Orientation Schedule
August 19-27, 2025
Below is the orientation schedule for all new students entering in fall 2025. If you have questions, please contact Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement Tessa Chefalo at tchefalo@hamilton.edu.
- Sessions highlighted in blue are required for all new students studying on-campus this fall, including new transfer students.
- Sessions highlighted in yellow are parent and family sessions.
- Parents and family members are also encouraged to participate in all activities prior to 3 p.m.
Note: International Student Orientation (ISO) takes place from August 16-18, 2024. Students participating in ISO should plan to arrive on campus by August 16. Please contact Director of International Student Services Bonike Odegbami at oodegbam@hamilton.edu with any questions.
| Tuesday, August 19 |
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| 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Orientation Check-in and Residence Hall Move-In* Welcome to Hamilton! Start off by picking up your Orientation information and residence hall keys. Orientation Trip Leaders and Community Advisors (CAs) will be available to greet students and family members and answer your questions. Residence Hall Lobbies/Lounges |
| 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cram and Scram Sale Still need something for your room? Stop by Hamilton’s annual cram and scram sale - happening for the first time during orientation! Browse this nearly-new dorm essentials resale event to put the finishing touches on your new residence hall space. Molly Root House Parking Lot |
| 10 a.m.-1 p.m. One-Stop Shop An informational open house with campus representatives from dining services, community living, student accounts, financial aid, the health center, library & information technology services, and local banks. Atrium, Taylor Science Center |
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. Coffee and Conversation for January Admission Students and Families Join fellow January Admission students, families, faculty and administrators at a welcome session and coffee break. Filius Events Barn |
| 11:30-11:45 a.m. Meeting for Student Athletes and their Families Director of Athletics Jon Hind and Associate Director Deirdre Pierson will provide information specific to Hamilton student-athletes. Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Picnic Lunch for New Students and Families Tent on the Dunham Green |
| 1 p.m. President and Deans’ Welcome* President Steven Tepper, Dean of Faculty Ngoni Munemo, Dean of Admission John McLaughlin, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sean Bennett, and Dean of Students Chris Card welcome new students and their families. Margaret Bundy Scott Field House |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. Welcome Reception Students and their families are invited to speak with the president, deans, administrators, faculty members, and staff. Light refreshments will be served. East Quad outside the Taylor Science Center (Rainsite: Margaret Bundy Scott Field House) |
| 3-4 p.m. Parent and Family Session: Student Life and Campus Resources Dean of Students Chris Card and other members of the Division of Student Life and campus partners will share information about the student experience and resources at Hamilton. Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 3-4:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies* Head to the football field to meet your fellow new students, orientation adventure trip leaders, and groups for games and introductions. Steuben Football Field |
| 4:30-7 p.m. Adventure Trip Preparation* Harding Field House |
| 5 -7 p.m. First Night Dinner* Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| 7-8 p.m.* Be Here Now Welcome to Hamilton! Meet the orientation staff and student leaders, and learn more about what to expect when your orientation adventure trip begins tomorrow. Kennedy Center Amphitheater (Rainsite: Scott Field House) |
| 8 p.m.* Adventure Trip Group Activities Various locations - see your orientation trip leader for more information. |
| Wednesday, August 20 |
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| 7–10 a.m. Breakfast Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| All Day Adventure Trip Activities Various locations |
| Thursday, August 21 |
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| 7–8 a.m. Breakfast* For trip groups still on campus Commons Dining Hall |
| All Day* Adventure Trip Activities Various locations |
| Friday, August 22 - Saturday, August 23 |
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| All day* Adventure Trip Activities Various locations |
| Sunday, August 24 |
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| Morning-Afternoon Adventure Trip Activities* Various locations |
| Afternoon Adventure Trips return to campus* |
| 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Lunch Commons Dining Hall |
| 5:30 p.m. Dinner* Tent on the Dunham Green |
| 7 p.m. Residence Hall Mixers* Meet your CA and fellow hall-mates, and learn more about living on campus at Hamilton. Residence Halls – various locations. Please wait for instructions at the end of dinner regarding where to meet your CA |
| 7 p.m. Jan Mixer Spend some time getting to know your fellow January Admission students before you embark on your fall experiences! The Little Pub |
| Monday, August 25 |
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| 7:30–8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast Tent on the Dunham Green |
| 8:45–10 a.m. Orientation Lecture Anna Huff, Assistant Professor of Digital Arts, delivers this year's Orientation Lecture. Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 10–11 a.m. Brunch and Info Session for January Admission Students and Families Jans and their families are invited to an optional continental brunch and info session before you depart campus. Please bring along your temporary room key and meal card! During this event, Jans who are interested in information about Hamilton’s curriculum, advising, and spring course registration are invited to chat with representatives from the Registrar’s Office, Associate Dean of Students for Academics, and Pre- Health Professions Advising. Fillius Events Barn |
| 10–11 a.m. Group Advising Sessions* Meet with your faculty advisor See your orientation booklet sticker for your advisor's name and office location |
| 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Lunch with your Orientation Group Students wishing to attend the Jewish Community Bagel Brunch may do so. Commons Dining Hall |
| 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Individual Advising Meetings* Faculty Advisor Offices |
| 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Jewish Community Bagel Brunch Come by for delicious bagels with spreads and meet members of our on-campus Jewish community! Everyone is welcome. Questions? Email hillel@hamilton.edu. Azel Backus House, Center for Jewish Life |
| 12:30–2:30 p.m. Lawn Games and Ice Cream Stop by for some friendly competition, snacks, music, and a cold treat! Babbitt Pavilion |
| 12 –1 p.m. Informal Sciences Advising Mingle with faculty and ask questions about majors and courses in the sciences. Taylor Science Center Atrium |
| 12– 1 p.m. Intro to the Economics Major The Economics Department will be offering a 20-minute introduction to the major with a Q&A beginning at noon and 12:30 p.m. Kirner-Johnson 101 |
| 1-3 p.m. Academic Info Sessions Each session is offered twice, at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
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| 3–5 p.m. The Hamilton Honor Code* Introduction to the Hamilton Honor Code. This 30-minute session is offered 4 times. Please see your orientation booklet for your group name and assigned time. Bradford Auditorium, Kirner-Johnson Group One @ 3 p.m.: Teams Tiana, Jasmine, and Cinderella Group Two @ 3:30 p.m.: Teams Elsa, Merida, and Moana Group Three @ 4 p.m.: Teams Aurora, Belle, and Rapunzel Group Four @ 4:30 p.m.: Teams Mulan, Ariel, and Snow White |
| 3–5 p.m. Wellness at Hamilton* College is a holistic experience, and you will have a lot to balance over the next four years. Come learn about how you can take care of yourself while at Hamilton, how we take care of each other in our community, and what services are offered in the Counseling Center and Dean of Students Office. This 30-minute session is offered 4 times. Please see your orientation booklet for your group name and assigned time. Kennedy Auditorium, Taylor Science Center Group One @ 3 p.m.: Teams Aurora, Belle, and Rapunzel Group Two @ 3:30 p.m.: Teams Mulan, Ariel, and Snow White Group Three @ 4 p.m.: Teams Tiana, Jasmine, and Cinderella Group Four @ 4:30 p.m.: Teams Elsa, Merida, and Moana |
| 5–6:45 p.m. Dinner Commons Dining Hall |
| 7 –8 p.m. Community and Allyship* Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 8:30p.m.–9:30p.m. Transfer Student Mixer Come meet fellow transfer students, both new and returning! The Little Pub |
| 10 p.m.–Midnight Open Mic Night Show off your talents or just come to watch your friends and orientation trip leaders perform! Fillius Events Barn |
| 10 p.m.–Midnight New Student Block Party Food Trucks, DIY dorm decs, crafts, games, fire pits, and giveaways. Need we say more? Come relax, connect, and grab a bite! Sadove Terrace |
| Tuesday, August 26 |
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| 7:30-9 a.m. Breakfast Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| 9 - 11:30 a.m. Registration Follow-up Check-in at the Registrar’s office if you need to make changes to your course schedule. See below for your group’s assigned time. Registrar’s Office, Elihu Root House 9 – 10:15 a.m.: Teams Ariel, Snow White, and Rapunzel 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Teams Moana, Cinderella, and Jasmine |
| 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Matriculation* Visit the Kirkland Cottage to sign the historic College Register. President Steven Tepper, Dean of Faculty Ngoni Munemo, Vice President for Enrollment Management John McLaughlin, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sean Bennett, and Dean of Students Christopher Card will greet new students during this annual and historic Hamilton tradition. (Please see your orientation booklet label for the name of your sandwich group, and arrive at Kirkland Cottage at your assigned time). Kirkland Cottage 10 a.m.: Tiana 10:30 a.m.: Elsa 11 a.m.: Merida 11:30 a.m.: Aurora 12:30 p.m.: Belle 1 p.m.: Mulan 1:30 p.m.: Ariel 2 p.m.: Snow White |
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11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
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| 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Individual Advising Meetings By appointment. Faculty Advisor Offices |
| 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Lunch Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| 2-4:30 p.m. Wellin Museum of Art Poster Giveaway Stop in to the Wellin Museum to look at art, make a personalized postcard to send to a friend, and pick up a poster to decorate your room. Wellin Museum of Art |
| 12:30-3 p.m. Registration Follow-up Check-in at the Registrar’s office if you need to make changes to your course schedule. See below for your group’s assigned time. Registrar’s Office, Elihu Root House 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.: Teams Tiana, Elsa, and Merida 1:45 – 3 p.m.: Teams Aurora, Belle, and Mulan |
| 2:30–4:30 p.m. Hamilton’s Sexual Misconduct Policy* This presentation will provide an introduction to the Hamilton Sexual Misconduct Policy. Presentation by Debbie Owens, Title IX Coordinator. This 30-minute session is offered 4 times. Please see below for your group’s assigned time. Bradford Auditorium, Kirner-Johnson Group One @ 2:30 p.m.: Teams Ariel, Snow White, and Rapunzel Group Two @ 3 p.m: Teams Moana, Cinderella, and Jasmine Group Three @ 3:30 p.m.: Teams Tiana, Elsa, and Merida Group Four @ 4 p.m.: Teams Aurora, Belle, and Mulan |
| 5-7:30 p.m. Dinner Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| 5–6:30p.m. MP2 (Multicultural Peer Mentoring Project) Welcome Reception and Dinner Tolles Pavilion |
| 7:30–9 p.m. Safety and Health at Hamilton* This presentation will highlight health and safety resources at Hamilton, and provide a detailed overview of fire safety on a residential campus. Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 9 p.m. Mentalist Al Snyder Dr. Al Snyder blends traditional stage hypnosis and creative new material to keep audience members on the edge of their seats. One of the highlights of the week! Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 10 p.m. Trivia Night Come test out your knowledge of Hamilton (and minutiae) at trivia night, hosted by the First-Year Experience (FYE) Leaders! Bring along your own group, or just show up and we’ll match you with a group. Snacks for all, and prizes for the winners! Fillius Events Barn |
| Wednesday, August 27 |
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| 7-10 a.m. Breakfast Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| 9-11 a.m. Registration Follow-Up Visit the Registrar’s Office if you’d like to make changes to your fall course schedule. Registrar's Office, Elihu Root House |
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9 - 10:30.m. |
| 11 a.m.-Noon Hamilton 101* Being a member of the Hamilton community is an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and develop deep and meaningful relationships. With that privilege comes responsibility to our community. This session, hosted by the Dean of Students’ Office, will focus on your rights and responsibilities as a student, and will introduce staff members from the Divisions of Student Life and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion who will be resources to you as you navigate your campus experience. Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 12-2 p.m. Lunch Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| 12 - 2 p.m. Matriculation* Visit Kirkland Cottage to sign the historic College Register. President Steven Tepper, Dean of Faculty Ngoni Munemo, Vice President for Enrollment Management John McLaughlin, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sean Bennett, and Dean of Students Christopher Card will greet new students during this annual and historic Hamilton tradition. (Please see your orientation booklet for your group's assigned time). Kirkland Cottage 12 p.m.: Rapunzel 12:30pm: Moana 1 p.m.: Cinderella 1:30 p.m.: Jasmine |
| 1-4 p.m. Registration Follow-Up Visit the Registrar’s Office if you’d like to make changes to your fall course schedule. Registrar's Office, Elihu Root House |
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2-3 p.m. |
| 4:15 p.m. Convocation* President Steven Tepper will preside over the ceremony that officially opens the 214th year of Hamilton College. Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 5:30-7 p.m. All-Campus Picnic Tent on the Dunham Green |
| 6:30-7:30 p.m. Music Department Open House Interested in Choir, Orchestra, or Jazz Ensemble? Thinking about taking private music lessons? Wondering about music classes and perhaps the concentration? Come to the Open House to meet faculty and have all your questions answered! 2nd Floor Lounge of List Art Center |
| 7:30-9 p.m. A Cappella Concert Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
Contact
Contact Name
Tessa Chefalo
Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement
Phone
Email
