After closing campuses, several universities have been forced to move their freshman orientations to online platforms. 

According to Jenny Bell, director of student life at UM, the early freshman orientation that was supposed to occur this month has been moved online.  

For the early orientation, resources have been put online for students to access.  

“Advisors are conducting advising via phone, email and Zoom,” said Bell. “Orientation Leaders are interacting with students and answering questions via GroupMe and OL meetings will take place on Zoom.” 

Freshman musical theatre major and COMS major Delaney Eaves provided some insight to her role as an Orientation Leader. 

“I feel like doing it digitally will work just fine,” said Eaves. “I just wish we actually got to show them around campus and to things more in depth.” 

Incoming honors students are also having to collaborate with Dr. Cathlena Martin, director of the UM Honors Program. 

“I have personally been replying to each student individually with suggestions and feedback for their schedule,” said Martin. “Additionally, I asked all of the peer mentors to email them so that they had a student connection.” 

Parent sessions are also being offered via Zoom.  

While some places like the University of Alabama has already moved their orientations for the summer online, UM has not made a decision.