Standards of Excellence

Purpose Statement

The Orientation Standards of Excellence document was drafted to create a sense of pride among the orientation staff and to develop a clear and unifying Orientation Aide philosophy.

Orientation Aide Philosophy and Values Statement

As Orientation Aides we have the distinct opportunity to welcome new students and their families to the William & Mary community. We must have a positive recognition of our influence in shaping the new student and family college experience. With that in mind, we believe it is important to exemplify the following values:

• "Once an OA, Always an OA"
  An Orientation Aide's role does not end after Orientation, rather it continues throughout and beyond the college experience.
• A Strong Belief in Holistic Student Development
  Each student is treated as a unique individual whose development involves all aspects of their person.
• A Passion for and Knowledge of All Aspects of the William & Mary Experience
  Orientation Aides provide an energetic and informed resource for new students. This includes knowledge of student involvement opportunities, academic resources, and other support services on campus.
• A Concerted Effort to Build and Maintain Relationships with All Members of the Orientation Process
  Orientation Aides reach out to and build relationships with new students, Orientation Aides, Resident Assistants, and other campus departments. These relationships are built upon mutual respect and strong communication. Orientation Aides should be open to building other campus relationships that assist them in their role.
• A Clear Commitment to William & Mary Community Values, Building Student Learning Opportunities, and Advancing Student Well-being

William & Mary Community Values

• Tribe Pride
  Orientation Aides support pride and encouragement for the College's athletic, academic and co-curricular programs.
• Community of Trust
  Orientation Aides embrace and uphold the honor and judicial codes in order to maintain the integrity of our community.
• Empowering Students to Achieve
  Orientation Aides assist new students in recognizing their own ability to succeed.
• Spirit of Service
  Orientation Aides promote and encourage a commitment to service and community.
• Respect for Diversity
  Orientation Aides are open to new ideas, inclusive of all individuals, thoughtful in their language, and knowledgeable about multicultural opportunities.

Student Learning and Involvement

Co-curricular

• Encourage Student Involvement
  Orientation Aides promote student involvement as a means to compliment the curricular experience.
• Promote all Opportunities Equally
  Orientation Aides present the full spectrum of opportunities on campus, keeping in mind that diverse interests are an integral part of the William and Mary experience. Orientation Aides are encouraged to present their interests and activities as a model of student involvement.
• Promote Self Initiative
  Orientation Aides encourage new students to proactively seek activities that meet their interests and foster their growth.

Curricular

• Promote Faculty/Staff Relationships
  Orientation Aides encourage new students to see faculty and staff as partners in learning.
• Encourage Students to Embrace Learning
  Orientation Aides promote the value of learning for the sake of learning in and out of the classroom.
• Provide Informed Advice
  Orientation Aides are knowledgeable about the William and Mary academic experience and appropriate resources.

Student Well-Being

• Empathetic Awareness of Student Needs
  Orientation Aides reflect upon their own first year experience and apply this understanding in being an effective listener and a source of information and support.
• Knowledge of Campus Resources
  Orientation Aides familiarize students with and help them feel comfortable utilizing campus and community resources that promote student health and well-being.
• Balancing Challenge and Support
  Orientation Aides encourage student growth and independence by supporting new students as they face new and different experiences.
• Reach Out to All New Students
  Orientation Aides actively engage all new students so they feel like essential and valued members of the William and Mary community.