Objective: Get Connected with Other Students (And Staff)

Objective: Get connected with other students (and staff)

Explanation of objective: By participating in Point of No Return, we want students to meet other students who may share common interests. We hope they connect with other first year students, but also student facilitators and the professional staff of SiEO and Residential Living. The following activities are designed to allow students to introduce basic information about themselves.

Mock Thumper -Each participant of the group decides on a hand sign or motion. The participants of the group introducethemselves with their name and their sign. After the introductions, one person starts the game by sayingtheir name and sign, then someone else’s name and sign. Continue on until you have a good grasp of the group member’s names.

Wallet/Purse Introductions: Participants pull an object out of their wallet or purse, which represents them and explains why.

Hometown: Post a large outline of the state on the wall or floor. Have participants put their hometowns and name on the map. Ask them to share about their hometown and how they decided to attend UWSP.

Tattoo: I've used, if you had to get a tattoo (or another tattoo in some cases) what would it be and why? It gets them talking about what they value in life but in a fun way.

Starburst questions – only called Starburst because that is the type of candy I get. In the middle of a small group of students put out some different colored starburst candies and ask each person to take one. Prior to the orientation create some questions that will be asked of each person who chose a certain color of candy. For example, if you chose a pink candy they would answer the question of, if you could vacation anywhere in the world where would you go? If you chose a red candy answer the question, if you could buy any car you wanted, what would you buy? Have two or three questions for each color of candy depending on how much time you want to spend on this activity.

Familiar & Unique Break the class into groups of four (ideally by counting off). Each small group must come up with four things they have in common (all working fulltime, all single parents, etc.). Then they are asked to share something unique about themselves individually. The group shares their familiar and unique features with the rest of the class. A master list can be made on the board for the class to look at and discuss if appropriate. (From: Victoria Meyers at Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan)

MOUNT RUSHMORE:

Ask someone in the group to share who is on Mount Rushmore and why they are honored (maybe someone who has been there). Tell them that we are going to make our own Mount Rushmore to honor people in our lives. Allow the students to select four people who they believe are exceptional team players or leaders. Give sufficient time to reflect on this. Have each students share who will be on their wall and why

Variation 1 – Take notes on why people select who they did (traits of strong leaders) and move into a discussion on leadership values.

Variation 2 – Have small groups come up with their 4 people based on individual lists.

Processing questions:

Did anybody learn anything surprising or interesting?

How did it feel to share this information with people you are just meeting?

How is this activity related to being new on campus?