Orientation mandatory?

[MissH]

My program's orientation is next week. I asked for the day off work, but might not get it. The school says the orientation is mandatory, so I worry that missing it will start me off on the wrong foot.

Thoughts?

[Gneiss1]

As soon as you find out for sure whether or not you can get off work I would let your school know. If your program begins in the fall, I'm sure they expect some people not to be able to attend seeing as many won't live in the area yet. It should be alright if you need to get some other things done you can set up a time to go to the school and get any extra paperwork filled out and what not.

[MaxiJaz]

I had my unofficial orientation about 3 weeks ago (it was 'research day' for the current group, and incoming students were invited). I think about 6 new people showed up when about 30 were expected. I think the 'mandatory' isn't going to put you in your profs bad books....they don't know who you are yet, but I guess the obvious plus is that you get to meet them early and when you start classes you're a familiar face and know a bit about your peers. Otherwise, they should understand that not everyone will be able to attend due to work, distance etc.

[imonedaful]

I have never gone to a college orientation. I typically worked full time over the summer and went to colleges far away from where I lived. Not going to orientation will not start you off on a bad foot. Anybody who lives a considerable distance or is working full time cannot reasonably take time out to go to an orientation. I am sure you can meet everybody once you get there.

[TropicalCharlie]

Most people are reasonable when it comes to these things. Just be sure to let them know as soon as you find out and make arrangements for a future date, if necessary.

[robot_hamster]

Most of the time they say it is mandatory, but it really isn't. You can usually wiggle your way out, especially if you have a valid excuse (work, not there yet, etc).

[TakeruK]

Note: for international students, usually the International Student Orientation day is actually mandatory. I don't know if it's ever been done, but the International Student Office websites imply that our visas are conditional on attending these events. But this doesn't actually occur until a week or two before the term starts, not in the early summer.

[sam_1]

Note: for international students, usually the International Student Orientation day is actually mandatory. I don't know if it's ever been done, but the International Student Office websites imply that our visas are conditional on attending these events. But this doesn't actually occur until a week or two before the term starts, not in the early summer.

I agree - the inter nation student orientation often involves a lot of paperwork and admin. Fun...

[crazygirl2012]

Mine sounded pretty mandatory, but mine is the week before school starts. I'd suggest letting your program know ASAP that you're supposed to be at your current job at that time but you're trying to work something out. May seems awfully early to have a mandatory orientation.

[MissH]

Thanks all! Got the day off after all.