5 tips for maximizing your orientation experience
With the first session starting Friday, June 21, summer orientation for new Bobcats is right around the corner. Orientation is the bridge between your decision to attend Lees-McRae and your first day on campus as a college freshman, and as such, can be daunting. With an action-packed weekend full of important information and lots of fun, however, summer orientation is also exciting.
Summer orientation has a lot to offer incoming students as they get their bearings around campus, prepare for the academic load of earning a bachelor’s degree, and gear up for their next chapter at their new mountain home. This guide offers tips, tricks, and must-dos to get the most out of your orientation session this summer.
1. Make the most of the weekend’s schedule:
Your orientation leaders already have a fun and exciting weekend of programming planned to help you get acquainted with campus. Still, it is up to you to soak in all the priceless information your orientation leaders have to share! Make the most out of this experience by staying engaged throughout the sessions, asking questions, and making friends. This is your journey, and you have the power to make it great!
2. Find your classrooms:
By orientation many incoming students have already visited campus through tours, but this is your first opportunity to do some solo exploration around the place that will be your new home! Orientation weekend is a great opportunity to prepare yourself for the first day of the semester by locating your classrooms and planning your route. Use the campus map included in your orientation packet or take advantage of the virtual version.
3. Make important introductions:
From orientation leaders and Campus Life staff to the Burton Center for Student Success and Counseling Services, summer orientation is a great opportunity to meet the many people across campus who are invested in your success and well-being. The transition to college can be difficult, but at Lees-McRae we have a safety net to help guide you through this experience and support you through the struggles. Take this chance to make introductions with these people across campus so that you aren’t left feeling lost if you do need a helping hand!
4. Be open to new experiences and people:
College is all about gaining new experiences, meeting new people, and expanding your perspectives, and orientation is your first opportunity to do just that! Arriving at your orientation session with an open mind and a curiosity about others is one of the easiest ways to make friends. Take this opportunity to get to know your peers who may have different experiences or perspectives than you. After all, that is how you grow!
5. Learn about Campus Compass:
Campus Compass is an extended new student orientation experience. Starting immediately after new student move-in, this mandatory program ensures that you receive essential information about campus resources. The program covers vital topics such as Title IX, accessibility services, campus safety and operations, handling academic challenges, mental health support, and community involvement. Designed to kick-start the semester, Campus Compass provides you with crucial information to ensure your college journey is a success.
With these tips, you are sure to have an amazing summer orientation. Prior to your session, be sure to review the orientation webpage for the full schedule of the weekend and to get your first introduction to this year’s orientation leaders. Are you a parent? No worries, we have a guide for you too! Explore the parents’ guide to orientation here.
Registration for both the June and July orientation sessions is still open. Summer orientation is offered free of cost for committed students, but the enrollment commitment fee must be paid prior to registering. All new students starting at Lees-McRae this fall are required to attend either the June 21–23 or the July 12–14 session. Attendance is optional for incoming transfer students.
