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January New Student Orientation

January 18 - 21, 2025

  • 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.

Saturday–Tuesday, January 18-21, 2025

Welcome to Hamilton! Orientation check-in and residence hall move-in for new students takes place from 8:30 a.m. to noon on January 18, and all new students should plan to arrive on campus within that time frame. The tentative full schedule is below.  Sessions highlighted in blue are required for all new students.  Please note that some details may change in the coming weeks, but the arrival day (January 18) schedule is confirmed.

Students participating in International Student Orientation should check their email for additional information about arrival dates and required programming.

Schedule Who to Contact

Parents and family members are invited to join their student at all activities before 1:30 p.m., including the Welcome Remarks and Luncheon. Students and family members should plan to say their goodbyes by 1:30 p.m. and new students will begin required programming at that time. Following goodbyes, parents and family members are invited to attend the “Navigating the Road Ahead” panel, presented by Vice President and Dean of Students Chris Card and members of the division of Student Life.

Saturday, January 18
8:30 a.m. - Noon
Orientation Check-In and Residence Hall Move-in

Welcome to Hamilton! Start off by picking up your orientation packet and residence hall keys in the Sadove Student Center Lobby. Orientation Leaders (OLs) will be available to greet students and family members and answer questions.
Location: Sadove Student Center Lobby

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Welcome Remarks and Luncheon

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 Chris Card will welcome new students and families to Hamilton College. Enjoy lunch with our orientation leaders and Division of Student Life staff, and with fellow new students and families
Location: First Floor Commons, Kirner-Johnson

Students and family members are asked to say their goodbyes at the conclusion of the luncheon. New students will begin required programming at 1:45 p.m.
1:45-2:45 p.m.
Orientation Group Meetings

Meet your orientation group! Your Orientation Leader (OL) will give you an overview of orientation activities and events, and discuss important guidelines for the days ahead.
Location: Various locations. Your OL will provide more detail.

1:45-2:45 p.m.
Parent and Family Session

Dean of Students Chris Card and members of the division of Student Life will share information about the student experience and resources at Hamilton.
Location: Bradford Auditorium, Kirner-Johnson

3-4:30 p.m.
Matriculation

Visit Buttrick Hall to sign the historic College Register. President Steven Tepper, VP and Dean of Faculty Ngoni Munemo, Vice President for Enrollment Management John McLaughlin, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sean Bennett, and VP and Dean of Students Chris Card will greet new students as a part of this annual and historic tradition. Students will attend in their orientation groups to sign the College Register. Please see your OL for details.
Location: Trustee Room, Buttrick Hall

4:30-5 p.m.
Orientation Group Time

Location: See your OL for more info.

5:30-7 p.m.
Welcome Dinner in Orientation groups

Get to know your orientation group and leaders over dinner.
Location: Commons. See your orientation leader for details.

8 p.m.
First Night Fun

You're finally here! Settle in and meet your fellow Jans. Orientation Leaders will host some small-group welcome activities to kick off the next four days.
Location: Sadove Student Center

Contact

Contact Name

Tessa Chefalo

Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement

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