a dorms, etc. I felt like CHOICES was very organized in showing the university's pride and getting prospective students to join an amazing school. I noticed CHOICES was mainly run by students, which was nice to see the school's pride through the actual students.
ReplyDeleteAfter I committed, I attended "Summer SpringBoard" in which all incoming freshmen were arranged into groups with an upper classman, usually organized by the major you signed up for. Since I was "undecided" at the time, I was placed into a group with others who were also undecided and even met with a general advisor for students who were undecided to be informed of all the majors possible. We read through the University Guide to learn of majors we could possibly be interested in and had the chance to ask our advisor any questions we had about potential majors. That's when I chose Communication Studies as my major.
As an official freshman at JMU, we were given "FROGS" for orientation week to guide us through campus and to get to know other people in the dorm. We walked all through campus for activities, meals, events, etc. The main aspect of FROG week was participating in ice breakers with other freshman so we could become familiar with one another. The FROGS were supposed to be our guides for at least the first semester until we were comfortable enough on our own. I felt as though they weren't really available for support after FROG week, which was disappointing.
All three events helped socialize me into the university. Although I became familiar with different areas on campus through the tours, I did not become familar with specific buildings or even the Lake area of campus. Not once did I walk through the Lake area, just to become familiar with all aspects of campus. I had no idea where "Greens" was when it opened and did not know where my classes were the first week, which was difficult. I knew where the buildings were, because of my "Mappy," a map given to all freshman as a way to become familiar with campus. Summer Springboard helped me become more informed of the different programs offered at JMU and my advisor helped me register for classes, as well. FROG week was helpful in that I made a lot of friendships with people in my dorm, but my FROGS did not help me become enthusiastic about certain freshmen orientation events, nor did they help "guide" me through campus as they weren't really around that much for us to ask questions. We really became familiar with DHall, Dukes, and Festival, but not the rest of the places to eat. I would've taken my freshmen to all parts of campus, walked them through their class schedule, or even walk us through the main buildings, and show us all of the dining halls. Overall, these three events helped socialize me in different ways as I became familiar and comfortable with JMU in most aspects as a freshman.
The socialization process provided by James Madison University is multifaceted. The process consists of CHOICES, which is a day during the end of a student’s senior year of high school that prospective students can come and tour the campus to get a better feeling for what JMU is. JMU also has a program called the “FROG program”. This program brings the incoming freshmen class to campus a couple of days before the rest of the student body. During the few days before classes start, students meet dorm members and other freshman. I think it is a quality program, because becoming comfortable in a new setting is highly conducive to being a productive and successful member of a new organization. For me the FROG program helped a lot, because I met a lot of people, and my FROGs were very helpful during that week and for the majority of freshman year.
ReplyDeleteI think JMU could do a better job of familiarizing students with the campus, but overall the FROG program is successful in what it is designed to do. I think that knowing the campus, and surrounding areas, a little better would be helpful to new students trying to become acclimated to a new setting. JMU’s socialization process is very successful in what it is designed to do, but the programs could be expanded to help new students become more comfortable with the new location they are living in.
JMU I feel has a very strong and unique socialization process. JMU has the CHOICES program that invites those potential new dukes to JMU's campus for a day of events that gives them another look at what JMU is all about in order to help them make their choice to attend JMU or not. JMU also has the infamous FROG program. The FROG program consists of the brand new freshmen moving in a week earlier than classes start and having that week full of fun activities just for the freshmen to meet other freshmen and get acclimated to the university. They have many fun activities as well as some activities that are informational to students who may not be aware of the schools policy's and procedures. The FROG leaders are a crucial part of this program because they help their group ease into JMU and provide support and information for the new students.
ReplyDeleteI feel that JMU does a wonderful job in socializing the new students into the culture of the university. Both the FROG program and CHOICES are strong programs to assist in the socialization process. I would suggest one tiny tweak to the FROG program. I feel that maybe instead of just ending it right when classes start, maybe there could be more special freshmen events that let freshmen branch out from just their dorms to meet other freshmen as well as see other activities that are offered in the Harrisonburg area.
Once you have been accepted to James Madison University, a program known as Choices takes place. Coming to a new environment where you don’t know anyone and your in a new place, you want to try to have the best transition into this new life style as you possibly can. JMU has FROG’s or First Year Orientation Guides, who show you around the university, and get you familiar with the JMU campus and culture. These students already knew where everything was on campus and were there to help the freshman out and make it easier for them to adjust to being in college. Orientation lasted about a week with activities, games, touring the campus, eating at dining halls and even going to the arboretum. The freshman learned everything about JMU and started to develop JMU spirit! Freshman got to know other students and start to make friendships too. These leaders were there to assist you in any way to make the transition to college life easier and smoother.
ReplyDeleteI think overall, the FROG orientation program is pretty successful in accomplishing its goal. I think JMU’s orientation program is really successful and is a good representation of the socialization process. I think touring the campus more in detail would be more useful to first year students, but besides that it’s a successful process. I also think they could have cut out some of the icebreakers and just let us socialize with the other students in our groups during that time instead.
James Madison University’s orientation process is extremely rigorous, for lack of a better word. For potential students, there is the first tour of JMU, and then there is Choices, followed by Summer Springboard and 1787 Orientation. These endeavors are all pretty focused on making sure new students get to know one another. I think especially in the first actual week here at JMU, the orientation staff tries to show the new freshmen that there is more to JMU than parties and drinking. They give students a ton of different opportunities to go have fun outside of partying. There is a lot of talk about the culture of JMU, how you can say hi and start a conversation with anyone whether you’re on the bus, in the dining hall, at the library, etc. First year orientation guides (FROGs) can sometimes provide somewhat of an ‘unofficial’ view of JMU too, which is similar to vocational anticipatory socialization. Friends are the ones who tell you that parking services is a real pain in the butt to deal with. Of course it doesn’t say that in your orientation packet provided to you by the university. However, my roommate is from Australia, and as an exchange student, his orientation program was much different from those students from the United States. He said that his orientation was way more focused on orienting the students to the campus. He said there really weren’t a lot of opportunities to get to know other students and outside of their ‘exchange FROGS’, there wasn’t a lot of contact with other students. The international students also don’t have a lot of contact with students from the United States, as almost all their interactions are with other internationals. He told a story about how they put pretty much all the international students on a bus and dropped them off at Wal-Mart and said “Go find what you need!” My roommate said he felt very isolated during orientation and it was a strange way to be introduced to JMU. I think this is a very interesting lens through which one can look at socialization at JMU. I think for students from the States it’s more of a collective socialization process, but for international students it is very individual. Why there is this discrepancy, I don’t know, but I think it’s something the orientation staff could work on. I also think orientation definitely needs to focus more on getting students acclimated to the campus. It would’ve been helpful to know where to eat on campus and where to go to use the resources JMU provides (such as the writing center, communication center and other student centers). It sometimes felt like orientation didn’t treat us as adults, but rather as kids at summer camp. In the end, the goal is the same for both types of orientation; metamorphosis. The goal is to move from outsider to insider so that students feel like they are a part of James Madison University, and they will take pride and show loyalty to the school. I think overall the socialization process at JMU is a pretty easy transition for most, but I definitely think there's room for improvement.
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ReplyDeleteAfter a prospective student has sent in their deposit and made the commitment to come to JMU, they are now considered a first-year student. JMU's orientation program is best described as the encounter phase of the organizational socialization process. This phase has two main parts: summer springboard and 1787 August Orientation.
ReplyDeleteSummer Springboard is a program through which first-year students visit campus with their families, have conversations with their Orientation Peer Advisors (OPA) about student life and academics and JMU, learn important information about their majors and about the General Education program, meet their freshmen advisors, and select their classes.
1787 August Orientation is a whole week (before classes) full of activities for first-year and transfer students to learn more about JMU and make some connections with their peers. Each student will be assigned to two First yeaR Orientation Guides (FROG) in their dorm who will accompany them to all of the orientation events with their FROG group of 20-30 students. Some of these activities include an ice cream social, volleyball and flag football tournaments, the Playfair, first-year reading, karaoke, madison casino night, and the hypnotist, as well as other important meetings with advisors/educational sessions designed to get each student started on the right foot. JMU Orientation is successful because the program facilitates the processes of learning the ways to succeed academically, getting involved on campus and finding what you are passionate about, and making long-lasting friendships. After the student has completed the orientation process, they will be enlightened to many of the norms, values, traditions, and beliefs we as JMU students hold, and will be ready to pass them on to the next generations.
Trying to decide where to go to school is hard, but James Madison University made it easy for me. In order to socialize you into the JMU culture, before applying you can go on a tour of the campus. This socializes you by getting to know the campus and the different majors, dorms, dining halls, and help facilities that you have at your convenience as a JMU student. Once getting in, JMU socializes you by a providing a program called CHOICES, allowing you to go to seminars on different majors as well as see the different clubs and activities you can be a part of. After you decide to attend JMU, you have orientation. This is a great way to become socialized with people who are in your same major, and learn about the enthusiasm and love that students have for JMU. This socializes the new students into the atmosphere and environment that JMU holds strong. At the start of your freshman year, JMU has FROGS, or first year orientation guides, which helps the new students adjust quicker, feel more comfortable with the campus, and allows the new students to ease into meeting new people. All of these are great ways to socialize new people into an atmosphere to feel more comfortable in their new environment. Some of the ways to socialize the new students in though are not very productive, and many students still feel anxiety about college. JMU should focus more on teaching the new students how to manage their time in college, where to get study help, as well as more one-on-one time to answer individual questions that people would not want to ask in a group. All the tactics used to socialize a new student into the community are done in groups. I felt JMU did a great job of socializing me into the community and making me feel more comfortable, but I was really overwhelmed when it came to time management, knowing where to get help, and knowing where I needed to go for all my classes.
ReplyDeleteMy experience with the freshman orientation at JMU was fantastic and very beneficial. It first begin with my attendance to the First Year Springboard in July of 2006.
ReplyDeleteInitially, I experienced a culture shock as a minority student during the first 10 minutes that I engaged in JMU's orientation festivities. It was the first time I had visited the campus, I was extremely nervous, and there were very few individuals of my ethnicity in attendance on this particular date. This was not a problem for long however, after meeting my orientation guide and JMU peers. Playing ice breakers, being given the opportunity to ask questions, and engaging in conversations with my peers were successful endeavors by JMU to socialize me into its community.
Eating lunch in the dining hall, obtaining my JAC card, scheduling my classes and meeting my adviser were also among some of the activities of the First Year Springboard. Once this portion is complete, incoming freshman are socialized in the community even further one week before classes actually begin. This is known as First Year 1787 Orientation.
During this week, students are given campus tours, and opportunities to bond and meet the individuals living in their dorms, their are different competitions as well as activities each night of the week. One thing that I particularly found very helpful was when my orientation guide assisted me in finding all of my classes. She was also available for any questions or concerns that I had as well.
There are some ways that this process could be improved however. For instance, a typical day during the week long orientation began early every day. Students might become more involved during this week if the events and programs started later n the day. Also, it might be helpful if during the first week, students could get a tour of some of the resources provided on campus. Such resources included the communication resource center, the writing center, the career and academic planning center. This could possibly relieve some of the incoming freshman's anxiety. It might also be nice if the students could be shown how to buy and find their text books in the book store.
As stated in class, the socialization process is critical to maintaining a dedicated and loyal workforce as well as determining the degree of turnover and productivity of workers. The process also begins with your anticipation. Therefore, I believe that the JMU socialization process begins with the Springboard event that happens in the April before the accepted high school students arrive as freshmen. The students have already been accepted into the organization, but it is important to socialize them so that the students feel as if they are truly a part of the organization. The Springboard event gives students a chance to see and feel what the JMU culture is like. It gives them an idea of what they are getting into and allows for them to see if they truly fit into the JMU culture. In addition, at Springboard the students are given a summer reading assignment. The purpose of this is to allow every freshman student (or at least those who read) to have something in common. This is help the students feel more comfortable within their new organization. And it again enhances what the JMU culture is all about. With the completion of the event, students should feel ready to spring right into the organization come August.
ReplyDeleteThe majority of the socialization process takes place during 1787 Orientation when the freshman as are asked to arrive at JMU a week before the other students. This is the week that students are expected to acquire the social knowledge and skills necessary to uphold their role within the organization. The week includes a variety of events. Some of these activities are to help the students become comfortable in a college classroom setting. Other activities are designed to “bond” students with their peers in the dorm so that they feel comfortable calling it home. There are also activities that allow students to learn their way around campus to become knowledgeable of the different resource centers that JMU has to offer. Lastly 1787 is designed to set freshmen up with a type of mentor. The First Year Orientation Guides (FROGs) are upperclassmen who voluntarily give their time to help new “members.” The FROGs are students that they freshmen can look to for advice and receive the 411 on what college life is truly like once 1787 is over.
I feel the 1787 Orientation does an excellent job of socializing their students, but I may just feel that way because I had such a rewarding experience. One of the main changes that could take place is that currently, the orientation week is geared towards those students that are more outgoing. Changing some things around to have the socialization process reach out to those that are more introverted could be very beneficial. If the culture comes on too strong without slowly socializing some students, they may end up leaving before really giving it a chance.
Socialization is the process in which an organization puts effort into reaching out and orienting new members to the ways of the organization. Freshmen and transfer students must go through the assimilation process, and James Madison University takes a lot of pride in its socialization efforts which include several effective programs to welcome these new students.
ReplyDeleteCampus tours are a potential student’s first impression of the school and the JMU community. This could be labeled as the anticipatory socialization to the University. Potential students can get a feel for campus unity and school spirit as they explore campus with the help of a friendly and informative student tour guide. The vocational aspect includes the student comparing the information they take in to what they believe college life should be like according to stories from parents, older peers, and even popular culture. Brochures, posters, the welcoming video, and interactions with Student Ambassadors and other current students, will provide organizational anticipatory socialization for the potential student. The student will take the knowledge they receive on this initial tour of the university and use it to anticipate what their life would be like should they chose to attend this school.
The organizational encounter phase occurs when a student enrolls in the university and attends the 1787 Orientation Program. The student is now a part of the organization, but is just starting to learn the ins and outs and how to really fit and know their role within the existing environment. While the student is assimilating in their own way, JMU provides socialization efforts through collective, formal, sequential, serial processes. These processes include: playing “getting to know you” games, participating in required summer reading reflections, taking assessments, and attending scheduled lunches and activities for their orientation group. First yeaR Orientation Guides serve as the experienced members of the JMU community and set an example for how comfortable a student can become once they are a part of JMU.
As the student enters the metamorphosis phase of assimilation, JMU is still providing structure to the process. The student has become familiar with the campus and made new friends, but the organization still encourages participation and campus involvement through Student Org Night, Greek Life Recruitment, and informational mass emails about upcoming campus events. The student is then expected to put their own stamp on the organization and encouraged to “be the change” at JMU throughout their academic career.
Compared to other college orientation programs that I am aware of, I think JMU does an excellent job with its socialization processes and encouragement of assimilation to the school and community. A suggestion for improvement is to allow more individual socialization during the 1787 orientation week. Not all students have the same goals in mind when they are preparing for college, and JMU tends to focus on teaching cultural and social customs rather than academic ones. With more individual free time and less structured programs, the students will have the chance to explore the campus more on their own time in the way that they want.
After receiving my acceptance letter into JMU, I was contacted by the Student’s of Minority Outreach to come to JMU for there annual Prospective Students Weekend. This weekend was catered to those students from diverse backgrounds to learn more about the institution and the diversity programs provided by the Center for Multicultural Student Services. Students were invited to stay with a current JMU student in the dorms and were chaperoned around the University. This experience gave me a feel of how classes were run and a sense of location for the various organizations provided by CMSS. After this eventful weekend, I received a “One Book” from JMU that listed the important deadlines for various paper work and events sponsored by JMU. This book gave me an outline of the campus, from residence halls, dining facilities and things I needed to have for dorm room. JMU also provided a week of events sponsored by the Orientation Peer Adviser (OPA) and First-Year Orientation Guide (FROG’s). These students are accustomed to the University. They provide various activities, tours, and allow students to network and build connections with those around them. The students are also given Resident Advisors. These students are set in the residence halls to answer any questions and to build a community within the building.
ReplyDeleteThe programs I experienced gave me a great outlook and feel of the JMU culture. It prepped me for what to expect from the class settings and allowed me to build connections with other students. It was pretty easy to find my way around the University because I had become so accustomed from my experience during Prospective Students Weekend sponsored by SMO. I believe JMU does a great job reaching out to the first year students and giving them a sense of connection to the University. They provide students with the necessary resources to help them connect with the JMU culture. They also provide students with packets of information. It is the student’s responsibilities to take the information provided to them and make use of it. Just as socialization states, as the organization is trying to assimilate and socialize, the individual is also pushing back. If JMU is reaching out to the first-year students and inviting them into their culture, then it is the students who push back their own values, responsibilities and determination to accept this information and learn from it. I have no suggestions to make in order to improve the process because I think JMU does a great job at providing people to help you.
JMU uses a formal, collective, investiture orientation process. One I believe to be well organized, positive, and unique. Offering initital information sessions like group tours, and CHOICES the University shows a vested interest in prospetive Students. Unlike other Universities I visited JMU made me feel liek I really did have a choice and not like the school was pressuring me into attending. Also, JMU has a lot of students working and planning orientation. When I saw this I felt like this was a place that believed in their students and that students believed in this place.
ReplyDeleteOnce accepted and enrolled JMU students are in consistent contact with the University through mailings, e-mails, roomate assigments, and more. This communication provides valuable information to calm anticipatory impressions. The assimilation process, in my eyes, is well controlled at JMU. As a first year it was neat to come to campus on move in day and be welcomed by so many energetic students! Having help with move in from FROGS who were students too and having activites to occupy my time right off the bat made me feel quickly integrated. Although, as the week persisted the activities and structure began to make many of us feel we were at camp instead of college. For instance, FROGS would pound on doors to make sure we were awake, or we would have to do so many icebreakers that we felt our intelligence and social skills were being underestimated. I had the opporutunity to work for the Orientation Office as a FROG. After seeing both sides I realize some students need a lot of formal opportunities to be active in order to make friends and feel connected. I also noticed how the informational sessions really did get "newly on their" peopel to understand the expectations of them, not only from faculty but fellow students too. However, I would suggest a less camp like feel and a more varialbe socialization process. First years should be treated like adults. Their environment will change once the FROGS are no longer working with them. They should be able to wake up on time and bring ideas for activities. In my opinion, there should be days during orientation when FROGS are not on campus all day.
The steps that one goes through when picking a college is similar to the steps that one takes when making their final decision what organization they want to work at. People base their choices off what school or organization shares the same desires, goals, values as them and where they could see themselves successfully achieving their goals. The socialization process at JMU is very informational, welcoming and similar to a training that a new employee may have when entering a new organization. There are many different socialization sessions from Choices to summer orientation to FROG orientation right before school begins.
ReplyDeleteThe first socialization process that students go through at JMU is choices. Choices is a day where the students who have been admitted have a tour of the campus and get to see the everyday life atmosphere of JMU and have their questions answered. This day could be equivalent to the interviewing process of getting job. During an interviewing process, as the interviewee you have the option of asking questions and getting a feel for the job that you may or may not be taking. The second socialization process at JMU is summer orientation. During this time, the first year students meet with upperclassman and learn about the campus, pick classes and have any further questions asked. Finally, the last socialization process that a first year has at JMU is the FROG program. The FROG program has required activities for first years to meet people and help assist with the transition into college. The FROG program and summer orientation also teaches first year students about their advisors, what classes may consist and what to do around the JMU community. The last two socialization processes at JMU are similar to trainings that employees have once they have accepted their job and are about to begin working at an organization. The new employees/students are getting adjusted in their new atmosphere and understanding the culture of where they will be spending their time.
In my opinion, I feel that JMU has a good socialization process. I was a FROG during my junior year and I thought that it was a rewarding experience. As a freshman, I did not always attend the required events but after being a FROG I see how helpful the events were in learning about JMU, the campus and meeting new people. If I had to make any changes to the socialization process, I would just include more campus information for the first year students.
Beginning from the first and only tour I took of JMU in the summer of 2005, I had a strong sense for the type of community the school had to offer. For me, that tour was the beginning of the socialization process. When I returned the following summer for the summer orientation as an enrolled freshman for the following fall, I knew I was in the right place. The OPA’s lead us through various icebreakers and other introductory activities to allow us to become more acquainted with both the campus and spirit of the students. However, the socialization into the University atmosphere continued into 1787 week for freshman right before classes began. While most of the activities were geared directly at the freshman, instead of groups uniting all levels of the students, there was still a great enthusiasm for the school as a whole on display. The fight song was also drilled forever into our minds during that week, which continues to show how much the students want to carry on the love for JMU.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the effectiveness of the socialization process, I believe that it is very effective. Almost anyone who comes into contact with you on the campus is friendly and welcoming, and especially the more you are integrated into the culture and experience the life of JMU on a day to day basis you really begin to feel the love that others are sharing with you for the both the campus and the other people that are a part of its culture. It is also difficult to find ways that this process might be improved upon. However, we could add media to the “prospective students” section of the JMU website that showed current students and faculty members talking about the aspects of JMU they love the most, or appreciate about the lifestyle.
There are a number of hurdles to jump in order to be fully integrated into JMU. Aside from visiting the campus for the first time and then going through the arduous application process there were a number of other tasks to fulfill before becoming fully integrated with the university. The actual socialization process begins with choices. Personally I believe that although there were some beneficial parts to this day, I thought that some of the activities we did in our groups were a waste of time. The next part of the process is first year orientation which is the 3 days that freshman have to get acquainted with the campus before starting classes. I thought that this was a complete waste of time and am not sorry to say that I skipped a lot of the group activities. There are a couple of activities that I did attend because they were directly related to how the university functions but when it came to sitting around in a circle and playing ice-breaker games I felt that I had better things to do. Looking back on it I definitely do not regret my decision because it was in the allotted times for group activities that I met my current room-mate and made the friends I still have today. It was nice having a person to help you out when help is needed, but at the age of 18 I felt I was more than capable to look at a map in order to find my classes.
ReplyDeleteThere are a number of things that can be changed with the socialization process at JMU. On a semi-serious note I believe that FROGs (First Year Orientation Guides) should not be allowed to come into your dorm room to wake you up. Other than that I was also not sure what the summer reading book had to do with JMU. I had more fun reading the one-book than Caucasia. I think that a change or addition to the program would be to familiarize incoming freshman with the city of Harrisonburg. In fact, after the first day of orientation I decided to take a stroll off campus and walked south down south main street. Once I got bored of that I turned around and went back past campus and to down town. I remember asking myself where all the apartments of off campus students were. I mean, we are given a map of campus and taken around it so many times, but when it comes to the rest of Harrisonburg and where most students spend their weekends we are left disoriented.
According to the class text, organizational assimilation is “the process of which an individual becomes integrated into the culture of an organization” (Modaff et al., 154). In this definition, I believe “integrated” and “culture” are two key words. Here at JMU, there are three main steps that the organization takes to integrate newcomers into the institution’s culture. For one, CHOICES is an all day event held by the Office of Admissions for admitted students. The purpose of this event is really to sell students on the organization and entice them with the culture. Thus, the day begins with an exciting welcome from Dr. Rose in the morning presentation with performances from JMU acapella groups. This building is filled with enthusiastic students, faculty, and staff who are looking for opportunities to share their JMU experiences with prospective students and families so that the student can begin to “picture” themselves as a part of this organization. Throughout the CHOICES event, the prospective students are also immersed in discussions with students and faculty in classroom settings. This is to give students the opportunity to get a glimpse of what a classroom setting would be like here at JMU. While I believe CHOICES is the very beginning of the socialization process, it is not part of the orientation process.
ReplyDeleteThe orientation process here at JMU begins with Summer Springboard when students who are attending JMU come to campus in the summer to register for classes. This is the second step in the socialization process at JMU. Here, soon-to-be freshmen are acquainted with an academic advisor and small peer group (in their same major) where the group works together to register classes together.
The third step of the socialization process is 1787 Orientation week. This is the week before classes begin in August. This week is run by First Year Orientation Guides (FROGs) and Orientation Program Assistants (OPAs). One of the most wonderful parts of the orientation process is that is primarily student run. Although there are full time faculty that help plan orientation week throughout the year, the week itself is almost completely run by student FROGs and OPAs. I personally think this is a very unique and important aspect of JMU’s orientation process. Assimilation usually contains two main parts: first, intentional and un-intentional efforts; second, the organization’s effort to individually reach out to people and modify roles and the atmosphere to meet specific individuals’ needs. The 1787 orientation week addresses the two parts of assimilation equally. Throughout this week, FROGs take JMU students to planned campus events as a group (from a residence hall). However, the small interpersonal interactions FROGs have with freshmen make a huge impact on student’s relations to others at JMU. Furthermore, FROGs make a conscious effort to individually address student’s needs and help them make the transition from home to their life at JMU.
Although I personally believe the socialization process at JMU is wonderful, there is always room for improvement. Most of the suggestions I have pertain to the 1787 orientation week. As of now, this week is filled with activities for students to meet one another and begin friendships. 1787 Orientation also does a wonderful job of hosting campus-wide events and pep rallys that embody the exciting school spirit and culture that makes up JMU. However, the program could focus more on helping students learn how to budget their meal plan; how to budget their personal finances; how to apply for a job on campus (JMU Joblink); and where to go for help on how to choose a major (Wilson’s Career and Academic Planning office). Moreover, FROGs should give a more in-depth campus tour to better acclimate students with the buildings at JMU before the first day of classes. If freshmen were more confident on different campus locations, I think they would also feel as if they were more a part of the society here at JMU.
After standing outside in the cold snow for 45 minutes as a volunteer for Choices I realize just how dedicated JMU is to keeping students engaged and interested in the university. One can gauge the success of JMU’s socialization by how many volunteers they receive for events, particularly Choices. I stood with numerous students outside in the cold and witnessed how enthusiastic and dedicated they were to their school. They stood freezing with their JMU attire, draped in purple and gold beads with smiles from ear to ear. If JMU did not understand how important socialization is then their on campus events like Choices would not be a success. Nearly 4,000 incoming students are to attend the 2010 Choices event and this event by JMU only helps assimilate them into the JMU culture by singing the fight song and learning on campus rituals from current students. Prospective students learn the very first day they come to JMU of the culture and norms of attending this university, which is one reason JMU obtains so many incoming applications. JMU students are dedicated because JMU understands the socialization process and the need to keep students connected.
ReplyDeleteHowever, improvements can always be made. One area that could be improved upon to unite students would be for each major to become more involved with their department. JMU could have many more information sessions regarding each major so students can become assimilated into the best one for them. As a freshman I wish there were more opportunities for me to figure out what each major the university had to offer. Each department has their own sub-culture and must be understood for students to be more productive and comfortable with where they are. Many majors do not have this sense of community and connectedness needed for the socialization process. It all starts with participation and not many students become dedicated to their majors because there are not as many opportunities as there are through sororities or fraternities for example, minus honor societies such as Lambda Pi Eta. However, overall JMU does an excellent job socializing new students into the university through their dedication and friendly culture.
In order to socialize incoming freshmen, JMU offers an entire week filled with games and activities designed to get new students comfortable with their new home and new classmates. All week freshmen are separated into teams. These teams are comprised of several different freshmen from a dorm and all week you play games and get to know only those in your group. Although it is a great idea to allow student to have a stress free week filled with games and activities it doesn’t really help students get the feel of what a day as a JMU student is like.
ReplyDeleteIt would be better if this week entailed more tours and more learning opportunities to get to know the campus and how they can be a better student. Although it is extremely important to get to know the people around you, freshmen would benefit even more if they were able to meet people outside of their dorms.
JMU helps new students with the adjustment by providing FROGs First year Orientation Guides, these are students who have been selected to guide them as well as give them advice. Most of the times though the FROGs are around to lighten the mood and make orientation seem really fun. Orientation doesn’t provide a lot of down time for students to really get to know their FROGs and ask any question.
Orientation is extremely structured and I think freshmen would benefit more if some games were taken away and they really saw what their next four years are going to be like.
Before even beginning classes at our university, JMU uses orientation guides such as CHOICES and multiple open houses to newly admitted students. By doing so, JMU is strongly encouraging each student to be familiar with socializing inside and outside the classroom in order to shape us into well-rounded students. JMU strives to make us very social people in order to open doors to opportunities we could miss if we are not comfortable being social on and off campus.
ReplyDeleteThe type of orientation program provided by JMU includes CHOICES, open houses, FrOg week, as well as multiple opportunities within the classroom to orientate each student to become more social and confident to speak his or her opinion. Socialization is defined as "the process of inheriting norms, customs and ideologies" within a group or oranization. Also stated, "it provides an individual with the skills and habits necessary for participating within their own society," more specifically JMU in this case. By interpreting and evaluating the way JMU uses the socialization process, its social and cultural identities are formed. JMU strives to shape each student into a friendly, social, well-rounded, intelligent young adult by forming its socialized culture and norms.
First example that comes to mind is the norm of holding doors for faculty and students when entering or exiting a building. This polite act is not written in our code of laws, nor posted on flyers around campus. Holding the door for people around you is a socially accepted norm and part of the JMU culture. It is just one of the many practices that allows JMU to stand out to prospective students and their parents.
What suggestions would I make in order to improve the process? since 1908, James Madison University has been striving to improve each and every year with its socialization process. In this case, I would only recommend one idea to improve this process: the First Year Orientation Guides should hold socialization workshops in order to benefit the incoming freshmen how friendly and open-minded the majority of the students are. Introducing each and every student to this socialization for beginners in college would greatly benefit every JMU student.
When I first came to JMU for CHOICES, I was a little bit hesitant about leaving home and making friends. CHOICES changed my perspective about want to move from New Jersey to Harrisonburg, VA. It was raining that day, but everyone around JMU was just so proud to be there. People were honking and screaming and waving pom poms around. It made me want to come to JMU so badly. No other school was like it. Everyone greeted you with a smile and everyone was so excited to talk about their school. CHOICES just makes the incoming students want to become active and involved. I wouldn't change anything about CHOICES.
ReplyDeleteLike Jacqueline said, organizational assimilation is “the process of which an individual becomes integrated into the culture of an organization” (Modaff et al., 154). FROG week is just the beginning of how an incoming freshman starts to become integrated into the culture of JMU. This is just another thing JMU has to offer. It is the first week where the incoming freshman get together and meet their classmates and learn about the campus of JMU. It is probably the most important week as a new freshman because you learn so much about the campus and other activities that you can then get involved with. Socialization is defined as "the process of inheriting norms, customs and ideologies" within a group or organization. Also stated, "it provides an individual with the skills and habits necessary for participating within their own society," or JMU in this case. It is through orientation that we begin the process of becoming one with JMU and the students here. We learn the skills and habits of everyday life. We inherit things such as calling Gibbons hall, "DHALL" or East Campus Dining Hall, "EHALL". I agree with Elisabeth when she said that it is a custom of a student at JMU to hold doors open for others. My teacher this year even commented on this.
Like others have said, I think getting to know the campus should be just as important as making friends during the first week. Yes, the "Mapee" helps, but using this during the first week would be much easier to get to know the campus. Even if we had a scavenger hunt of different places on campus. Students would then be less hesitant when the rest of the students get there.