Welcome Week benefits students and institutions
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/mcnally.jpg” caption=”Jeff McNally, PhD candidate at McMaster University, says that students and post-secondary institutions benefit from the Welcome Week activities. “]
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Most students agree: there's a lot to be gained by attending Welcome Week orientation events. But are incoming students the only ones who benefit from the week-long mix of educational sessions and social gatherings?
Jeff McNally, PhD candidate at McMaster's DeGroote School of Business, says no – the post-secondary institution also benefits in the short- and long-term.
McNally's research, recently published in the Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, examines the relationship between student engagement in a post-secondary institution beyond required classes (social clubs, athletics, student government etc), retention rates within the institution and students' discretionary behaviours, such as volunteering within the university.
His research also examines the reputational effects on a university that chooses to engage first year students: the students tend to spread positive sentiments through word of mouth and stay connected as alumni once they graduate.
The bottom line, according to McNally, is that the more students feel emotionally connected to their schools, the more likely they will exhibit positive discretionary behaviours. Just as important, the more the student is emotionally engaged, the less likely it is that they will drop out of their studies.
“The data that we've collected from our study show that universities can help foster a high emotional commitment between students and their specific university,” said McNally. “That level of high emotional commitment drastically affects how they act as students, and quite likely as alumni.”
McMaster has a long tradition of welcoming incoming first year students during Welcome Week.
“The type of activities McMaster provides first year students during Welcome Week is a great example of how to foster strong emotional connections,” said McNally. “Giving students access to resources like financial aid, emotional and academic support and even social outlets can greatly benefit the university in the long-term.”
According to first year student Rebecca Hartford, this year's Welcome Week helped her create a bond with the institution she'll be studying at for the next number of years.
“Coming into the week, I was definitely a bit nervous because all we're told in high school is how scary and difficult university can be – I just didn't know what to expect,” said Hartford, a social sciences student. “But the reps made me feel really welcomed and comfortable here. They were so nice and they even introduced me to a few first year students – I also met a fourth year anthropology student, which allowed me to ask questions about the program.”
McNally hopes that his future research will continue to reinforce the ideas that student success at a post-secondary institution can begin long before classes begin. Orientation activities, such as McMaster's Welcome Week, allows students to gain a deeper affection for their university, which not only creates a strong community of students who volunteer their time in later years, but also keeps individuals connected after graduation.
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