Meet IUPUC’s orientation coordinator, AJ Amini

by Belinda Allen
April 22, 2016
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AJ Amini promoted to orientation coordinator in the Division of University College (UCOL) at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC).

Amini joined IUPUC in June 2015 as an academic advisor. Before that, he served in roles as an individual counselor, a guidance counselor, and taught high school science education. Amini attributes his diverse background both personally and professionally with his ability to successfully relate to students from all backgrounds.

Born in Iran, he moved with his family to the United States and spent his childhood living in Houston, Texas; Boulder, Colorado; Las Cruces, New Mexico. Amini earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and two master’s degrees. The first was in Education, Curriculum/Instruction, and received a second degree in Mental Health Counseling from New Mexico State University.

Amini is excited about this opportunity to support further student success. He shares, "My predecessors did a fantastic job of creating a very informative and educational orientation program. At different conferences and through the various articles that I’ve read, I realized that the new student orientation events at IUPUC have every aspect required for a successful orientation program." His goal is to increase student engagement during orientation.

His plan to increase student engagement includes minor modifications with an intent of providing students with a greater opportunity to interact with presenters, faculty, staff, and the orientation leaders. He developed a proactive plan after studying successful orientation events at other universities. "By actively engaging students at new student orientation sessions, we will set the stage to increase student retention, student success, and their involvement on campus. As a result, I will be encouraging all of our presenters and orientation leaders to take steps to increase student participation during orientation," says Amini.

There are four primary targeted outcomes of the IUPUC orientation program.

  • Facilitate the transition of new students towards academic success.
  • Prepare students for the educational opportunities and student responsibilities of a four-year university.
  • Initiate the integration of new students into the intellectual, cultural, and social facets of campus life.
  • Include parents/guardians and families to support new student success.

The intention of the listed action steps is a contribution to institutional enrollment management, including retention. Primarily, shares Amini, "Orientation is an event that equips new students with the tools, connections, resources, and knowledge necessary for academic success."

Amini resides in Columbus, In. with his wife, Ivy, a cardiovascular operating room nurse at Columbus Regional Hospital.

To learn more about UCOL call IUPUC at 812.348.7200 or email universitycollege@iupuc.edu.