Students Arrive as Strangers and Leave Orientation as Broncos
Orientation at Cal Poly Pomona is a vital introduction to the campus community, specifically designed to set students up for success from day one. During June and July, the university welcomed 6,962 first-year and transfer students and nearly 3,633 parents and supporters to the campus.
Creating a Sense of Belonging
The goal of these sessions is to integrate new students into the fabric of the university.
“Orientation is an opportunity for CPP to create an early sense of belonging and connection to campus,” said David Estudiante, director of the Office of New Student Programs and Family Engagement
This mission appears to be succeeding, as 93% of incoming first-year students reported feeling connected to the campus community after attending.
The program's success is driven largely by the student staff, who currently hold a 95% satisfaction rating from incoming first-year students. These leaders help guide newcomers through “pathways” that highlight clubs, academic assistance and job opportunities.
Orientation leader Jesse Uribe noted that exposing students to these resources “really helps students get involved and integrate better into the community we have here.”
Preparing Students for Success
One of the most significant hurdles for new students is navigating the complexities of college life, such as managing class schedules and understanding major-specific career paths. Orientation provides direct access to student helpers, advisors and faculty to address this.
Biology Professor Jamie Snyder said that orientation is crucial because it introduces students to resources “they may not have known existed.”
Snyder helps biology students realize that their degree offers diverse career paths beyond medical school.
This academic guidance is priceless, especially for students like incoming freshman Gordetti Delgadillo Macias.
“I feel really prepared … I finally know who to talk to so I can sort out my schedule and my classes,” said Delgadillo Macias.
Finding Community Beyond the Classroom
Beyond academics, orientation provides an opportunity for social integration. Though students often arrive with a mix of excitement and nerves, the environment encourages quick connections.
Daniel Cheyer, an incoming freshman and track athlete, expressed his enthusiasm for becoming a Bronco.
“I’m really excited to meet a lot of the people I’m going to know for the next four years,” he said, adding that he is already looking forward to joining the campus chess club and bonding with his new teammates.
Faculty members like Snyder also encourage social proactivity.
“Students should get involved with clubs and student organizations on campus so [they] can meet other students and build a community,” she said.
Supporting the Next Generation of Transfer Students
As for transfer students, sessions began July 20 for the 2,720 attendees. These students bring a “varied experience” that makes the classroom environment richer, according to Psychology Assistant Professor Travis Miller.
New transfer students, like music industry studies student Abigail Jaquez, are entering with clear goals. She chose CPP for its “hands-on” approach and rare program offerings.
“My goal is to get super involved within not just the music department, but with clubs and organizations and my professors,” said Jaquez.
Ready for the Road Ahead
Ultimately, orientation aims to transform nervous newcomers into prepared students ready to engage with the CPP community. Student leaders continue to encourage new Broncos to step out of their comfort zones and explore everything the campus has to offer.
Orientation leader Stephany Gonzalez Topete said she hopes students leave orientation feeling stress free and excited for the semester ahead.
“Our hope is to create a really great experience,” Topete said. “I know some of them are coming in and it’s their very first day on campus and that can be really nerve-wracking ... but we’re coming in with a lot of resources and we’re here to answer any question they have.”
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