Summer Orientation


June 23–24 and July 7–8

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!

Choose the session that is right for you, but before registering be sure to pay your enrollment commitment fee. Register for orientation on the New Student Portal. 

Mark your calendars! Save the date for Move-In Day on Friday, August 11 and for Welcome Week August 14–20. 

ORIENTATION SCHEDULE

Get ready for a fun-filled and busy two days! From information sessions to small groups and games, your time on campus will be a great introduction to life as a Bobcat. 

STUDENT SCHEDULE

DAY ONE

8–9 a.m.
Check In and Move In
Cannon Student Center

9–9:30 a.m.
Welcome
Hayes Auditorium

9:30–10:45 a.m.
Small Groups
Various Locations

10:45–11:30 a.m.
Bobcats Care
Evans Auditorium

11:30 a.m.–Noon
Know the Code
Evans Auditorium

Noon–1 p.m.
Lunch
The Summit

1–1:30 p.m.
Group Rotations 

  • Group 1: Student Success and Group Advising
    Burton Center     
  • Group 2: Student Health, Wellbeing, and Safety
    Evans Auditorium
  • Group 3: Student ID Photos
    Student Affairs Suite

1:40–2:10 p.m.
Group Rotations 

  • Group 1: Student Health, Wellbeing, and Safety 
    Evans Auditorium
  • Group 2: Student ID Photos 
    Student Affairs Suite
  • Group 3: Student Success and Group Advising
    Burton Center

2:20–2:50 p.m.
Group Rotations 

  • Group 1: Student ID Photos
    Student Affairs Suite
  • Group 2: Student Success and Group Advising 
    Burton Center
  • Group 3: Student Health Wellbeing and Safety 
    Evans Auditorium

3–4 p.m.
Faculty-Led Workshops 
Various Locations

  • "Is My Cat Psychic?" Sue Hart 
  • "Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes" Melissa McCullough and Nancy Gryder 
  • "Hematology: It’s in My Blood" Dee Medford-Baker 
  • "What Are You Really Saying?" Josh Yoder 
  • "Stand-up Paddle Boarding" Outdoor Recreation Management
  • "Fly Fish Casting" Outdoor Recreation Management 
  • "Business of College Athletics" Josh Pate (June 23 only) 
  • "Science is Green" Shinjini Goswami (July 7 only) 

4–5 p.m.
Small Group Scavenger Hunt
Campuswide

5–6:30 p.m.
Dinner
The Summit

6:30–8 p.m.
ThinkFast Game Show/Assessments
Evans Auditorium

8–10 p.m.
Campus Recreation Fun
Arthur Student Recreation Complex

9–11 p.m.
Movie on the Neeb
Nebel Green
 
 

DAY TWO

7:30–8:30 a.m.
Sunrise Hike
Departs from Tufts Tower

8:30–9:30 a.m.
Breakfast
The Summit

9:30–10 a.m.
Getting Involved on Campus
Evans Auditorium

10–11 a.m.
Campus Life Sampling 

  • Tour Common Ground
    Historic Banner Elk School
  • Backpacking 101 with Outdoor Programs
    Shelton Learning Commons Room 120
  • BINGO with Campus Life
    Cannon Student Center Room 133
  • Bobcats Service Project
    Off Campus 
  • Self-Defense Class with HD Stewart (June 23 only)
    Evans Auditorium
  • Steps and Styles with Lees-McRae Dance Team
    Dance Studio
  • Kickball on Tate Lawn with Campus Recreation
    Tate Lawn
  • Yoga with Marla Gentile 
    Nebel Green

11 a.m.–Noon
Small Group Farewell
Various Locations

Noon–1 p.m.
Check Out and Departure Gift
Cannon Student Center

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!

DAY ONE

8–9 a.m.
Check In and Community Fair
Cannon Student Center

9–9:30 a.m.
Welcome
Hayes Auditorium

9:30–10 a.m.
The Lees-McRae Student Experience
Hayes Auditorium

10–10:40 a.m.
Parent Group Rotations

  • Group A: Financial Aid and Billing
    Shelton Learning Commons Room 205
  • Group B: Inclusive Excellence
    Miller Commons
  • Group C: Student Success and Resources
    Burton Center

10:45–11:25 a.m.
Parent Group Rotations

  • Group A: Student Success and Resources
    Burton Center
  • Group B: Financial Aid and Billing
    Shelton Learning Commons Room 205
  • Group C: Inclusive Excellence
    Miller Commons

11:30 a.m.–Noon
Parent Group Rotations

  • Group A: Inclusive Excellence
    Miller Commons
  • Group B: Student Success and Resources
    Burton Center
  • Group C: Financial Aid and Billing
    Shelton Learning Commons Room 205

Noon–1 p.m.
Lunch
The Summit

1–4 p.m.
Drop-in Hours

  • Financial Aid
  • Student Accounts
  • Accessibility
  • Admissions

4–4:45 p.m.
Student Affairs Q&A Session
Evans Auditorium

4:45–5 p.m.
Break

5–6 p.m.
Dinner on your own

6–7:30 p.m.
Family Social
Beech Mountain Resort
 
 

DAY TWO

8 a.m.–Noon
Explore Banner Elk on your own

11 a.m.–Noon
Optional: Banner House Museum Tour

Noon–1 p.m.
Check Out and Departure Gift
Cannon Student Center

 

Exchange Bookstore Hours
Friday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

What to Expect: Students

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. 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 
  • Light jacket or sweatshirt 
  • Shower items (towel, flip flops, toiletries) 
  • Small fan (optional) 

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 which prepares you for courses you will take in the future that requires math, reading, and writing skills at the college level. 

Advising

You will have an opportunity to meet with your advisor when you arrive on campus for your first semester. During orientation, you will participate in group advising sessions to discuss course offerings for your upcoming semester. 


What to Expect: Parents

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.
 

Orientation 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 first 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

  •  

    Is orientation mandatory for new students?

    Yes! All new Bobcats are expected to attend either session one or session two of orientation. If you have a conflict, please contact Assistant Director of New Student Engagement Janae Tyson at noahj@lmc.edu or the Student Affairs Office at studentaffairs@lmc.edu.
  •  

    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!
  •  

    Is there anything I should be doing to get ready for orientation?

    Before orientation, make sure you've registered and uploaded the necessary paperwork in the New Student Portal. A link to the portal is emailed to new students.

    In the weeks leading up to orientation, keep an eye on your mailbox and Lees-McRae email for more updates and introductions.

  •  

    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.

  •  

    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 12 p.m. and then check out of the residence halls. Parents and families will finish the last session at 12 p.m.
  •  

    What do I do after orientation?

    After orientation, it’s time to start the countdown to Move-in Day on August 11! There will be tons of events and opportunities on campus that weekend and through the first week of classes!