{image}

The 2015/2016 academic year at RIT Croatia had a fantastic start, with each campus welcoming its incoming Freshman students at Orientation Day, which took place on August 28th in Zagreb and August 29th in Dubrovnik.

Over 200 first year students were greeted by the President and Dean Mr. Don Hudspeth, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Shawn Sturgeon, RIT Croatia's Ombudsperson Ms. Ana Maria Šimundić and all Faculty and Staff members. The opening part of the Orientation Day was concluded by the Student Government members, followed by a short refreshment break. Afterwards, students were divided into groups and were given the basic info on how to successfully begin their first year of study. For a majority of them, this is their first encounter with the U.S. educational system, which makes the Orientation Day even more important in terms of their adjustment to the environment and academic rules and procedures that RIT Croatia carries out.

"My first impression of the RIT faculty and staff is very positive. Everybody was really friendly, open and communicative. From the very beginning I felt welcomed and couldn't wait to meet some new people at the orientation day. Furthermore, I am really looking forward to the lectures, to get to know more people and the professors even better," said Renco Burić, a first year student at the International Hospitality and Service Management program in Dubrovnik.

"Orientation Day is an amazing opportunity for Freshman students to meet each other, to see how college life at RIT Croatia functions and to find out the additional activities offered. Student Government members were present at the Orientation Day because we are the ones who answer their questions and create a fun part of Orientation Day full of activities. Our program started with a short presentation to explain - who we are, and what we do. Afterwards, in groups, students participated in solving a quiz and treasure hunt, and the best groups were rewarded with t-shirts. This year's Orientation Day program was an effective way of connecting students and introducing them to the college culture at RIT," commented Ante Kurtović, Student Government representative at Zagre campus.

Orientation Day was not reserved strictly for the first year students, as their parents were involved as well by having a separate Parent Orientation Day. "Orientation is an opportunity for us to present the uniqueness of our college as an American educational institution to both the incoming students and their parents," commented Draženka Franić, Senior Academic Advisor.