最近這周很多學校都在辦理新生訓練，我也被應邀去幾個學校演講。但除了對學校與系上孰悉之外，大概就是認識學長姐，還有一些晚會及社團介紹。
美國哈彿大學也有他的新生前訓練與新生訓練。新生前訓練，可以在六個活動中選一個參加，每個活動是6天。有宿舍服務、有戶外、有藝術的、有國際化的，有退修式與經驗傳承的，有一些城市服務、社會正義、平等議題等方案(請參閱下面六項活動)。在新生訓練前，需要閱讀幾本書，並且會在期間討論，一個由教授帶著大家討論Transformation and Belonging轉化與歸屬” 另一個由大家分組討論 “Community Conversations社群對話.
在讀這書以前，需要先閱讀院長寫給新生的信。
新生訓練沒有很多天，會談到HARVARD大學的價值及自我責任、與教授見面、知識的追求等。但第一年期間提供新生非常多他們需要的幫助及學習與輔導機會。
新生前訓練
1. Fall Clean-Up (FCU) with Dorm Crew
Fall Clean-Up (FCU) is a week-long program run by
Dorm Crew that employs 300 incoming first-years and
50 student leaders to clean the dorms and Houses for move-in. Students get to know the campus and Harvard Square while talking with their leaders about life at Harvard, classes, and the transition to college. In addition to earning their first paycheck at Harvard ($13.50/hr, 38 hours of work), participants leave FCU with a strong sense of community created from working closely with their peers. Meals, advising sessions, workshops, and social events provide opportunities for students to get to know one another before move-in.
2. First-Year Arts Program (FAP)
The First-Year Arts Program (FAP) is a week-long, multidisciplinary introduction to the arts at Harvard, bringing together 70 incoming first-year students and 16 upperclass proctors who are passionately involved in various aspects of art, enthusiastic to share their interests, and eager to learn about the experiences of their peers. Centered around workshops and master classes given by resident and visiting artists in drama, music, theater design, studio arts, film, dance, and creative writing, FAP culminates in the Pageant, a collaborative presentation of entirely original student work. No formal training required.
3. First-Year International Program (FIP)
The First-Year International Program (FIP) is for international students and US citizens who have lived and studied primarily overseas. In FIP, 35 upperclass leaders mentor 150 incoming first-year students, introducing them to Harvard and helping them adjust to life in the United States. Specifically, participants receive foundational information for a happy, successful start at Harvard, including sessions and discussions about American culture, immigration, and academics in the US and at Harvard. Participants are also able to set up a bank account and cell phone service. Through its emphasis on inclusion and belonging, FIP creates new friendships at the same time it cultivates the larger international community at Harvard. By invitation only.
4. First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP) 這是我最熟悉的，也在印大帶過。
The First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP) is Harvard’s largest and oldest pre-orientation program. 400+ participants explore New England’s finest forests, mountains, and lakes in small groups. But FOP is not just a six-day outdoors trip; it is an opportunity to build a sense of community, reflect on your hopes for college, and enter with both confidence and a network of close friends. No outdoor experience required. Trips are designed for all levels of experience and fitness, and are led by trained and experienced students.
5. First-Year Retreat and Experience (FYRE)
Join a vibrant community of 100 incoming first-year students and get a jump start on making the most of Harvard. Student leaders, faculty, and alumni will share vital information on navigating the transition from home to college life, including relationships with professors, the purpose of office hours, taking advantage of financial resources, and more. Bond with classmates and make connections with key campus leaders while having fun and socializing. Students who are the first-generation in their family to go to college, those from low- to modest-income backgrounds, and those whose high schools are typically under-represented in the Ivy League are encouraged to apply.
6. First-Year Urban Program (FUP)
The First-Year Urban Program (FUP) catalyzes a commitment to public service and community advocacy; supports diversity, equity, and social justice work on campus; and introduces students to Boston and Cambridge. 110 participants divide into worksite groups led by 35 returning undergraduates to assist grassroots community organizations. Discussion groups reflect on issues of race, class, gender, sexuality, and equity, as well as how to create social change. Workshops include sessions with alumni and community leaders who work with Harvard public service programs. FUP is an opportunity to build community amongst new and returning students!
新生訓練的社群對話介紹
The goals of Community Conversations are to:
Consider what’s important to you about your identity and your community as you transition from home to Harvard
Examine your assumptions and learn about your peers’ diverse identities and perspectives
Begin to develop a sense of shared responsibility for upholding a compassionate and respectful community
Students prepare for Community Conversations by:
Considering the book and video assigned:
Educated: A Memoir, by Tara Westover (the Common Reading for the Class of 2023, with access code emailed to students on July 11)
“The Danger of a Single Story,” a Tedtalk given by Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Attending the conversation with a willingness to share about yourself, and learn about your peers as you join an exceptionally diverse class at Harvard
