This summer, the College of Education Undergraduate Studies team is welcoming and advising incoming Cougars to its programs. Hundreds of students have entered Farish Hall unsure of what to expect during their first semester at UH.  The team ensures students leave informed about policies, confident of their abilities to succeed, and excited about their futures.

Both new students and transfer students are required to go through orientation before their first semester at the University of Houston. The academic, social, and cultural transition to UH can be overwhelming, and the Undergraduate Studies team works hard to guarantee a smooth transition. "The entire office comes together to make the experience as fun as possible,” says Laura Lee of the Undergraduate Studies Office. “We want our students to feel like they can come in to see us anytime and feel welcomed.”

Taking the lead on acclimating the new students to the College is our team of advisors. The advisors conduct major specific breakout sessions and answer any questions from the students. "The Undergraduate Studies team continues to work hard and successfully assist our new fall 2015 students,” says advisor Anitra Wright. “We help them register for classes, guide them through major changes, and let them know about campus resources and fun activities to help ease them into their college transition."

In addition to our advisors and support staff, current UH students, called Peer Assistants (PAs), also coach the incoming students. Research suggests that students thrive best when introduced to certain opportunities such as tutoring when that information comes from a peer.  Similarly, PAs assist students with enrollment and generally bring cougar spirit to the event. Elena Hooper, Human Development and Family Studies senior and Peer Assistant this summer, says, “Every moment is an opportunity for a teaching moment.  We’re taught that in the College of Education, and we use orientation as a chance to really get new students fired up and ready for success here at UH.  Orientation has been a great, exciting fit with my passion for helping people on a path to higher education.”

The team’s hard work definitely pays off. “I was very anxious before the orientation,” says new Teaching and Learning student Thom Tran. “But after today’s activities I can tell the faculty and staff are always going to be available to help. It’s a very welcoming environment.”

Orientation continues through August.