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Student Transition Engagement Programs

For Alumni & Friends

Once a member of the Tribe, ALWAYS a member of the Tribe.

Despite the various iterations of orientation, transition and persistence programs that have and do current exist at William & Mary, two things remain consistent and true: our student leaders care deeply about the work they do and want to ensure our community puts belonging into action. 

Whether you are a parent or family member, supporter of good work, worked in the office as a professional staff member or graduate assistant, supported new students as an Orientation Aide (way) back in the late 1900s (LOL!), served as an Parent & Family Orientation Aide or Orientation Area Director in the early 2000s, helped launch our Initiative Directors in the early 2010s, or are part of the newly created Transition Coaches of the 2020s ... we encourage you to stay in touch and keep tabs on the great work happening with the support of tremendously talented students. 

Share Your Story

Share Your Student Leader Experience with Us!

Key Milestones

Our tradition of supporting undergraduate students into and through W&M has an interesting history.

  • 1911
    The first instance of a "New Student Orientation" is documented.
  • 1935
    All new students begin going through a formal "New Student Orientation".
  • 1962
    New students are met at their halls by peer sponsors and group leaders, the first iteration of Orientation Aides.
  • 1974
    Orientation groups become co-ed with the establishment of a Club & Org Fair.
  • 1990
    Camp William & Mary is codified with the first printed schedule of programs and presentations.
  • 2013
    The Office of First Year Experience (FYE) is created, with New Student Orientation as its cornerstone.
  • 2021
    FYE expands into Student Transition Engagement Programs (STEP) to support the full undergraduate transition.
  • 2025
    The myTribeGuide is launched, expanding the New Student Checklist into a comprehensive undergraduate resource.

Giving-NSO

Give Now to Support New Student Orientation

Student Leader Reflections

[Being an Orientation Aide] was an interesting experience, I probably learned more about the college in learning what I was supposed to convey to others than I had known before that. It was a classic experience of dealing with a group of people, some of who wanted to be there, others who did not, and trying to figure out how best to convey information to them in a way that was enjoyable, that they would retain, and hopefully act upon in the future ... it was a good opportunity and I'm glad I did it.
Cary Wagner '79 Orientation Aide Retired, Former Undersecretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security
I never imagined myself as someone ‘energetic enough’ to be an OA, but I surprised myself with how happy I was going out of my comfort zone, and I learned that there are ALL types of people who can and should be OAs!
Courtney Maynard '25 Orientation Aide Doctoral Student, Northeastern University
The Transition Coaching program is incredibly impactful as it provides a "point person" for each student beyond orientation, who can answer their questions and direct them to resources. The events [Transition Coaches] host serve as community spaces for students to meet and mingle! For me, this role has been so impactful to watch students thrive by joining clubs and finding friend groups.
Lou Kean '26 Transition Coach
My freshman Orientation experience helped to solidify the notion that "who comes here, belongs here." My OAs were incredibly welcoming and caring about our entire hall, and it made me so excited to start my four years at William and Mary. My love for the Orientation experience has only grown since then. Orientation always brings together the most involved and caring students on our campus.
Brady Garrett '26 Orientation Area Director
Serving as an Orientation Aide and an Orientation Aide Director really has served me well. Essential to new physician hires and faculty retention and happiness is really a robust onboarding process and I learned a lot about what makes a good onboarding process through Orientation at William & Mary. The investment of time and energy and the dedication of the staff and students to making sure that onboarding or Orientation experience was great, really was an essential part of what we continue to strive to do for our new faculty!
Karyn Stocks Kassis '94 Orientation Aide Director Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University
It’s about more than just icebreakers—it’s about creating an environment where every new student feels supported and seen. OAs encourage group bonding, share campus wisdom, and help students feel grounded during this time of transition.
Gabby Pelosi '25 Orientation Area Director Program Coordinator, W&M Washington Center
Orientation brings together so many different types of people, and it reminds us how strong our sense of community is on this campus. Every time I’ve been an OA, the time has flown by way too quickly, but I’ll never forget a single deep discussion, heartwarming debrief, or hilarious moment that we shared.
Joel Calfee '20 Orientation Aide Assistant Editor, Harper’s Bazaar
I have learned so much about all of the faculty, staff, students, and on-campus resources that are available and excited to help students. I've seen the impact of spreading knowledge and awareness surrounding these resources on student's success and comfort at W&M. I've learned to be a better team member, leader, and peer, as well!
Marisa Woodcock '27 Transition Coach
Working on the Weeks of Welcome (WOW) Campus Initiative allowed me to help emphasize the motto that "all who come here, belongs here," to the greater campus population. A motto that is everlasting throughout our college experience, with the community that is here waiting to embrace you and all your interests. This position has given me the chance to advocate for traditional and non-traditional students who may not know how to get involved with the W&M experience when they get to campus.
Aamya Cheeseboro '26 Intern
I LOVED my own orientation back in Fall 2019, as I met so many wonderful people throughout campus, which taught me that a good orientation experience can set the stage for a great college experience. Though when my own OAs first asked me if I would ever consider applying to be an OA my first response was “oh heck no”, I came to appreciate the experience we’d had more throughout the year, and I wanted to be a role model for other students the way I had appreciated my own OAs. I have made so many friends on my staffs ... and it brightens my day every time I see one of my students. There is no one single kind of student who can be an OA, and different kinds of students should see themselves represented in different kinds of OAs. To all prospective and future students, I would say embrace your orientation experience. It can truly be a fantastic time that you’ll look back on fondly for the rest of your time at W&M.
Owen Williams '23 Orientation Aide Program Analyst, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission
My favorite about being an [initiative director] is working for such a distinct population. As a transfer student myself, I know how important campus offices, like FYE, can be to a successful transition. The College has so much to offer new students and I love being a part of that exchange ... the [Initiative Directors] work so hard to help all students transition to the College.
Rachel Ciampoli '19 Initiative Director Doctoral Candidate, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The thing about William & Mary Orientation is that it prepares students for living and learning on their own for the first time. I felt like I hit the ground running, and by the first day of classes, I was well prepared to face college life on my own.
Danny Maloney '26 Intern
I wrote holiday cards before the winter break for "my boys" and didn't really think anything of it, but several thanked me personally and seemed surprised by the gesture. I think true leaders genuinely care and take the extra effort to communicate positive messages.
Susan Lin Freshman Orientation Aide Director of Research, American Occupational Therapy Association
Being an OA at William & Mary prepared me for … subsequent roles in grad school and law school, and taught me many valuable skills.  Most importantly, I've learned that many times doors will be closed on you, so you should never close a door on yourself. Seizing the chance to be an admin OA was a great decision, and I'm very glad I got the opportunity to work in more than one OA role during my time at W&M.
Megan Scanlon '04 Administrative Orientation Aide Associate University Counsel, Virginia Commonwealth University
STEP helps students find their way and know how to make use of the amazing opportunities that William & Mary has to offer. They are both a home and a launchpad for the greater community.
Ananya Mangal '26 Transition Coach
I came into W&M not knowing if it was a good fit. My personal Orientation experience helped me find my Why W&M, through new friends & fun experiences! I love that Orientation is set up for new students to find their "Why W&M" and help make any freshman, transfer, commuter, or joint degree student feel at home!
Abby Cochran '26 Orientation Area Director
I was an Orientation Aide for 3 years, and during that time I think I honed a leadership style that I still use today, and that's one that combines both logic, reason, and confidence with self-depricating humor, empathy, and willingness just to be goofy
Caroline Wooldridge '04 Orientation Aide Strategy, Operations and Transformation Consultant
Coming in to W&M, I thought all first-years were freshman. Boy, was I wrong. There are transfer, exchange, St Andrews, and non traditional students as well! I learned so much from working with these students as an Orientation Aide last year, from Europe's political scene, to the best kinds of chocolates from abroad, to what playing a sport in college entails. Not all students have had a freshman hall, and some students have kids and spouses they come home to each day. And that's groovy.
Rhea Sharma '19 Orientation Aide Neurology Resident, University of Virginia

Giving-PAG

Give Now to Support Student Connections!
Editor: Danny Maloney '26, STEP Intern
Song Credit: "Southern Nights" by Glen Campbell and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
 
 

Keep Up with STEP

STEP is constantly on the move ... between blogs and vlogs, the 'gram and even the book of faces, events and initiatives are constantly in motion. We want to make sure you keep that STEP count high so follow us on YouTube and check out our Upcoming Events. 

Giving-TC

Give Now to Support our Transition Curriculum!

Upcoming Events

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