Records of Illinois State University Preview Program, 1961-2016 | Dr. JoAnn Rayfield Archives at Illinois State University

The Preview collection is arranged into four series by type of materials. These materials include correspondence, reports, committee materials, planning documents, invitations, programs, scripts, publicity, photographs, media, guide training materials, and memorabilia.

The Preview Collection contains materials created by Illinois State University Orientation Services (University College) relating to the Preview program. These include correspondence, program planning, financial information, reports, evaluations, newspaper articles, photographs, reunion questionnaires, orientation materials and memorabilia.

Preview Office
Illinois State University at Normal. Preview Program.
Illinois State University. Preview Program.

The earliest known orientation program at Illinois State University was in 1929. That program was known as "Freshman Week" and was used to give incoming students information about the campus and allow them to register for the upcoming semester. This orientation program evolved over time and by the 1960's, it became known as "Orientation Week". It was in the 1966 orientation week that most consider the modern university orientation program to be based. Students who had chosen to attend the university were required to participate in orientation in order to register for classes. However, where most universities limited participation to students, ISU allowed family participation. Orientation events included activities and socials that introduced students to each other and gave the university an opportunity to show them services and resources they would have otherwise had trouble discovering on their own. Student groups and campus affiliated organizations were invited to interact with incoming students so as to offer them activities and interests outside of their normal academic studies. Events were also created for parents and family of the incoming student. Over time, even though the name changed to Preview, the program's core goals have remained the same. Currently, all incoming freshman are required to attend Preview events. Due to Covid-19, the 2020 Preview season occured online. Author: Molly Stevenson

College student orientation - Illinois - Normal.
Illinois State Normal University. Preview Program.
Illinois State University. Preview (Program)
Illinois State University. Preview Program - Correspondence.
Illinois State University at Normal. Preview (Program)