The pre-orientation program is a two-day program for first-generation college students, students of color, and international students designed to ease the transition to college and help students make the most of the opportunities inherent in moments of great change. Through this program, the Dean of Studies office offers students the opportunity to get acquainted with campus resources, learn more about the academic structure and support at Sarah Lawrence, and meet incoming students of shared identities. Pre-orientation cohorts will comprise a welcoming community where students are connected with a network of supportive faculty, administrators, and student leaders. There are two tracks of this program: one for first generation students & students of color and another for international students.
Learning Outcomes:
- Explore Sarah Lawrence College values (specifically the Principles of Mutual Respect and the engagement philosophy)
- Make connections with faculty, staff, and students who you will work with throughout your time at Sarah Lawrence College
- Become familiar with campus resources and academic structures
- Explore their many identities and positionality
- Learn skills for coping effectively with change
- Learn skills for success and effective leadership in the college environment and as global citizens
- Learn skills to foster their own well-being and the well-being of their peers
Mock Pre-Orientation Schedule:
Pre-Orientation students move onto campus on the Monday before Labor Day, two days before New Student Move-In.
Monday: Move-in Day
9:00am-3:00pm | Move-in
Check in, and move into residence halls on North Lawn and Hill House Dormitory.
6:00pm-7:30pm | Community Dinner and President’s Welcome
All BIPOC, first generation, and international pre-orientation students and families are invited to join us for a community dinner and President’s Welcome with FYE, Dean of Studies, DEI, and Student Life staff!
7:30pm-8:00pm | Parents and Families Farewell
Say goodbye to parents and families as we transition into students-only pre-orientation programming.
8:00pm-10:00pm | Game Night
Students, join the Gryphon Guides and RAs for a Game Night in the BWCC! We will have board games and snacks, and this is a great way to meet student leaders on campus.
Tuesday: Pre-Orientation
8:00am-10:00am | Breakfast at Bates Dining Hall
10:00am-11:00am | Icebreakers
Join the Gryphon Guides for ice breakers on the North Lawn, and get out your first day jitters before an exciting day of programming.
11:00am-12:00pm | Introduction to the Learning Commons and Library
Meet the Library and Learning Commons staff, and learn about these invaluable campus resources and all they have to offer.
12:00pm-1:00pm | Conferencing 101 and Writing Workshop
Join SLC Faculty as they host an introductory workshop and interactive conversation on conference projects and writing at SLC. They will provide an overview of how students and faculty work together on conference projects as well as how students can create effective writing strategies for conference work across disciplines at SLC.
1:00pm-3:00pm | Lunch and Meet and Greet with Career Services
Meet Career Services and learn about how to get involved as early as your first year on campus!
3:30pm-5:00pm | Ice Cream Social and Faculty Panel with BIPOC Faculty
Join BIPOC and first generation faculty and staff for an ice cream social, and hear about their experiences at SLC!
6:00pm-7:00pm | Community Dinner: Listen and Learn with DEI, Well-Being, and OSIL
Join DEI, Well-Being, and Student Involvement and Leadership staff for a community dinner and listen and learn session.
8:00pm-10:00pm | Movie Night!
Wednesday: Pre-Orientation Programming
8:00am-10:00am | Breakfast at Bates Dining Hall
11:30am-2:00pm | Lunch in BWCC and Bates Dining Halls
12:00pm-2:00pm | Resource Fair in Bates Faculty/Staff Dining Hall
2:00pm-3:00pm | All new student programming
5:00pm | Orientation begins