Orientation
GET READY FOR ORIENTATION!
August 23 - 27, 2023 | Move-In Day is Wednesday, Aug. 23
Registration for New Student Orientation is now open:
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
- If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be glad to help!
COUNTDOWN TO ORIENTATION:
- 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."
New Student Orientation Schedule
Required for all First-Year Students:
Virtual New Student Orientation: Meet the Utica University Staff!
Tuesday, August 1 - Tuesday, August 22
Get a virtual introduction to a variety of staff members who will help you throughout your Utica University experience. Check your Utica email August 1 for a link to the virtual sessions.
Required for all FIrst-Year Fall Student Athletes
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Football: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Title IX Sessions
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
*Any Fall sport student athletes who miss this session will need to attend the DEI Peer Training Sessions on Saturday, August 26.
MONDAY, AUGUST 14
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Football: Residential Hall Floor Meetings
Boehlert Conference Room, Boehlert Hall
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17
2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Football: Preparing for Academic Success
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
*Any students who miss this session will need to attend the Student Success Sessions on Friday, August 25.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18
8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
All Other Fall Sports: Residential Hall Floor Meetings
Boehlert Conference
MONDAY, AUGUST 21
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Men/Women's Soccer, Field Hockey: Preparing for Academic Success and DEI / Title IX Sessions
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
*Any fall sport student athletes who miss this session will need to attend the Student Success Sessions on Friday, August 25 and the DEI Peer Training Sessions on Saturday, August 26.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Volleyball and Cross Country: Preparing for Academic Success and DEI / Title IX Sessions
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
*Any fall sport student athletes who miss this session will need to attend the Student Success Sessions on Friday, August 25 and the DEI Peer Training Sessions on Saturday, August 26.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
All First-Year Fall Athletes: "Transitions" Performance
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
*Any fall sport student athletes who miss this session will need to attend the Student Success Sessions on Friday, August 25 and the DEI Peer Training Sessions on Saturday, August 26.
Residential Move-In
Strebel Student Center Front Circle
Welcome, Residential Students! Check-in at Lot B for your move-in essentials, and be sure to grab your NSO name tag and schedule of events!
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
All Utica University Offices Open
Various locations - see campus map
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!
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Loaner Laptop Pick-Up
117 Hubbard Hall
Are you loaning a laptop from the University? Pick yours up at the Center for Student Success! If you’re under the age of 18, please bring a parent so that they can sign a consent form.
If you arrive on campus after 12:00 p.m., you can obtain your laptop from the Help Desk, located in the lower level of the Library building until 4:30 p.m.
11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Utica Resource Fair
Strebel Student Center Back Lawn, “Utica” Tent
Visit with a variety of campus offices, as well as local businesses and organizations to get to know the Utica community!
New Students and Families BBQ
Strebel Student Center Lounge and "Moose Tent", Strebel Student Center Back Lawn
Grab some delicious BBQ in the Strebel Student Center Lounge & find a table outside in the Moose Tent on the back lawn! Free for all new students and their families!
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Commuter Student Check-In
Required for all First-Year Commuter Students
Welcome Center
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.
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Meet the Staff of Learning Services
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center Lounge
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.
2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Students: PLAYFAIR!
Required for all First-Year Students
Strebel Student Center Back Lawn
Playfair is the ultimate icebreaker and a Utica Orientation tradition! Meet the entire class in 90 minutes through fun and entertaining activities. We can't wait to see you out under the Pioneer Tent for this awesome event.
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Parents and Families: Open Sessions
Library Concourse, Lower Level of Gannett Library
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 the 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! Please register in advance by clicking here.
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!
Supporting Your Student’s Wellness Journey
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center Hosted by the Health & Wellness Center, come learn about how to best support your student’s physical and mental health as a college student, hear about free services offered, and meet the staff!
Supporting your First Generation College Student
114 Hubbard Hall
Hosted by the TRIO Student Support Services Office, come learn about how to support your First Generation student, resources the TRIO office provides, and meet the staff!
Students: Pre Pioneer Pitch-In Meetings
Required for all First-Year Students
Various locations - Find your meeting location here
Learn about the volunteer site that you have been assigned to for tomorrow’s Pioneer Pitch-In (PPI) event during this session. You will meet your group and mentors, hear about your project, get your official PPI t-shirt, and anything else you may need!
4:30 - 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! Just swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk and SLCE will cover your meal.
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Truth Be Told: OM Student Panel
Pioneer Cafe, Strebel Student Center
Have questions for current students? Need advice? Come join the Orientation Mentor student panel. Stop in quick or stay the whole time!
North Hall Floor Meeting
Required for all First-Year Residential Students
Moose Tent (On Strebel Student Center Back Lawn)
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.
7:00 - 7:30 p.m.
South Hall Floor Meeting
Required for all First-Year Residential Students
Moose Tent (On Strebel Student Center Back Lawn)
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.
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!
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.
8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Pioneer Pitch In
Required for all First-Year Students
Students line up on Strebel Back Lawn
You and a team of your peers will be shuttled to one of many local non-profit sites where you’ll learn about the organization, participate in fun activities, and work on a project to create positive change in the community. Pioneer Pitch-In will be an amazing opportunity to check out Utica and the surrounding neighborhoods, meet new people, and make friends!
12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Pioneer Pitch In Party
Strebel Student Center Back Lawn
Celebrate your return to campus with food trucks, water slides, inflatables, and music after all your hard work! Free for all students, staff, and faculty who participate in PPI.
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.
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Commuter Student Meet Up
Strebel Student Center Lounge
Come meet fellow commuter students! Hosted by Kathi Jabe, SGA President, who is a commuter student herself, as well as other Utica students who have found their home on campus while not living here. Join us!
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.
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
LSAMP Mixer and Reception
Required for New LSAMP Students
Wilcox Intercultural Center
Incoming students participating in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program are invited to a special reception dinner to learn about the program, ask any lingering questions, hear from program coordinators, and mingle with current Utica University LSAMP students.
7:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Escape Rooms!
Strebel Student Center Lounge
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!
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 on Strebel Student Center Back Lawn
10:15 a.m.
First Year Students Line Up for Faculty Procession
Required for all First-Year Students
Strebel Student Center Back Lawn
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Utica University Convocation
Required for all First-Year Students
Clark Athletic Center
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.
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
“Transitions” Performance (Campus Preview for staff)
Required for all First-Year Fall Sport Student Athletes
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
Transitions is a play written, directed, and starred in by your Orientation Mentors. Topics discussed will include relevant campus issues including but not limited to drinking, sexual assault and domestic violence, Title IX, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as much more! After seeing the play, you will debrief in small groups in classrooms with your Orientation mentors to discuss what you saw in the play and learn more about campus resources.
12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Backpacking Through Campus
Various locations (see below)
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:
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
Campus Employment
ESports Lounge
Student Living & Campus Engagement
HEOP & CSTEP
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. OR 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Check your email for which session)
Meetings by Major
Required for all First-Year Students
Various classrooms - check your email
Meet the faculty and fellow students in your selected major! Click HERE to find your major and location.
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. OR 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Check your email for which session)
Preparing for Academic Success: Meet the Center for Student Success & Peer Tutoring
Required for all First-Year Students Students (excluding Fall Sport Athletes who completed this requirement at Pre-Orientation)
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
Meet the staff of the Center for Student Success to hear about the important resources they provide for a successful academic journey at Utica University!
1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
OM Classroom Tours
Various locations (meet at Pioneer Tent on the Strebel Student Center Back Lawn for an OM to start your tour!)
Meet at the Pioneer Tent to pair up with an OM who will take you through your schedule step-by-step!
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
“Transitions” Performance & Peer Lead DEI/Title IX Training (Groups 1-6)
Required for all First-Year Students Students
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center. Debrief is in Various Classrooms TBA (see your OM at the end of Transitions!)
Transitions is a play written, directed, and starred in by your Orientation Mentors. Topics discussed will include relevant campus issues including but not limited to drinking, sexual assault and domestic violence, Title IX, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as much more! After seeing the play, you will debrief in small groups in classrooms with your Orientation mentors to discuss what you saw in the play and learn more about campus resources.
5:00 - 6:00 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! Please register by clicking here.
5:00 - 7:00 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.
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Alpha Phi Alpha Networking Event
PioCafe, Strebel Student Center
Meet and Greet with Alpha Phi Alpha Professionals.
7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Talent Show and Ice Cream Bar OR Movie on the Res Quad with Residential Hall Association
Strebel Lounge, Strebel Student Center
Come showcase your talent along with the OMs and make an ice cream sundae while you’re at it! OR check out RHA’s movie on the quad and grab some snacks, meet the hall council, and more!
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
11:00 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.
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Shot of Reality (AOD Prevention) - Groups 1-6
Required for all First-Year Students
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
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!
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.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Shot of Reality (AOD Prevention) - Groups 7-12
Required for all First-Year Students
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
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!
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Commuter Student Meet Up
Location TBA
Come meet fellow first year Commuter Students!
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
“Transitions” Performance and Peer Lead DEI/Title IX Training (Groups 7-12)
Required for all First-Year Students
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center. Debrief is in Various Classrooms TBA (see your OM at the end of Transitions!)
Transitions is a play written, directed, and starred in by your Orientation Mentors. Topics discussed will include relevant campus issues including but not limited to drinking, sexual assault and domestic violence, Title IX, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as much more! After seeing the play, you will debrief in small groups in classrooms with your Orientation mentors to discuss what you saw in the play and learn more about campus resources.
5:00 - 7:00 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 Back Lawn
Wear your designed white orientation shirt and come to the foam party to celebrate the near end of Orientation! Music, lights, tons of glow accessories and more!
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.
Office of Student Success Open for Schedule Adjustments
Office of Student Success, 117 Hubbard Hall
Need last-minute adjustments to your schedule? Stop by Student Success and get it done.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Bus Trips to Walmart and Target
North and South Hall
Need some last minute items? Take a free SLCE shuttle to the local Target & Walmart! Shuttle buses will arrive every 30 minutes between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
TRIO Welcome Reception
Required for all First-Year Students in the TRIO SSS Program
Hislop Auditorium, Thurston Hall
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!
Time TBA
Utica Campus Programming Board (UCPB) Event
Location TBA
Contact Us
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