In a recent article for the evoLLLution, Jeff Doyle (Southwestern University) emphasizes the importance of using summer touchpoints to keep students engaged. Doyle outlines how his team uses communications and a series of events throughout the summer—a two-day academic orientation in June, a five-day extended orientation in June and July, and a Welcome Week experience in August—to improve retention and student engagement. Underscoring the importance of intentionality and personalization with summer touchpoints, Doyle concludes with a series of questions that orientation leaders and planners can use to reflect on and improve their summer engagement. “I hope your university’s answers to these questions help you offer a more holistic, personalized and intentional investment in your incoming students’ summer experience,” writes Doyle.
