SSSD New Student Orientation

One of the primary goals of SSSD New Student Orientation is to establish a community of support amongst an incoming SSSD cohort & staff through social and cultural activities.  Focus will be put on students developing relationships that will last throughout their time at St. Olaf.  Students will have an orientation leader who’s an upperclass SSSD student who will lead a small group of SSSD Orientation participants in get to know you activities as well as all-SSSD activities interspersed throughout the week.

SSSD New Student Orientation students will be introduced to a variety of support resources available at St. Olaf.  Through informational sessions and simulation activities students will get to know different areas of the college where they can find support like the Dean of Students Office, Academic Success Center, Residence Life, and others.

Students will discuss areas of disability identity like disclosure of disability in new situations, how and when to use accommodations, and what it means to have a disability in college.  Orientation will also feature activities to highlight the intersectional nature of identity and create reflection on what that means for each individual student.

SSSD New Student Orientation will feature various forms of academic skill instruction like when to seek help, how to talk with professors, and ways to stay organized.  Students will meet professors and have the ability to learn from St. Olaf Faculty on how they can find success on campus as students with disabilities.