New Student Orientation (2025)

Table of Contents
Now Mid- to late May June FAQs

Greetings Class of 2028 and Transfer Students:

We can’t wait to welcome you to campus and support your transition to our community – to YOUR new community!

We have been collaborating with colleagues from all over campus on our New Student Orientation schedule and will share more information on what to expect later this summer.

New Student Orientation includes arrival/move-in and First-Year Trips (if you choose to participate) as well as important, required programs that will introduce you to the Dartmouth community, its curriculum, and your classmates.

We are excited to share the following arrival/move-in information – please read carefully and be in touch with questions!

Continue to watch this webpage for updates. We look forward to meeting you, and please do not hesitate to reach out to us at new.student.orientation@dartmouth.edu if you have any questions.

Kathleen Cunneen
Director, New Student Programs
and
Eric L. Ramsey
Associate Dean for Student Life

Please pay close attention as your arrival date depends on the programs to which you are invited or in which you choose to participate.

  • Students participating in a pre-Orientation program will receive information regarding their arrival date directly from their program. Please make travel arrangements based on the confirmation and instructions from your pre-Orientation program or summer session.
    • First-Year Summer Enrichment Program (FYSEP) through the First-Generation Office (FGO): First-generation students who are income-eligible will receive invitations via email to participate in this program that takes place at the end of the summer.
    • International Student Pre-Orientation Program (ISPOP) through the Office of Pluralism and Leadership (OPAL): Required for all F-1 international students; others by invitation. Arrival details will be sent via email upon issuance of Form I-20. Contact International.Student.Advising@dartmouth.edu with questions.
    • Native and Indigenous Pre-Orientation through the Native American Program (NAP) and Office of Admissions: Open to all members of the Native/Indigenous student community. Contact Steven Abbott in Admissions and/or Native.American.Program@dartmouth.edu with questions.
  • Arrival dates for fall sport pre-season athletes will be determined by the Athletics Department.
  • All other incoming students who choose to engage in optional First-Year Trips as part of New Student Orientation will arrive and move into their residence hall on Wednesday, September 4 to begin New Student Orientation.
  • Incoming students who choose to not participate in optional First-Year Trips will arrive and move into their residence hall on Sunday, September 8 to begin New Student Orientation.

Please note: Students cannot arrive before their scheduled date, as rooms will not be ready for occupancy or drop-off of belongings. Students wishing to arrive in Hanover before their scheduled arrival date will need to arrange for off-campus accommodation.

  • Arrival / Move-In Details
  • More About First-Year Trips
  • Family Weekend 2024
    • Members of the Class of 2028 and their families and supporters are invited to a special Family Weekend on campus Friday, September 27 through Sunday, September 29.

Now

  • Complete any AP/IB/A-Level exams if offered and appropriate to your level of study.
  • Finish high school or secondary school.
  • Celebrate all you’ve accomplished!
  • International students: watch for emails from Dartmouth’s Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) to begin the I-20 request process.
    • And watch for emails about the International Student Pre-Orientation Program from International Student Advising.

Mid- to late May

  • You have been invited to set up your Dartmouth account and email. This began your pre-arrival process.
  • You were also invited to begin your Residential Life Housing Application.
  • Watch for an invitation for the New Student Orientation Canvas site!

June

    • Your pre-arrival process continues throughout the summer and will include tasks, forms, “things to do,” and required surveys and online courses. We will help you keep track and make sure you have the information you need.
    • You can expect registration materials for optional First-Year Trips to arrive via your Dartmouth email. Registration involves thinking about what types of First-Year Trip experiences appeal to you and reflecting on what will support an accessible and successful First-Year Trips experience.

Our Mission: New Student Orientation allows students to begin to create deep connections to the institution. With high standards and great compassion, we will prioritize the support of new students as they transition to both academic and co-curricular life at Dartmouth, and we will courageously and clearly communicate (and reinforce) the shared values of our community. Additionally, we are committed to recognizing the diverse paths taken by students before they arrive, and the multiple ways to experience and engage with our community once they begin their Dartmouth journey. Through its programs and mission, New Student Orientation strives to highlight "a campus that is inclusive, welcoming, and caring for all."

New Student Orientation (2025)

FAQs

How important is new student orientation? ›

Schools use orientation events to onboard students into their systems (housing, classes, etc.). Even if it is not required, it is a good idea to attend so that the transition to college goes as smoothly as possible.

What is the orientation meeting for new students? ›

Student orientation is typically held on college campuses during the summer months, prior to the start of the academic year. It's usually a one-day event filled with information and activities that provide incoming students and their families an overview of what to expect as a new member of the college community.

Can I skip new student orientation? ›

What If You Miss It? Orientation looks different for each college. Some schools make attendance optional, while others strictly require you to attend. Many colleges make orientation for first-year students mandatory because financial aid and academic counseling are rolled into the day.

What is the purpose of orientation? ›

An orientation helps the employees in understanding their work better which eventually helps in improving their efficiency. Helps the employee in understanding their role better. Allows the employee to get familiarised with your company and its culture.

What should you expect and how should you prepare for new student orientation? ›

Most programs are designed to help new students:
  1. Get to know their way around campus.
  2. Learn about services and resources provided by the college.
  3. Sign up for clubs and activities.
  4. Register for fall classes.
  5. Complete necessary paperwork.
  6. Take placement tests.

What do you wear to a new student orientation? ›

You'll need to dress appropriately for the school's climate and the weather conditions during orientation. Also note that orientation involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. You might want to wear layers as well, because many of the buildings and halls you visit will probably be cold.

What happens in an orientation meeting? ›

The term encompasses a range of activities and information sessions designed to familiarize participants with the organization's culture, policies, and expectations. In a professional context, job orientation provides new employees with essential information about their roles, company values, and workplace protocols.

What is the purpose of a new member orientation? ›

The purpose of any new member orientation program is to acquaint your new members to both the organization and each other. Knowing the ins-and-outs of the group is only one aspect of being in an organization.

Is it okay to not attend orientation? ›

If freshman orientation is on your calendar, you may be wondering if you'd miss much by skipping it. The short answer is, yes, you would. You'd miss your first chance to experience the campus as a college student.

What do parents wear to college orientation? ›

For parents, I'd really try to avoid wearing a suit. I know this can be tempting, but think business casual, or even a cross between casual and business casual.

Is attending orientation mandatory? ›

Is it mandatory to attend an orientation session? A. It may or may not be mandatory for you to attend an orientation session but it is always a good idea to attend the same. You will be able to gather knowledge related to the course requirements, academic programmes, registration formalities, etc.

What is the 72 seconds of fun icebreaker? ›

72 seconds of Fun

This icebreaker is very simple and to the point. Members get 72 seconds to meet as many people as possible and learn their names, years and a fun fact about them. You can include anything else members might want to learn about each other.

Why is new student orientation important? ›

Orientation is a time for students to learn about the school's policies and procedures, meet with advisors, and get acclimated to the campus. It allows students to connect with other students and faculty members, learn about available resources on campus, and receive support as they begin their college journey.

What are the benefits of freshman orientation? ›

Benefits of student orientation. Providing a comprehensive student orientation program in college can benefit first-year and returning students immensely. By helping them learn about academic expectations and life on campus, you can prepare them for their stay and build self-confidence.

Why is new member orientation important? ›

By effectively orienting new members, you not only set the stage for immediate engagement but also lay the groundwork for sustained involvement. It ensures that members not only understand but also maximize the numerous benefits associated with their membership, leading them to stay actively involved for years to come.

Is it necessary to attend orientation class? ›

College orientation's importance

It's why orientation might be mandatory for you to attend. College orientation is also important because it is where you might be signing up for classes. You'll meet with an advisor to talk about your academic goals and what classes you should take to get there.

Why is learning orientation important? ›

Learning orientation is a mindset that emphasizes the importance of learning from new experiences. People with a learning orientation are curious and open to new ideas. They are not afraid of taking on new challenges.

Is orientation program necessary? ›

Orientation is important because it lays a foundation for the new employee's entire career with the department.

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