Orientation

GET READY FOR ORIENTATION!

August 21 - 25, 2024 | Move-In Day is Wednesday, Aug. 21

Registration for New Student Orientation is coming soon. Full schedule will be posted in the coming days. Check below for pre-orientation events!

And Don't Forget:

Check out your Accepted Student Checklist for more information
Attend one of our many Accepted Student Events for a fun and engaging preview of the Pioneer experience
Pioneer students, parents, guardians, and families are invited to our virtual “Supporting U”series to learn more about important information throughout the year.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be glad to help!

COUNTDOWN TO ORIENTATION:

AT ORIENTATION, YOU CAN:

Take part in information sessions that introduce you to Utica resources and enable you to get answers to all of your questions
Learn about life on campus and prepare for your Utica experience!

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

"I had the BEST time at Orientation! The entire weekend gave me a great feel for the University, everyone made me feel so welcome... and the best part is, I met the people who are now my best friends."
Molly Ferguson, Class of 2019

Schedule of Events

Virtual New Student Orientation: Meet the Utica University Staff!

Monday, August 5 - Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Get introduced (virtually!) to a variety of staff who will help you during your time at Utica University!
★ Required for all First Year students ★
Virtual Link will be available on Monday, August 5th and will be emailed to your Utica email. Please watch these videos by Tuesday, 8/20!

Tuesday, August 13

Pre-Orientation Session 1: Football
Location: Donahue Auditorium, 167 Gordon Science Center

1:00 - 1:15 p.m. Welcome from the Campus Engagement Team
1:15 - 2:00 p.m. “Pioneering Your Path to Success” with the Division of Student Success
2:15 - 3:00 p.m. “U Belong” with the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belongingness Team

Friday, August 16

Pre-Orientation Session 2: Field Hockey, Women’s Soccer, and Volleyball
Location: Donahue Auditorium, 167 Gordon Science Center

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Residential Move-In
Strebel Student Center, Front Circle

Welcome, Residential Students! Check-in here for your move-in essentials, and be sure to grab your NSO name tag and schedule of events!
★ All NSO Name Badges will have your Group Number listed on them so you will know what sessions to attend!

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
All Utica University Offices Open
Various Locations - Check Directory

Stop in to say hello, and get your last minute questions answered!

Need to pick up your official Utica University School ID? Stop by the Campus Safety Office between 9:00am- 4:00pm, located on the back side of the Strebel Student Center. You’ll need your Utica ID to swipe into all required NSO sessions, to eat in the Dining Hall, and access all buildings on campus!

11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Utica Resource Fair
"Utica" Tent, Strebel Student Center Back Lawn

Visit with a variety of campus offices, as well as local businesses and organizations to get to know the Utica community!

11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
New Students & Families BBQ
Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center - Seating available in Strebel Student Center Lounge, Pioneer Cafe, and the “Moose Tent” outside!

Grab some delicious BBQ in the Strebel Student Center Dining Commons (2nd floor) and find a table outside in the Moose Tent on the back lawn, or in the Student Center Lounge on the 1st floor. Free for students without a meal plan, and any of our Pioneer families and guests.

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Commuter Student Check-In
Cynkus Family Welcome Center
★ Required for all First-Year Commuter Students

Welcome, Commuter Students! Check-In at the Welcome Center to obtain your NSO name tag and schedule of events! Check out the schedule ahead of time to determine the best time to arrive.

*All NSO Name Badges will have your Group Number listed on them so you will know what sessions to attend!

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Meet the Staff of Learning Services
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center

Will you be utilizing learning services over the course of your Utica experience? Feel free to stop by the Strebel Auditorium to learn more about what Learning Services has to offer! This session is for new students with disabilities, parents & families.

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Meet your OM Group!
Strebel Back Lawn

Meet your fellow classmates and our Orientation Mentors (OM’s)! Find your OM Group Number on your NSO Name Badge!

2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Students: PLAYFAIR!
Strebel Back Lawn
★ Required for all First Year Students

Playfair is the ultimate icebreaker and a Utica Orientation tradition! Meet the entire class in 90 minutes through fun and entertaining activities!

2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Parents and Families: Open Sessions

While your student is at required sessions with their peers, we invite you to engage with our faculty and staff! Stay for the whole session or pop in to ask a question and head to the next one- the choice is yours!

“Desserts with the Deans”
Donohue Concourse, Lower Level of Gannett Library
Mix and mingle with fellow Pioneer parents, Deans, faculty, and staff. No official agenda, just a chance to grab some dessert and refreshments!

Check out our “Postcards From Home” table”, hosted by the Office of Health & Wellness:
Looking for a creative way to send your college student off with a heartfelt message on move-in day? Our arts and crafts table is the perfect place to create a personalized message that will remind them of your love and support throughout the semester. Choose from a variety of colorful supplies to design a card or decoration that will brighten their room and lift their spirits when they need it the most. Let your student know you're thinking of them and cheering them on with a message they can keep close to their heart. Stop by our table and get crafty with us on move-in day! (Located in the Donohue Concourse during the “Desserts with Deans” Session)

Supporting Your Student Through Their Academic Journey
MacFarlane Auditorium, DePerno Hall
Hosted by the Center for Student Success, come learn about how to best support your student’s academic career at Utica, ask questions, and meet the Success Coaches!

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Family Farewell
Clark Athletic Center Front Courtyard

It’s time to say goodbye to your student! Stop by for some photo opps before you hit the road.

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Dinner Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Floor Meetings
Strebel Auditorium (North 3rd High, South, Transfer), Macfarlane Auditorium (North 2nd, 3rd Low Side), and Donahue Auditorium (North Ground and First Floor)
★ Required for all First Year Residential Students

Come together to meet other residents living on your floor and have an introductory conversation on what it is like to be a residential student at Utica University.

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Commuter Student Meet Up!
Pioneer Cafe, Strebel Student Center

This is a fantastic opportunity for commuter students to connect with each other and meet current commuter students who have thrived on campus. Hear firsthand how they got involved, made the most of their college experience, and balanced their commute with campus life. Don't miss out on this chance to build your network and get insider tips on navigating campus resources!

8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Hypnotist Zach Pincince
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center

With millions of followers and hundreds of millions of views across social media, Zach is a hypnotist who is a viral sensation on Tik Tok! You do not want to miss this event.
Last year we packed the Auditorium, so make sure to arrive early. Only the first 250 students will be granted entry!

7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
“Pioneering Your Path to Success”
Various locations - see Orientation Name Badge for your Team Letter. We’ll also send this to your Utica email and text message for your assigned location
★ Required for all First Year Students

An exhilarating program designed to equip you for your upcoming semester. Dive into essential topics such as student responsibilities, grade expectations, navigating your course schedule, and discovering vital resources for your academic journey. Prepare for dynamic, interactive sessions where you'll gain invaluable insights and strategies for success. Don't forget to bring your laptops or tablets to make the most of this engaging experience!

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!

1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belongingness
★ Required for all First Year Students: Pick one session to attend:

Summer Short with DEIB Bookish Club
Pioneer Cafe, Strebel Student Center
Join the DEIB Bookish Club to discuss the 2024 Summer Short, Sonny’s Blues by James Baldwin, in PioCafe in Strebel Hall.

Read/Download Story
Film Screening: “American Portrait - I Dream” by PBS
Screenings in MacFarlane Auditorium, DePerno Hall; and Donohue Auditorium, Gordon Science Center
“This unique crowdsourced series blends stories filmed by everyday people into documentaries revealing what it really means to be American today. It’s the story of what brings us together and what keeps us apart as we strive to understand each other.”

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
“U Belong” Expo
Strebel Lounge and Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center

Head to Hislop Auditorium in Thurston Hall to learn all about belonging at Utica University and how to get connected to other students.

Moose Musings: A Panel Discussion with Current Utica University Students
Orientation Mentors take the stage to have a frank, funny, and honest conversation about their experiences at Utica University. Plus, grab your student-created “Secret Guide to UU” to get all the top tips and tricks to success.
A Letter to My Future Self
Create a personal time capsule by writing a letter to your future self. Seal it up and save it to open on your graduation day! When you’re done, stop by the Office of Student Living and Campus Engagement to claim a prize.
Student Org Alley
Interested in joining a student club or organization? Browse our more than 25 options and put down your name to learn more! Organization leaders will reach out at the beginning of the semester to get you more information.

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Dinner Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
BINGO Hosted by Residence Hall Association
Strebel Student Center Lounge

Join the Student Living team to experience a taste of what our annual Bingo Series has in store—prizes, laughter, and unforgettable community bonding await! Don’t miss out on this exciting sneak peek into the fun-filled evenings ahead.

8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!

9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Icebreakers with your OM Group!
Meet on the Strebel Student Center Back Lawn

10:00 a.m.
First Year Students Line Up on Strebel Back Sidewalk for Faculty Procession
Strebel Student Center Back Lawn
★ Required for all First Year Students

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Utica University Convocation
Clark Athletic Center
★ Required for all First Year Students

One of our oldest traditions! This ceremony officially begins the academic year.

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!

12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Backpacking Through Campus
Start at "The Bubble", Strebel Student Center

Pick up your Safari Card at “The Bubble” located in Strebel Student Center near the Lounge. Once you complete your Backpacking Journey and receive at least 6 stamps from the offices listed to the left, you’ll return your stamp card to “The Bubble” and spin the prize wheel!

Please note that Meetings By Major and your Student Success sessions are happening during this time as well. Because these sessions are required for all first year students, please only do your backpacking journey outside of these sessions!

Destinations include:

Frank E. Gannett Library & Peer Tutoring
Center for Career Readiness
TRIO Student Support Services
Center for Student Success
Health & Wellness Center
Student Government Association
Wilcox Intercultural Center
Student Employment
ESports Lounge
HEOP & CSTEP

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. OR 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Meetings By Major
Various Classrooms: meeting locations available here (Note: Utica network/email login required!)
★ Required for all First Year Students

Meet the faculty and fellow students in your selected major!

2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
OM Classroom Tours
Various (meet @ the entrance of White Hall help desk for an OM to start your tour!)

Pair up with an OM who will take you through your schedule step-by-step!

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Transfer Student Reception
Pioneer Cafe, Strebel Student Center

Hosted by the Center for Student Success, come meet the staff who will assist you in your new journey at Utica University, along with fellow transfer students!

Registration is required. Please register using this form.

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Dinner Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!

7:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Escape Rooms
Strebel Lounge, Strebel Student Center

With your friends, do you think you are able to figure out these magic potion-themed escape rooms in 10 minutes? Come and try-it-out!
★ Ice cream sundae bar will be provided by Stewart's Shops! ★

7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!

10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Icebreakers with your OM Group!
Strebel Student Center Back Lawn

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Groups 1-6 | Shot of Reality (AOD Prevention)
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
★ Required for all First Year Students
A Shot of Reality is an alcohol awareness show performed by two professional comedians who make the topic engaging. Covering multiple facets of responsible alcohol use, the show keeps students engaged with a powerful combination of levity and realistic discussion. This is many schools’ favorite programs to satisfy alcohol awareness training, especially for orientation. You could win gift cards!

Groups 7-12 | Health, Wellness, and Community Safety
Donohue Concourse
★ Required for all First Year Students
This session provides vital information about Title IX, your rights and resources related to sexual misconduct, and the comprehensive support available through our victim services and violence prevention programs. You’ll also meet the University's mental health counselors and campus safety officers dedicated to fostering a secure and supportive environment. This is a critical opportunity to learn about the tools and services that contribute to a safe and healthy campus community.

12:30 a.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Lunch Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!

1:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Groups 7-12 | Shot of Reality (AOD Prevention)
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
★ Required for all First Year Students
A Shot of Reality is an alcohol awareness show performed by two professional comedians who make the topic engaging. Covering multiple facets of responsible alcohol use, the show keeps students engaged with a powerful combination of levity and realistic discussion. This is many schools’ favorite programs to satisfy alcohol awareness training, especially for orientation. You could win gift cards!

Groups 1-6 | Health, Wellness, and Community Safety
Donohue Concourse
★ Required for all First Year Students
This session provides vital information about Title IX, your rights and resources related to sexual misconduct, and the comprehensive support available through our victim services and violence prevention programs. You’ll also meet the University's mental health counselors and campus safety officers dedicated to fostering a secure and supportive environment. This is a critical opportunity to learn about the tools and services that contribute to a safe and healthy campus community.

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Dinner Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!

8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
First Year Foam Party!
Strebel Student Center Back Lawn

Wear white and come to the foam party to celebrate the near end of Orientation! Music, lights, tons of glow accessories and more!

7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Center for Student Success Open for Schedule Adjustments & General Questions
117 Hubbard Hall

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Shuttle Trips to Walmart & Target
North and South Hall

Need some last minute items? Take a free SLCE shuttle to the local Target & Walmart!
★ Shuttle will arrive every 30 minutes

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
TRIO Welcome Reception
Hislop Auditorium, Thurston Hall
★ Required for all First Year Students in the TRIO SSS Program

First Year TRIO SSS students are invited to a welcome reception to meet upper class students in the program. Students will also receive school supplies and TRIO Swag!

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Dinner Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk. SLCE will cover your meal!