Mentoring can be formal or informal. Implementing mentorship can help create a caring environment and community for students. Having a go-to person can impact retention by allowing students to have someone they can turn to during challenging times.
Orientation should include opportunities for bonding among students. I like the idea of having students write down their names and locations so they can begin to form groups. This event should also include faculty who are positive and inviting, who share their teaching style, and who are approachable. Including upperclassmen is also helpful, as some students may feel more comfortable with a peer as opposed to a faculty member or administrator/staff. Faculty can also conduct mini-orientations by checking in with the students and having class discussions about challenges and more.
