Summer Orientation 2019
Summer Orientation is your first formal step to becoming a Lees-McRae College student. All new students attend either session I or session II in order to take placement tests, attend an advising session, prepare for course registration, and meet upper-class peer advisors.
Important Dates
- Summer Orientation Session I
Monday, June 24–Tuesday, June 25, 2019
- Summer Orientation Session II
Friday, June 28–Saturday, June 29, 2019
- Move-in Day
Friday, August 16, 2019
- First Day of Classes
Monday, August 19, 2019
Orientation Schedule
Students
Get ready for a fun-filled and busy weekend! From information sessions to small groups and games, your time on campus will be a great introduction to life as a Bobcat.
Parents and Families
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 back in January for the full schedules!
The goal of the Lees-McRae New Student Orientation is to help incoming students prepare academically, socially and mentally for college life at Lees-McRae.
What to Bring
Students will stay in the residence halls on Friday evening (Parents are welcome to stay at nearby hotels). The following items will help ensure that you have a comfortable and fun stay on campus:
- Bedding (extra long twin sheets, light blanket, pillow, pillowcase)
- Change of clothes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket or sweatshirt (summer evenings can be cool)
- Shower Items (towel, flip flops, toiletries)
- Small fan (optional)
If you have not already submitted your required paperwork, please bring:
- Health and Immunization Form
- Financial Aid Forms
- Driver's License
Make sure you have also completed the Resident Information Form.
Placement Testing*
Placement testing is used at Lees-McRae College to determine students' existing skill levels in English, Reading and Math to ensure that each student is placed in appropriate courses. The test is not pass/fail and High School GPA and other information is also considered in discussion with the student when creating course schedules for the Fall semester. Our aim is to ensure that all students have a successful start to their college studies by enrolling in the classes appropriate to their skills and knowledge.
*Students with associate degrees or higher do not need to placement test. Please bring updated college transcripts or college credit to summer orientation.
Advising and Registration
You will receive your class schedule during Summer Orientation. You will have an opportunity to meet with your advisor when you return to campus for Fall Semester in August.
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 Fall schedule. In addition, you may take one or more courses towards meeting the college's Core Curriculum requirements. Dependent on your placement test scores, you may also take courses for elective credit towards graduation which prepare you for courses you will take in the future that require math, reading and writing skills at the college level.
Parking Permit Registration
For information about parking registration and fees, please visit the Lees-McRae Security Office Parking Information and Registration page.
What to Expect: Parents
We recognize that transitioning your student(s) to college can be a stressful and emotional time for families. During the Lees-McRae 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 how you can support your student's academic and social growth.
Orientation Schedule
Please check back for a special schedule developed just for parents! 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 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 Friday night 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is orientation mandatory for freshman?
Yes! All new bobcats attend either the June or July orientation session. If you have a conflict, please call your admissions counselor or the Student Development Office to make arrangements to catch what you’ll miss!
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Is orientation mandatory for parents?
Parents and family members are not required to attend an orientation session. However, orientation sessions will be available to welcome you to the bobcat family and answer any questions you might have! For more details, check out the Parent and Family Orientation Schedule.
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Is there anything I should be doing to get ready for orientation?
Aside from packing and posting using the #LMCOrientation hashtag, just get excited! We’re thrilled to have you begin your #BobcatJourney and plan to make your time on campus as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Bring a great attitude and a willingness to try new and exciting things.
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Do I have to stay overnight during orientation?
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!
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Will my orientation roommate be my roommate for the fall? Will I be staying in my room for the year?
During the summer you will be randomly matched with a roommate to help you meet as many people as possible! All students will be staying in two of our most popular residence halls, so you may not be in the building that you will move into in August. Students who attend the June orientation session will be able to request a roommate if they meet someone during the orientation session.
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When will the session end?
We have students coming from all over, so we want you to be able to plan for travel accordingly. Students will finish their last session at 2 p.m. and then check out of the residence halls. Parents and families will finish the last session at 2:30 p.m.
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What do I do after orientation?
After orientation, it’s time to start the countdown to Move-in Day on August 17! Move in will happen between 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and then we’ll kick-off Welcome Weekend. There will be tons of events and opportunities on campus that weekend and through the first week of classes! Take a peek at your orientation schedule for other reminders or the Move-in Day page for more details.