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, First-Year
Interest Group Seminar, 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.
