New student orientation begins with admission and continues through the students’ first academic year. Orientation seeks to assist students with their academic and personal transition into the institution. It is important that new students understand the academic expectations, their personal responsibilities, and the environment of the institution in order to be successful. The orientation process also strives to connect new students with the institution and to begin their developmental experience. By connecting new students with the University, the student’s commitment to the institution is solidified, and connecting new students with the University enhances their success. This is an important step in the successful retention and graduation of students. The formal and informal orientation processes seek to meet the transitional needs of all new students and their families. New Student Conferences - Mandatory for all new students The key component of the orientation process is the New Student Conference(s), which is an integrated effort among all colleges, divisions, and departments of the University community to assist entering students with the transition from their previous environment to the Texas A&M University environment and to enhance their success in college.