Passport program helps new students connect with college, traditions, and cultures

By Tory Brown ’13
College Relations Intern

A new first-year experience program at Randolph College is helping new students adapt more easily to college life.

The Passport Program, which was designed to enhance and expand the College’s previous program for first-year students, was introduced to members of the Class of 2016 this year.

“The seminars introduce the students to academic life here at Randolph,” said Kim Sheldon, director of student success. “The passport program is the experiential part of the first year experience.”

The Alumnae Achievement Awards dinner was one activity included
in Randolph College's new first-year experience Passport program.

The new two-credit program was developed at the recommendation of a task force created last year to examine ways Randolph could better help new students adjust and connect to the College. Over a period of two semesters, first-year students must choose 12 “destinations,” from among eight different types of events. With more than 70 available options in just the fall semester alone, organizers believe there is ample opportunity for students to learn about other cultures while also preparing to be successful in college.

Students receive a passport with the Randolph seal on the front. Inside the passport is a grid with the different types of required events, as well as blank pages students must get stamped after attending an event. Students’ Paw Passes are also scanned in order to create an electronic record of attendance.

To learn more about the program, please visit www.randolphcollege.edu/passport.