About Orientation Online

A Web site for students and faith communities on campus. Orientation, the award-winning magazine for graduating high school seniors and first-year college students, is now a Web resource. The best of Orientation — a selection of both new articles and past favorites, prayers, and links to United Methodist loans and scholarships, programs, and events — is here.

The History of Orientation

Orientation is a joint effort by the Campus Ministry Section and the Office of Intepretation of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Patterned on the special Orientation issue of motive magazine that was published every fall, today’s Orientation — like its predecessor publication — is intended to be a warm spiritual welcome for students as they arrive on campus for the first time. It is also intended to challenge and inspire students with important questions about God, faith, values, and relationships.

motive magazine was the official voice of the Methodist Student Movement. One of the distinguishing marks of the Methodist Student Movement (MSM) was its emphasis upon art. The publication of motive was perhaps the most significant achievement in this regard. The articles ranged over theological, political, and social issues and were often by prominent persons, such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, William O. Douglas, H. Richard Niebuhr, and many others. Such articles were typically excerpted from previously published works, but there were original submissions by faculty and other professional writers. Although there was the close association with the MSM, motive was written and produced by professionals, not by students.

motive is probably best remembered for its visual character, but there was a great emphasis on all the arts. Much poetry was printed, along with critical articles on literature, drama, music, and film. The graphic design of the magazine was considerably ahead of its time.

The first issue of motive was published in February of 1941; and the last (under Methodist sponsorship) in July of 1971. The “new” Orientation magazine began publication in 1978. Orientation speaks to important issues facing students today while remaining faithful to the proud tradition of excellence long associated with motive magazine.

How to use Orientation

Local Church Groups and Individuals
• To provide material for a discussion group for parents of college-bound students
• Bring parents and students together for short-term study
• Include the link to Orientation in the first fall issue of your church newsletter
• E-mail the Web link to college-bound students or post on the church Web site.

Campus Ministers/Chaplains/Deans of Students
& Other Administrators
• As a resource for first-year students
• As discussion starters for orientation week groups, student support groups, peer ministry groups