by Anne McBride (IP) and Madeline Cook (IAC)
WLP kicked off the 2015-16 school year with a two-day orientation, introducing students to the expectations of the program, the legacy of Elizabeth J. Somers, and perhaps most importantly, to the community itself, including the professors, graduate teaching assistants, and students from around the world who make this program special.
The first day of orientation touched on the transition from high school to college, highlighted the history of the Mount Vernon Campus and the Women’s Leadership Program (a quick overview of which can be seen here), and examined how different thinking styles influence leadership. For this workshop, students completed the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI), which assesses an individual’s preferences across four different modes of thinking: analytical, sequential, interpersonal, and imaginative. The exercise set the groundwork for an interesting discussion on the characteristics of an effective leader, a theme which is sure to continue over the course of the term.
The second day of orientation delved more deeply into the professional expectations of a college student. Lenore Webb, from the GW Center for Career Services, briefed the group on preparing for a professional environment. This was followed by an alumnae panel discussing networking tips and tricks, as well as a quick presentation on how to appropriately manage an online presence. Program alumnae also walked along a makeshift runway to test the incoming students’ knowledge of appropriate business casual attire. The audience watched with narrowed eyes, forming swift opinions on how the alumnae were dressed. This faux fashion show offered a lighthearted, visual lesson on the expectations for the weekly symposia.
Finally, the days were broken up by a series of interactive games. After splitting everyone into ‘color groups’ designed to mix students across cohorts, the graduate teaching assistants introduced icebreaker games. From the human knot, to name aerobics and monkey in the middle, the women of WLP laid the foundation for the close relationships that will surely develop throughout this academic year.