BYU Harold B. Lee Library

From 1938 on, the programs and activities for introducing students to Brigham Young University were known simply as Orientation. During the years 1968 to 1972, the structure of the organization underwent several changes. In 1968, a University Orientation Committee was organized with Bob Baird serving as Chairman. In 1972, an Orientation Committee was appointed by the President and Deans of the university. Erlend Peterson served as Chairman and reported to the Dean of Student Life. They were charged with planning and organizing an orientation program for new students that would provide them with proper perspective of the academic, religious, and social opportunities available and the various community facilities that serve the students.

Orientation activities typically included participation in small groups, tours of campus, help with registration, and disseminating information about all of the social, religious, and academic opportunities available, meetings with leadership, and get-together activities. Later, orientation also came to include seminars in career opportunities, mini courses, orientation to the academic support services, and testing opportunities.

“NSO events and activities range from the academic through the informational to the out-and-out fun, but they are always friendly and focused on the needs of new students. NSO activities vary according to the term or semester. They may include campus tours; learning about the library, academic advising, scholarships, financial aid, Freshman Academy, honors education, and more; and an introduction to several of the emotionally and spiritually satisfying traditions of the Y. “Many of the activities are organized around Y Groups, small cohorts of students led by upperclassmen, which offer students individualized attention. Orientation at BYU balances the various needs of new students by combining appropriate resources, activities, and personnel. To feel cofortable in an instiution as complex as BYU, with its myriad of opportunities, New Student Orientation is pracvtially a requirement. “New Student Orientation is held three tie a year, immediately prior to winter semester, summer term, and fall semester.” (catalog 2004-05, pg. 24-25)

In 1973, the title officially changed to New Student Orientation, later known as NSO. At that time, academic colleges were charged with orienting their new students.

Reference groups were added as part of New Student Orientation in 1978. These groups of 8-15 students were usually led by a faculty member. Their purpose was to help students build friendships, discuss challenges, inform students about University resources, and help them identify and acheive goals.

Variant Names

NSO

Description

Established: 1973

Abolished:

Location: Provo, Utah (1973-1955)

Functions

The purpose of New Student Orientation is to help new and transfer students become familiar with the academic, spiritual, moral, and social opportunities and challenges at Brigham Young University. Students are also introduced to the resources available on campus. In addition, many opportunities are provided for new students to meet faculty members, staff, and other students.

Assets and Administrative Structure

Associated Units

Superior unit: Brigham Young University (1972-)

Earlier unit: Brigham Young University. Orientation (1938-1972)

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

Subordinate unit: Brigham Young University. Admissions and Credits (1945-1955)

Associated Archival Materials

Sources

UA 1086 Box 489 Fol 10 (University Orientation Committee, Bob Baird as Chairman)

University Archives (Orientation Committee)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog 1973-1974: p. 20 (Called New Student Orientation, under the direction of academic colleges)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog 1972-1973: p. 20 (Orientation activities)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog 1975-1976: p. 17 (Later orientation activities)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog 1978-1979: p. 8 (Reference groups)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog 2002-2003: p. 16-17 (New Student Orientation called NSO)

Brigham Young University Annual Catalog 2004-2005: p. 24-25 (Functions)

Maintenance Information

Record ID: EAC-2010-00223

Creator: PBL