By Andrew Skerritt
Florida A&M University (FAMU) expects more than 1,000 attendees for the three-day Southern Regional Orientation Workshop beginning Friday, March 10.
FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey will greet the orientation leaders and professionals from more than 40 institutions from nine Southeastern states on at the opening session at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center Friday afternoon.
“Orientation leaders and professionals play a key role in ensuring that Florida A&M University and other institutions of higher learning remain a welcoming place for students and provide a supportive environment for their growth and success,” Robinson said. “It is an honor for FAMU to host the National Orientation Directors Association’s Southern Regional Orientation Workshop, which will create opportunities for leaders to enhance their knowledge and skills.”
FAMU is the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to host either a regional or national gathering of the National Orientation Directors Association, said FAMU Director of Student Activities Andre Green.
The Friday to Sunday conference features various activities and contests, including a song, skit, step and dance competition, a case study competition, a t-shirt and banner competition, educational sessions, and professional/graduate and undergraduate socials. The Venom Shuttle will provide on-campus transportation. During the closing session on Sunday, motivational speaker Lecia J. Rives, author of Get Up and Be Somebody! will deliver the keynote speech.
Green, who spearheaded the host planning, had attended conferences since 2002 as an orientation leader at Florida State University. Following the pandemic, he thought it would be an excellent idea for FAMU to host the gathering. He said being a host is a win for FAMU and the community.
“Not only will FAMU benefit, but the whole city of Tallahassee and Leon County will benefit,” Green said. “We are going to have more than 1,000 people. That is a great economic impact for the hotels and restaurants.”
