Orientation: working behind the scenes to improve student life

When a system works well, you don't notice it. Take electrical power, for example. Flick a switch and the light comes on. There's no need to think about the tremendous infrastructure and hundreds of people behind the scenes. Because the system works, you can simply enjoy the benefits that it provides.

ELI's orientation program strives to be like electrical power.

"We want to be there when students need us, to provide consistent, uninterrupted and sometimes unnoticed service," said orientation coordinator David Quayle, "to allow students to focus their energies on their studies and not worry about housing, meals or the confusing aspects of living in a new culture."

Orientation coordinator David Quayle helps students daily at the new service window

In the year 2000, the orientation program moved closer to that goal. For just over a year, ELI students who want to live on campus have been able to reserve their dorm rooms ahead of time, rather than having to wait until after their arrival to see if rooms were available. Similarly, the homestay program headed by Nancy Purcell makes homestay arrangements well in advance of students' arrival, even reserving an airport shuttle to take them directly to their new homes.

The meal plan system is also easier now for students to use. Meal plans for all students are optional, and students can pay for their meal plans with a credit card at ELI, at the new service window which gives students access to both the orientation office and the business office. No more going downstairs to pay David for a trip, then following him back upstairs to get change.

"By improving our orientation practices, we aim not only to enhance students' experiences at ELI, but also to reduce the distractions and hassles that come with living in a new land and culture," said Quayle. "We hope all ELI students are happy with our work," he said, "whether they notice it or not."

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