Brigham Young University. Orientation

During the 1920s and 30s, Orientation consisted mostly of 'Freshman hazing', which included various rules and rituals enforced by upperclassmen. Regulations varied from year to year, but generally included such things as wearing beanies, using only the rear and side doors of buildings, memorizing school songs, and serving upperclassmen. Penalties were issued for noncompliance. At the end of the hazing period, Freshman became official members of their class and eligible to enjoy the full benefit of student activities. In 1932, the Freshmen Trek also became part of orienting incoming students. It included a tour of upper and lower campus and their first glimpse of the lighted Y.

In 1938, the first Orientation Program organized by faculty members was held. It included musical performances and introductions of key faculty. As early as 1942, a request was made for the creation of an Orientation Committee. In 1945, once the Special Services Committee was organized under the direction of Dean of Students Wesley P. Lloyd, he requested President McDonald appoint Elsie C. Carroll, Dr. DeJong, Dr. Morley, Prof. Sessions, Lee Valentine, and Kathryn Hall as members of the Orientation Committee. In 1955, Orientation came under the direction of Student Personnel Services, still under the direction of the Dean of Students, and by 1960 was known as Orientation Week. By 1973, both the organization and the name had changed and Orientation became known as New Student Orientation or NSO.

Variant Names

Orientation Week

Description

Established: 1938

Abolished: 1973

Location: Provo, Utah (1938-1973)

Functions

The purpose of Orientation was to help students get acquainted, give needed instructions regarding campus life, and give them their first view of the University. It also assisted new students to become acquainted with the opportunities the University offers. This was accomplished by helping students feel they belong, help them become more receptive to the learning experience, and assisting with initial registration.

Assets and Administrative Structure

The Orientation Program was originally organized by faculty members. A formal Orientation Committee was organized under the Special Services Committee in 1945. Special Services was under the direction of the Dean of Students. In 1955, Orientation came under the direction of Student Personnel Services, still under the direction of the Dean of Students.

Associated Units

Superior unit: Brigham Young University (1938-1945)

Superior unit: Brigham Young University. Special Services (1945-1955)

Superior unit: Brigham Young University. Student Personnel Services (1955-1972)

Later unit: Brigham Young University. New Student Orientation (1973)

Associated Archival Materials

The First One Hundred Years, Volume 2

Wesley P. Lloyd Collection, UA 183, Box 8

Sources

The First One Hundred Years, 2:311-313 (Freshman hazing)

The First One Hundred Years, 2:329-330 (Freshman Trek)

Wesley P. Lloyd Collection, UA 183, Box 8 (First known Orientation Program, request for an Orientation Committee, Orientation Committee members)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog 1955-1956: p. 94 (Under the direction of Student Personnel Services)

The First One Hundred Years, 3:313 (Orientation Week)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog 1973-1974: p. 20 (Changed to New Student Orientation)

Wesley P. Lloyd Collection, UA 183, Box 8 (Functions)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog 1962-1964: p. 34 (Functions)

Wesley P. Lloyd Collection, UA 183, Box 8 (Assets and Administrative Structure)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog 1955-1956: p. 94 (Assets and Administrative Structure)

Maintenance Information

Record ID: EAC-2010-00207

Creator: PBL