2.5-MINUTE READ

In a world where first impressions matter, leaders at Denison University and the University of Arizona aren’t just keeping up with change—they’re setting the standard for what online orientation can achieve.

By blending human connection with high-quality digital experiences, these institutions prove that online orientation isn’t about replacing traditions—it’s about enhancing them. Their stories show how a well-designed digital experience prepares students, boosts engagement, and bridges the gap between expectation and experience—all while reinforcing the true value of orientation.

So, how did they do it? And what can we learn from their success? Let’s dive in.

University of Arizona: Elevating Engagement and Satisfaction

When the University of Arizona set out to create their Arizona Arrival Portal, they prioritized these questions:

• How will students experience orientation?
• How will students feel?
• What do students need to know right now?
• How do we do all this in an engaging way?

By partnering with Advantage Design Group (ADG), the university crafted an orientation experience that answered these questions while exceeding expectations. Logan Adams, Director of Orientation and New Student Services, praised the collaboration: “ADG made our stories and dreams come to life on screen.”

Key Achievements:

Student satisfaction "skyrocketed," with

• 100% of incoming students logged in to their Arizona Arrival Portal.
• 93% completed the entire orientation program.

The Arizona Arrival Portal not only engaged students but also became a talking point for campus partners. Adams emphasized the ease of working with ADG: “Advantage is a very easy sell. They made it easy to work with our business office to sole source the product. Don’t let the money aspect hold you up—they will make that entire process really easy for you, too.”

Denison University: Bridging the Anticipation Gap

Denison University faced a different challenge. Known for its highly personalized approach, the institution’s traditional two-day summer orientation had become outdated, expensive, and, in some cases, redundant due to frequent campus visits. Recognizing the changing expectations of today’s students and families, Denison initiated a collective “re-thinking” of their onboarding process.

Key Challenges:

• Staff spent significant time coordinating the traditional two-day summer orientation, including scheduling sessions, managing travel logistics, and facilitating multiple in-person visits.
• The manual process of advising and first-term programming required extensive staff involvement, limiting the ability to scale these experiences.
• On-campus programs demanded continuous availability from faculty, advisors, and student support teams, stretching resources thin across the summer months.
• The existing resource-intensive model failed to address the anticipation gap between acceptance and arrival.

The Solution: A Strategic Digital Component

By introducing a well-timed and accessible online orientation, Denison achieved remarkable results, transforming it from a one-time event into an ongoing resource that students could revisit whenever they needed guidance. Rather than serving as a single introductory session, the platform became a dynamic support tool, reinforcing key information throughout the first-year experience. Whether students had questions about campus services, academic expectations, or available support networks, they could easily access the orientation content on demand—helping them navigate challenges with confidence and stay engaged beyond their initial onboarding:

• Over 50% of students completed the program within 10 days of launch, with 100% completing it within 45 days.
• Virtual advising sessions improved enrollment and scheduling processes.
• Resources were reallocated to expand experiential first-term in-person programs from 6 to 17.
• Continuous

Associate Dean Nathan Graves highlighted the transformative impact: “We’ve removed a lot of friction, from travel to on-campus experiences to navigating advising software. Students and families now have a convenient resource they can reference multiple times, something our two-day, in-person program never did.”

Unified Lessons: Proof of Value

Both Denison University and the University of Arizona demonstrate the transformative potential of online orientation. By addressing students’ needs for accessibility, engagement, and early connection, these institutions have:

• Delivered high-quality, digital-first experiences that resonate with today’s learners.
• Validated the value of their investment through measurable outcomes, such as completion rates and student satisfaction.
• Reinforced the importance of collaboration and communication with campus partners.
• Expanded the capacity of their staff and reallocated resources to focus on expanding their in-person student orientation programs.

As Logan Adams from Arizona put it: “Just goes to show how engaging this product is.” Denison and Arizona’s success stories are proof that online orientation is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity for modern higher education.

By reframing the value of online orientation, institutions can meet students where they are, build anticipation for in-person events, and create a seamless, data-backed onboarding experience.