We’ll help new students prepare for their first year at Carthage through a few pre-arrival orientation sessions held virtually in August and New Student Orientation, which will take place on campus August 26-29.
Orientation is all about getting you ready for success in your classes, answering your questions, making sure you know about campus resources, and helping you connect with your classmates and make friends. We’re going to do all that and more!
Virtual Pre-Orientation Session: Residential Life 7 p.m., Zoom All residential students are welcome to participate. Incoming fall athletes are also encouraged to attend this session, if possible. See the recording
Monday, Aug. 14
Virtual Pre-Orientation Session: Residential Life Noon, Zoom All residential students are welcome to participate. See the recording
Virtual Pre-Orientation Session: Commuting to Carthage Noon, Zoom All students who are commuting to campus are welcome to participate. See the recording
Tuesday, Aug. 22
Virtual Pre-Orientation Session: Commuting to Carthage 7 p.m., Zoom All students who are commuting to campus are welcome to participate. See the recording
New Student Orientation (In Person)
Carthage’s New Student Orientation is mobile! Students can access the complete New Student Orientation schedule from their mobile devices for free on the Guidebook app. To download, visit the Guidebook website on your device and tap the “download” button. Then, search for “Carthage College New Student Orientation” on the app and download the guide.
You will be placed in a small group during New Student Orientation. Your small group will be led by two returning student Orientation Leaders. We call them OLs!
Lunch The Caf, 2nd floor of the Todd Wehr Center Students and their families can enjoy a complimentary welcome lunch in The Caf.
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Commuter Student Arrival and Connection Reception A. W. Clausen Center for World Business
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Campus Resource Fair Campbell Student Union All first-year students and their families are invited to learn more about campus resources, meet select faculty advisors, and plug into the campus community. Attendees can meet with career coaches, speak with faculty advisors, complete student employment forms, pick up their course textbooks, and interact with support staff from all areas of the College.
4 p.m.
Community Welcome Tarble Arena, N. E. Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center (TARC)
5 p.m.
Meet Your Small Group Campus Drive Students will meet with their orientation small groups for the first time.
5:15 p.m.
Parent/Family Reception Hedberg Library After saying a final “see you later!” to your student, please join other parents and families for refreshments in Hedberg Library.
5:15-8 p.m.
Activity Rotation A: Getting Things Started After meeting their small group leaders, students will rotate through three sessions in their small groups.
Dinner with Your Small Group, The Caf (2nd floor of the Todd Wehr Center)
Small Group Meeting #1: Getting to Know You, assigned small group meeting location
Sign Kissing Rock and Take a Group Photo, Kissing Rock
Please note: At 7:30 p.m., the entire Class of 2027 will gather at Augie Schmidt Field for the Class of 2027 group photo.
8 p.m.
Playfair TARC Field House It’s entertainment! It’s fun! It’s the perfect way to make new campus friendships! Playfair is a team-building experience that has a long-lasting effect on the members of your campus community.
7:45-8:45 a.m.
Breakfast The Caf, 2nd floor of the Todd Wehr Center Students can eat breakfast in The Caf before beginning Orientation activities.
8:45 a.m.
Meet Your Small Group Assigned small group meeting space Meet with your small group and get ready for a day of Orientation activities.
9-9:30 a.m.
Small Group Meeting #2: Getting to Know You Part 2 Assigned small group location
9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Activity Rotation B Students will rotate through two sessions in their small groups.
Public Safety, Todd Wehr Center Jockey Rooms
Health, Counseling, and Stress Management, Todd Wehr Center 128s
Engaging in Community, A. F. Siebert Chapel
12:30-2 p.m.
Lunch with Small Group and Break/Optional Activities The Caf, 2nd floor of the Todd Wehr Center Students can eat lunch with their small groups in The Caf, and then take a break before starting the next activity rotation.
2-4:45 p.m.
Activity Rotation C Students will rotate through three sessions in their small groups.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Carthage, Todd Wehr Center Jockey Rooms
Academic Support Services, Technology, Todd Wehr Center 128s
Center for Student Success, A. F. Siebert Chapel
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Small Group Meeting #3: Tips and Tricks from your OLs Assigned small group location
5-7:30 p.m.
Activity Rotation D Students will rotate through a series of presentations and attend dinner with their assigned small groups.
Dinner with Small Group, The Caf (2nd floor of the Todd Wehr Center)
I am a Firebird Student Engagement Panel, Todd Wehr Center Jockey Rooms
8 p.m.
Evening Social Program: VIP Night Campbell Student Union Join us for food and entertainment! The Carthage bookstore will offer special deals for new students, and Parkhurst will feature new snacks for all to try!
7:45-8:45 a.m.
Breakfast The Caf, 2nd floor in the Todd Wehr Center Students can eat breakfast in The Caf before beginning Orientation activities.
9:15 a.m.
Meet Your Small Group Campus Drive Meet with your small group before beginning Orientation activities.
9:30 a.m.
Small Group Meeting #4 Assigned Group Meeting Space
10:30 a.m.
Sex Rules Presentation A. F. Siebert Chapel An engaging, empowering, and enlightening program about sex, sexuality, and sexual assault awareness and prevention. Hosted by comedian and seasoned educator Brianna Hansen.
11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Small Group Meeting #5: Campus Landmarks & Traditions Students will attend lunch on a rotating schedule with their assigned small group.
1:30-3 P.m.
The Great Game
3-4:45 p.m.
Activity Rotation E Students will rotate through two sessions.
Managing College Finances, A. F. Siebert Chapel
Aspire, Todd Wehr Center Jockey Rooms
5-6:30 p.m.
Dinner The Caf, 2nd floor in the Todd Wehr Center
7 p.m.
You Belong Here: You’ve Got This! A. F. Siebert Chapel Join a community gathering for an interactive experience meant to highlight ways to make the most of the college experience, create strategies, and find inspiration in developing your best self!
8 p.m.
Evening Social Program: It’s Cooler by the Lake The Tower Patio Join us for ice cream, lawn games, music, and more as we enjoy a cool summer night on Lake Michigan. Play a game of beach volleyball or tie-dye a pillow case (all materials provided).
7:45-8:45 a.m.
Breakfast The Caf, 2nd floor in the Todd Wehr Center Students can eat breakfast in The Caf before beginning the day’s Orientation activities.
9 a.m.
Final Small Group Meeting Assigned small group meeting location
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Multicultural Student Mixer Todd Wehr Center 128s Do you identify as African-American/Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, International, Jewish, Latinx, LGBTQIA+, Muslim, or Native American? You are invited to join the Office of Equity and Inclusion to meet other students across campus. This mixer is designed to celebrate the richness of our diversity. Light refreshments will be provided.
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