The Office of New Student Programs is responsible for the orientation of new students to the community standards, history, and spirited future of Rutgers College. This office provides support and services for the first-year class through programming, training, materials development, direct support and referral, and other related activities. Special programs for transfer students introduce these new students to the resources of the university.
The primary goals of this office are to assist students in the transition from high school to college; to introduce new students to community standards of academic integrity, antibias perspectives and skills, and cultural diversity; to develop leadership skills among first-year students; and to foster college pride and community.
First-Year Interest Groups (FIGS). New students may elect to register for a 1-credit course that offers those who share a cluster of courses in common the opportunity to meet in a small group to explore a common career interest. Students studying economics and mathematics, for example, may join the learning community and visit faculty and alumni at work in finance, economics, management, or other business areas to learn more about those options. Interest groups help students form study groups and learn more about the resources of the university and their potential fields of study in a personalized, interactive setting.
Orientation. Orientation at Rutgers College occurs in several ways. First-year students come to campus for two Saturdays in May for academic counseling and testing; transfer students participate in a summer program; and both groups attend an intensive program during the weekend immediately preceding the first day of classes in September. During this orientation weekend, a new student convocation officially introduces students to the academic traditions of the liberal arts college. That event is followed by three days of educational and social programs designed to prepare students for a successful college experience.
The Scarlet Times. The Scarlet Times is a newsletter for first-year students that addresses academic, personal, health, and social issues. The text is composed of articles submitted by students, faculty, and staff on topics of current student interest. The summer issue focuses on the transition between high school and college and serves to inform new students about orientation and other relevant topics. This issue is followed by two in the fall, a winter edition, and a spring edition.
First-Year Seminar Series. Throughout their first year, students attend a series of programs designed to educate them about social and academic issues critical to their success in college. Topics include time management, academic integrity, career planning, alcohol and substance abuse, study skills, social decision making, and appreciation of cultural diversity.
