TAMIU Annual Report 2021

This year, 1,113 first-year students participated in a beloved campus orientation tradition before beginning their TAMIU journey. Affectionately known as Dusty Camp, the two-day student orientation experience welcomed students to campus, where they learned more about University services, academic expectations and experienced student life first-hand. During Dusty Camp, first-year students are led by student Orientation Leaders. While the COVID-19 Pandemic halted last year’s orientation activities, incoming Dusty Campers chose between an in-person or a virtual orientation experience. Overwhelmingly, students opted for the in-person experience, resulting in all six Dusty Camps being held in-person, with an optional overnight stay at the Residential Learning Community. “Students left feeling as if they understood institutional expectations related to academics, engagement and safety. Students enjoyed connecting with their fellow Dustdevils, faculty and staff, a great change of pace from being behind their computer screens as they had been throughout the last year,” said Dr. Nicholas Hudson, TAMIU Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement director. Additionally, 333 students participated in Dustdevil Transition, a one-day orientation session exclusively for transfer students. The University also held its first “How To TAMIU,” a one-day orientation event focused on University sophomore students transitioning back to an on-campus experience after spending the past year in a virtual classroom environment. Activities held throughout the orientation sessions included meeting College or School Deans, touring the campus, and learning more about student resources. Learn more about Dusty Camp at go.tamiu.edu/orientation WE ‘WELCOME’ 1,000+ STUDENTS AT DUSTY CAMP STUDENTS 25