VOLUME 12, NO. 1     JUNE 1998

Orientation from a new student's perspective

Once again this fall, entering students will get oriented to WPI by building a virtual student body. The unique program is part of New Student Orientation, which introduces students to WPI's innovative academic program, its broad spectrum of social and recreational activities, and its rich history and traditions.

As part of last year's Orientation, more than 700 students were divided into 25 teams that were "hired" by the Admissions Office to create a "virtual community." Each team designed a Web site representing a virtual student, complete with a four-year schedule, links to the individual's favorite Web sites, and additional information that would help identify the virtual person, including hobbies, sports interests, race, sex, disabilities, travel interests or favorite foods.

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From left, Daly, Miriam Rutman, and Pryputniewicz

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The exercise helped students become familiar with academic scheduling options, the WPI Plan, the World Wide Web, computer networks, and the many extracurricular activities available at WPI. It also helped create a sense of teamwork and build leadership skills.

Group 21 won the event with its creation of a home page for virtual student Sarah Shapland '98. The team was guided by Orientation Leader J.J. Schoenrock '98; James Hermanson, associate professor of mechanical engineering, served as faculty consultant. The results of the entire Virtual Community exercise may be seen at www.wpi.edu/+NSO/97Project

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