We are impressed by the program's ability to pack so much information into two days. If nothing else, it's a smashing success at reducing the amount of nagging anxiety students bring with them in the fall. We are concerned, however, that the program has passed up an opportunity to further relieve the stress of incoming students. Parents attending the program are given the option of visiting a greek open house, where they can ask questions about rush, greek life, and all sorts of greek issues that might affect their sons and daughters. Unfortunately, students don't have the same option, and the open house remains open only to parents and the few students who are aware of it and seek it out.
Students can attend information sessions during the year, but they do have pressing questions now.
At the very least, next year's orientation should be designed to allow students that option. Granted, students already have plenty of other things to do. But the bulk of Orientation's second day is taken up by optional programming, and students likely could carve out time to ask a few brief questions, or at least pick up a brochure or two. Educating students early on about the different greek communities will help them make better choices, while at the same time allowing them to learn about communities they might never have heard of on their own. Right now, a first-year man interested in greek life probably will have his first contact with the greek system shortly after he moves in.