This Professional Development Workshop (PDW) focuses on exploring innovative approaches to onboarding new students in higher education. Traditional onboarding often emphasizes administrative tasks, but this workshop promotes a more holistic and student-centered process that integrates academic preparedness, social inclusion, and the development of soft skills. Participants will explore the use of advanced technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) to enhance student engagement and success. Through case studies from different countries, interactive discussions, and practical demonstrations, the session will provide educators and administrators with actionable strategies to improve student retention, foster inclusivity, and support both academic and personal development. The goal is to equip participants with tools to create more effective onboarding programs that meet the diverse needs of today’s students.
