Dr. William Harmon presented on the development of a new comprehensive new student orientation (NSO) program for Houston Community College. The first objective was to conduct extensive research on best practices for NSO programs. The second objective was to provide a written report detailing the development of an NSO program for the college. The third and final objective was to launch a district-wide NSO program in Fall 2017. So far, research has been completed, preliminary recommendations have been submitted, and a software system has been purchased to create an online orientation. The committee continues working towards the launch of a pilot NSO program in August 2017.

1. NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
presented by
Dr. William Harmon
President, HCC - Central

2. PROJECT OVERVIEW
Background
• The first strategic plan under the leadership of Chancellor Maldonado
IMAGINE HCC 2019 directs the institution to create an exemplary student
experience model. Paramount to this model will be an increased focus on
customer service, predictive analytics concentrated on student success, and
a comprehensive new student orientation (NSO) program.
Scope
• Dr. Harmon was tasked to provide recommendations on the development of
a comprehensive NSO program for all students entering HCC.

3. PLANNED OBJECTIVES
1. Conduct extensive research on NSO best practices.
2. Provide written report detailing the development of a
NSO program for HCC district-wide.
3. Launch district-wide NSO program in Fall 2017.

4. OBJECTIVE 1: Conduct extensive research on NSO
best practices
Planned Actions Progress
1. Formed a district-wide NSO committee with key
stakeholders represented (ex. faculty, student
services, law enforcement, public relations,
etc.)
Completed
2. Created sub-committees to research key
performance indicators in the following NSO
areas: Structure, Content, Logistics, &
Assessment
Completed
3. Sub-committee leaders convened meetings,
attended the National Orientation Directors
Association (NODA) conference, and scheduled
NSO software demonstrations.
Completed

5. OBJECTIVE 2: Provide written report detailing the
development of a NSO program for HCC district-wide.
Planned Actions Progress
1. Sub-committees finalized best practice
recommendations regarding NSO structure,
content, logistics needs, and assessment
practices. Sub-committee leaders presented
final recommendations to the overall NSO
committee.
Completed
2. The NSO committee met to finalized actions
related to submitting final written report
Completed
3. NSO preliminary recommendations report was
submitted Spring 2016.
Completed

6. OBJECTIVE 3: Launch district-wide NSO program in Fall
2017
Planned Actions Progress
1. Fall semester NSO pilot conducted; student
focus groups convened.
Completed Fall 2016; results to be used in final
design of NSO.
2. Purchase of NSO software/development of
“Eagle Launch” (online orientation program)
http://client.advantagedg.com/houston-
cc/concepts/index2.html
In progress: Software purchased; committee is
working with vendor to create a customized
orientation experience for every type of student
we serve.
3. Launch districtwide NSO pilot in August 2017;
Ensure alignment with ultimate student experience
design ACCESS SUPPORT SUCCESS
& P.U.L.S.E (Pathways to the Ultimate Student
Experience)
In progress: Currently designing the face to face
component of NSO which included breakout
sessions and a resource fair; meeting with external
community sponsors as primary funding source.

7. NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
presented by
Dr. William Harmon
President, HCC - Central