Luther College
IN-24: Innovation A

Endeavor Together: An Immersive Pre-Orientation Program Since 2015, the Center for Sustainable Communities has offered a week-long immersive outdoor pre-orientation program focused on building camaraderie, developing community and building self-confidence for incoming first-year students. In addition, the outdoor immersive experience drives students to develop a greater sense of place and awareness for the natural world. In 2017, working in conjunction with our Center for Intercultural Engagement and Student Success team we were able to grow the scope and size of our program and bridge the gap between our other pre-orientation programs that were geared towards international students and domestic students of color. Together, we launched Endeavor Together, one unifying college-wide pre-orientation program with the goal of creating a more inclusive college campus while developing renewed confidence and an emerging sense of place for our students. The Endeavor Together program is designed to bring together small cohorts of incoming first year students in order to share in fellowship and adventure while building an inclusive community and preparing for college life. Students will spend six days living and adventuring together, within the Luther College area or in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of the Upper Midwest. All incoming first-year students are encouraged to attend. Sponsored by the Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities and the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Student Success, the Endeavor Together Program connects people and place to build lasting community that will ease the transition to college life. Our Endeavor Together Students Grow Through Participation Students build camaraderie and lasting friendships with other incoming students through teamwork and challenges that enhance trust, compassion and empathy. They strengthen self-efficacy and gain confidence by overcoming personal and group challenges. The Endeavor Together program allows students to broaden their perspectives by engaging with students of diverse backgrounds from across the country and the world. Through the trips, students engage in activities throughout the Luther College region that develop a sense of place and belonging. Testimony about Endeavor Together from Luther College first year: "As a self-identified non athletic person, this was an extremely gratifying and enlightening experience. I also learned that I am completely capable of being without technology and modern comforts. I think Endeavor Together made me a more connected person, and helped me realize the value of face to face interactions and nature.”

https://www.lutherchips.com/6165/news/new-international-student-pre-orientation-strives-to-endeavor-together/