“It was very important that our advising team not only deliver the high-quality Camp War Eagle orientation experience that we strive for each year, but we wanted to give this freshman class an experience that made them feel extremely cared for in a year of upsets.”

The Harbert College is committed to providing a superior student experience that produces highly sought-after graduates and cultivates lifelong engagement.

College freshmen are entering a brave new world. Some come from small high schools in small communities. Some come from larger ones. Neither compare to the enormity that is Auburn University. Regardless, many of them will be on their own for the first time.

“This is a huge step for our new freshmen,” said Beth Ann Mabrey, Director of Student Services and Academic Advising at the Harbert College of Business. “For many of them, this is the point where they begin to make decisions on their own, whether it be academic or life.  We want them to be equipped with information so they can make knowledgeable decisions, or at least know where to go for help.”

Harbert College’s Office of Academic Advising was here for them – all 816 incoming freshmen with hopes of earning a business degree – in May, June and July. Camp War Eagle, the official summer college orientation for incoming freshmen at Auburn University, consisted of eight weeks, four days per week, and extra-long hours. Incoming freshmen were required to complete virtual Canvas modules prior to Camp War Eagle – where they learn all about university processes and resources, campus traditions, and opportunities to get involved. Then, during their four-day camp session, they were able to work with the college’s advising team, based on their preferred major.

But 2020 was different, of course. It was virtual as Zoom sessions took the place of classrooms.

“Think about these incoming freshmen and those rites of passage that you have as a senior in high school,” Mabrey said, noting many COVID-19 closures, though necessary, changed lives. “This class of freshmen didn’t get to experience those typical senior events.  Prom. Graduation. Parties. Those celebratory, year-end events. These freshmen ended their high school career in a very untraditional way, so we wanted to do everything we could to make up for that.”

“It was very important that our advising team not only deliver the high-quality Camp War Eagle orientation experience that we strive for each year, but we wanted to give this freshman class an experience that made them feel extremely cared for in a year of upsets.”

The groundwork for virtual Camp War Eagle began in the Spring. While still working with more than 5,000 undergraduate students through March mid-terms, Fall semester registration in April, and May end-of-term, graduation, and grade conversions, the team continued to build online Canvas orientation modules, demo videos and academic processes that would help introduce incoming freshmen to the Harbert College and life at Auburn University.

Advisors were also prepared for students with special, customized information on each incoming freshman. Some students begin college with advanced placement or dual enrollment, or perhaps have a special certification or special needs circumstance.

But would virtual orientation, built on Canvas modules and Zoom meetings, be effective?

“We were a little apprehensive at first because there is something special about physically being together with students and their families,” Mabrey said. “But we ended up shocking ourselves. Frankly, we loved it. In this virtual setting, we could engage with the students one-on-one – and that’s totally different than being in a full camp or even group setting where you’re all together. We had dedicated, carved out one-on-one time with each student, and parents could be there as well.”

Academic Advisor Christy Tanner agreed.

“Hosting advising sessions over Zoom meetings allowed for longer one-on-one advising sessions with each camper and, in a way, provided a more intimate experience despite the fact that sessions were not in-person,” she said. “In addition, follow-up emails provided flexibility and opportunities for students to respond with further questions after the advising sessions ended and before they registered (for fall classes) on day four. I received an overwhelmingly positive response from the majority of students who felt the experience was a great one.”

Lauren Webster, Academic Advisor in the Harbert College, also found many positives from the virtual orientation.

“I think the best part about advising remotely was how personal it was for students as they saw a snapshot inside our daily lives as not only advisors, but normal people as well. It was a great learning experience for everyone.”

“Creating and collaborating as a team virtually allowed us to dig deeper into platforms we used already and take advantage of new systems out there,” she said. “However, I think the best part about advising remotely was how personal it was for students as they saw a snapshot inside our daily lives as not only advisors, but normal people as well. It was a great learning experience for everyone.”

Mabrey agreed on the unique experience. “I was able to meet some of my students’ family members and pets during Zoom advising sessions.  Some campers even took me to the beach or lake during our Zoom meetings.  In return, some of my students were able to hear my doorbell chime when a delivery made it to my doorstep, and one of my campers got to hear my daughter break out singing at the top of her lungs several rooms away.  None of those things would ever happen in a non-virtual setting, but those were the unexpected, fun things that made this experience so much more personable.”

Through it all, Academic Advisor Stephanie Morawo described incoming freshmen as “courageous and resilient.”

“Our incoming students continued to be excited and positive despite a virtual-only orientation experience,” said Academic Advisor Stephanie Morawo. “Our incoming freshmen are vibrant and ready for any challenges they might face. After all that 2020 has thrown at them, they are rising up and persevering.”

In the face of meeting a great challenge, Mabrey was thrilled to be able to meet the needs of incoming freshmen with a hard-working staff.

“I have to shine a light on the incredible, diligent work from my entire advising team,” she added. “Whether you’re in academic advising or another part of the university, this has been a huge transition for all of us.

“I cannot stress the amount of work that goes into taking care of students, especially in the months of uncertainty that we’ve been through. I watch people on my team put other families before their own on a consistent basis. Doing that day after day, week after week, is mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting but the people on the Harbert College Advising team always find a way to push through like heroes. They are, without question, some of the strongest people I have ever known and I hold them in high regard.”