Summer Orientation
Orientation is the bridge between your decision to attend Lees-McRae and being a Bobcat! You'll get to know your peers, navigate the campus, and learn about resources available to students. Our exceptional orientation leaders will show you the ropes!
Registration for our 2027 Summer Orientation will open in December. Students who have submitted their $300 enrollment commitment fee must login to their New Student Portal and choose the session that works best for them. Here are the dates for Summer 2027:
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Session 1: June 21–22 (Mon.-Tues.)
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Session 2: June 25-26 (Fri.-Sat.)
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Session 3: July 16–17 (Fri.-Sat.)
Please contact Brian Johnson, Director of New Student Engagement and Retention, at johnsonb@lmc.edu with any questions about registration or the New Student Portal.
STUDENT SCHEDULE
Check In and Move In
8–9:30 a.m.
Historic Commons
Get your schedule, your orientation housing assignment, and directions to get settled in!
Welcome/Student Panel
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Evans Auditorium
We are thrilled to have you join the Bobcat family. Let us officially welcome you and kick off the day.
Orientation Leader Introduction and Small Groups
10:30 a.m.–noon
Evans Auditorium
You are assigned to one of our expert orientation leaders to show you the ropes. Find their name on the bottom of your nametag to join their group.
Lunch
Noon–1 p.m.
The Summit
Bobcat Excellence
1–2 p.m.
Evans Auditorium
Become familiar with the Student Code of Conduct and learn about community values, making positive choices, aspiring to Bobcat excellence, and the Title IX policies of Lees-McRae.
Experiential Learning Workshops
2–4:00 p.m.
Various Locations
Check your individual orientation packet to see what workshop you will be attending. Each workshop is limited in capacity, so please only attend the workshop that is listed on your nametag.
Dinner
5–6:30 p.m.
The Summit
Backyard Bash
7–10 p.m.
Behind Historic Commons
Play yard games, enjoy s'mores, and tie-dye your orientation T-shirt! There will music and snacks as well as a chance to hang out with some new friends.
Morning Walk Around Town
7–8 a.m.
Departs from Tufts Tower
Are you an early riser? Do you love nature? Join the orientation leaders for a morning walk around downtown Banner Elk!
Breakfast and Polaroids
8–9 a.m
The Summit
Academic Schedule Overview
9–10 a.m.
Tufts Room
Head to the Tufts Room to get your class schedule and learn how to look at your grades during the school year.
Final Group Session
10–11 a.m.
Various Locations
One final chance to connect with your orientation leader and group! Share your photos using #lmcorientation
Check Out and Departure
11 a.m.
NC Main Lobby
It's time for farewell—make sure to return your key and grab your gift on the way out!
FAMILY SCHEDULE
Parents and family members, you'll have the chance to learn more about your student's experience at Lees-McRae. You'll also have plenty of free time to explore our beautiful town!
Check In and Move In
8–9:30 a.m.
Historic Commons
Get your schedule, your student's orientation housing assignment, and directions to get settled in!
Welcome/Student Panel
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Evans Auditorium
We are thrilled to have you join the Bobcat family. Let us officially welcome you and kick off the day.
Orientation Leader Introductions
10:30–11 a.m.
Evans Auditorium
Meet the Orientation Leaders who will show your students the ropes of Lees-McRae!
Campus Introductions
11 a.m.–noon
Evans Auditorium
Hear from Lees-McRae staff and faculty about student life for your Bobcats.
Lunch
Noon–1:30 p.m.
The Summit
Optional Campus Tour
1:45 p.m.
Meet in The Summit Courtyard
Family Social
3–5 p.m.
The Pinnacle Room
Join us at The Pinnacle Room for some refreshments and drinks while meeting other families as well as Lees-McRae faculty and staff.
Morning Walk Around Town
7–8 a.m.
Departs from Tufts Tower
Are you an early riser? Do you love nature? Join the orientation leaders for a morning walk around downtown Banner Elk!
Orientation Headquarters
9–11 a.m.
The Summit Courtyard
Ask an Admissions or Student Affairs representative any individual questions you may have.
Check Out and Departure
11 a.m.
NC Main Lobby
The goal of the New Student Orientation is to help incoming students prepare academically, socially, and mentally for college life at Lees-McRae.
What to Pack
Students will stay in the residence halls overnight for one night. Be sure to bring the following with you to check-in:
- Bedding (extra long twin sheets, light blanket, pillow, pillowcase)
- Change of clothes and comfortable walking shoes for two nights
- Light jacket or sweatshirt
- Shower items (towel, flip flops, toiletries)
- Small fan (optional)
- Rain jacket and boots in the event of inclement weather
Orientation happens rain or shine. As you are planning your upcoming trip to campus, be sure to monitor the forecast and pack essentials accordingly.
Class Registration
Students who would like to receive their upcoming semester schedule at orientation must complete the required class registration items listed in the New Student Portal by June 1.
All incoming freshmen take First Year Seminar (FYS) during their first semester. If you know your intended major, we will include the relevant introductory courses for your major in your upcoming semester schedule. In addition, you may take one or more courses towards meeting the college's general education requirements. Dependent on your placement assessment scores, you may also take courses for elective credit towards graduation. These courses will prepare you to be successful in subsequent required courses
Advising
You will have an opportunity to meet with an advisor when you arrive on campus for your first semester. During orientation, you will participate in group advising sessions to discuss your schedule for your upcoming first semester at Lees-McRae College.
What to Expect: Families
We recognize that transitioning your student(s) to college can be a stressful and emotional time for families. During New Student Orientation, parents and families will have the opportunity to interact with other parents of incoming students, better understand what your student will be experiencing as a student, and learn how you can support your student's academic and social growth.
Family Schedule
Topics covered will include preparing for college life, student life and development, academic and career resources, student health and wellness, tuition payments and financial aid, and more. You will also have time to explore the greater Banner Elk and High Country areas. All parent and family sessions are optional.
Accommodations
Your students will be spending the night of orientation in a residence hall on campus. Families are welcome to stay at one of our local hotels, inns, or bed and breakfasts in the area. View lodging options
Frequently Asked Questions
In the weeks leading up to orientation, keep an eye on your mailbox and Lees-McRae email for more updates and introductions.
All new students are required to stay in one of our on-campus residence halls during the overnight orientation session. We believe that the overnight experience helps new students to envision their on-campus experience and is an exciting way to meet the rest of the incoming class! If you have concerns about accommodations within the residence halls, please reach out.
After orientation, it’s time to start the countdown to Move-in Day and Campus Compass on August 15! There will be tons of events and opportunities on campus that weekend and through the first week of classes!