The Rome Start Orientation is a special orientation session held for students returning to Chicago after spending their freshman year abroad in Rome. Since these students are a special population, not fitting into the typical freshman or transfer student groups, they require a unique orientation program. This particular group is generally about 20-30 students, comprised of both American and International students. This orientation is a relatively new initiative designed to assist with student rentention. This particular group of students has a lower than average retention rate, and the transition from Rome to Chicago is usually difficult for many of the students. The staff in First & Second Year advising, along with the Office for International Programs, has developed this program to increase retention and ease the students' transition to Chicago. The program is designed to connect students to the various resources on campus. This year, the orientation will cover topics such as Academic Advising, Alumni Relations, Career Development Center, Student Activities & Greeek Affairs, the Wellness Center, Campus Safety, and International Student Advising. Additionally, there will be a panel of Rome Start alumni who will participate in the day and lead campus tours. As the graduate student intern, I assisted with the design of the schedule, contacted and confirmed speakers, and assembled welcome packets for the students. See attached schedule.