UHCL's virtual orientation, new student events welcoming incoming Hawks

Despite the challenges caused by the closures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Office of Orientation and New Student Programs is still offering and planning a host of virtual events to welcome and acclimate new Hawks to campus.

Assistant Director of Orientation and New Student Programs Tyler Hall said that virtual orientations for incoming transfer students have been ongoing, with the final virtual Transfer Student Orientation session to take place Aug. 15. “Despite the different format, we are giving transfer students a quick snapshot of the available resources on campus through these orientations,” he said. “It is a 2 ½-hour program. Even though transfer students have already been to college, they might not know about all our services. This helps them get a true picture of what’s available to them via virtual orientation.”

SOAR, an annual orientation event for first-year students, is now taking place virtually from Aug. 19-21. “There are some required sessions and other sessions that are optional,” Hall said.

He added they are planning for a Welcome Kit Drive-Through event. “On the first day of orientation, students can drive through campus at a designated time and have orientation leaders welcoming them with a swag kit that they can safely pick up,” he said. “We love to give things away, and since we’ve been meeting virtually, students have been missing out on that. We would invite students to come to campus in their cars and we hope everyone would be able to participate in that. Everyone needs a little UH-Clear Lake gear.”

Hall said Hawk Launch, held virtually Aug. 7-8, is an extended orientation program. “Some students who want additional exposure are hoping to meet other students more quickly,” he said. “Hawk Launch is a great way to kickstart your first year at UHCL.”

Hawk Launch events offer students the opportunity to meet, connect with orientation leaders, and offer ice-breaking, team-building activities as well as information regarding campus resources. “Once you’ve registered and paid, you’ll get a Hawk Launch care package with all the materials you need mailed directly to you,” he said. The registration deadline for Hawk Launch is Aug. 3.

Orientation leaders have been hosting other series throughout the summer, including Hangin’ with a Hawk. “These are Zoom sessions in which there’s a new topic every day,” Hall said. “They include playing games, discussions about wellness, and conversations with faculty.”

To find the Hangin’ with a Hawk session schedule, ‘like’ UHCL Orientation on Facebook or Instagram.