Orientation Schedules - Fall 2024

CHECK IN & RESIDENCE HALL MOVE IN
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Check-in and pick-up your key, and student ID at your residence hall. Orientation Leaders (OL’s) and Community Advisors (CA’s) will be on hand to show you to your room and help you get moved in.

Your Residence Hall for Key Pick Up & Move-In

MINERVA BREAKFAST
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Stop by our Minerva Breakfast to learn more about the Minerva Program, to meet Minerva leaders, and enjoy breakfast.

Tent on West Beach/Richmond Lawn

RESOURCE FAIR
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Stop by the Nott Memorial for a mini resources fair. Representatives from across campus will be here. If you plan on working on campus, fill out the Student 2024 New Hire Packet and stop by the resource fair to see HR with original forms of ID to complete the I-9 form. Copies are not accepted. Please see the list of acceptable documents here.

Nott Memorial

CLASS OF 2028 WELCOME LUNCH
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy lunch with the other members of your class and their families!

Tent on Library Plaza

INTRODUCTION TO ACCOMMODATIVE SERVICES ORIENTATION
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Students registered with Accommodative Services should plan to attend this session to meet the staff, tour the office, and receive important information about requesting their accommodations. Student should have received an e-mail invite from Accommodative Services Office with more details. Parents are encourage to enjoy lunch or explore the bookstore during this time.

Schaffer Library

ORIENTATION KICKOFF & TIME FOR GOODBYES
3:30 p.m.

Join us as members of the Union Administration officially welcome you to the Union Community and your Union College experience.

Hear from:

• David Harris, President
• Annette Diorio, VP for Student Affairs
• Michele Angrist, Dean of Faculty, VP for Academic Affairs
• Kate Schurick, Dean of First-Year Students

Moderated by:

• Aileen Schatz, Director of the First-Year Experience

Frank Bailey Field

UNION’S PARENTS AND FAMILY RECEPTION
4:00 p.m.

Parents and Families – join the staff from College Relations, immediately following President Harris’s welcome for the Class of 2028. Meet with the Parent Engagement team and enjoy light refreshments.

Alumni Gym Stairs

ORIENTATION GROUP CONNECTIONS AND FIRST GROUP MEETINGS
4:00 p.m.

Throughout Orientation you will get together with the members of your Orientation Group and meet your Orientation Leader (OL). Our OLs will facilitate conversations and connections among group members and serve as a mentor and friend during your transition to Union.

You'll be introduced to your OL at Kickoff

DINNER WITH YOUR OL GROUP (rotation)
5:00 p.m. (OL groups 1-21), 5:45 p.m. (OL groups 22-44)

Join your OL and group for Dinner. Throughout our Orientation Program you’ll have the opportunity to join your OLs and group to check-in during meal times and sample what our dining services has to offer.

Reamer Dining Hall

MINERVA REVEAL & HOUSE TOURS (rotation)
5:00 p.m. (OL groups 22-44), 5:45 p.m. (OL groups 1-21)

Meet with your OL group as your OL leads you to find out what Minerva you are a part of! You'll have the opportunity to meet your Minerva House leadership, get a house tour, and find out where to pick up your Minerva house swag later in the day!

Join your OL as they lead you to your Minerva House

WHAT TO EXPECT AT ORIENTATION AND BEYOND
6:30 p.m.

Join your OL and group to hear a little more about what to expect during your first few days on campus. You’ll hear from our Orientation Committee Members and be welcomed by some administrators from across campus while hearing what to expect over the next few days and throughout your time at Union!

We will introduce you to the Bolt Points program, a way to earn some cool things by getting involved on campus - starting while at orientation!

You'll also hear from members of Campus Safety and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) staff about their role on campus, the services they provide, how they work to enforce rules, regulations and policies on campus, and share personal safety tips and practices with you to keep the Union Community safe. Campus Safety's number is (518) 388-6911.

Memorial Chapel

STORIES OF U - MEANINGFUL MOMENTS
7:15 p.m.

Stories of U invites members of the Union community to explore who they want to be through the power of reflection. Hear from current students as they reflect on their first-year at Union College.

Memorial Chapel

CLASS T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY & CLASS OF 2028 PICTURE
8:00 p.m.

See an Orientation Committee Member on your way to the Nott Memorial to receive your official Garnet Chargers - Class of 2028 t-shirt! Put that shirt on and get ready to say, “Cheese” and be proud to be a member of the Class of 2028 as we take the official class picture of your incoming class!

Nott Memorial

WEST BEACH WELCOME
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Join your classmates, OLs and CAs for our West Beach Welcome! Enjoy snacks, have some fun, and get to know your classmates on the first night of orientation.

West Beach

BREAKFAST
7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Reamer Campus Dining

OPTIONAL WELLNESS EXPERIENCES
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Students can opt into participate in a wellness experience during this time.

Alumni Gym open for incoming students only
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - no sign up required

Spin on Alumni Gym Balcony
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. - 14 spots available - sign up here

Barre Fusion in the Lower Exercise Room in Alumni Gym
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - 25 spots available - sign up here

Morning Meditation in Jackson's Garden (rain location: Henle Dance Studio)
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - no sign up required

Various Locations

OL GROUP MEETINGS
9:30 a.m.

Reconnect with your OL group before you begin day 2 of orientation.

Your OL group location

A BALANCED AND HOLISTIC COLLEGE EXPERIENCE
10:00 a.m.

Your Union experience will be a combination of what you do both in and out of the classroom. During this session, you'll hear from Michelle Osborn, Dean of Studies, to learn what to expect and what is expected of you when it comes to academics at Union and what to expect when meeting your academic advisor (who you’ll meet on Tuesday). You'll also hear from Dean Schurick who will provide some advice for navigating your first year at Union.

Memorial Chapel

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
10:40 a.m.

Hear from our staff in Community Engagement and Outreach and learn how U can engage with the local community and beyond. Set-up your CommUnity Connections account to track your engagement hours and find community partners as well!

You'll also learn what to expect during John Calvin Toll Day of Community Engagement (happening on Saturday, Sept. 7th).

Memorial Chapel

STORIES OF U - WHAT WILL YOUR STORY BE? (for First-Year Students)
11:00 a.m.

Stories of U invites members of the Union community to explore who they want to be through the power of reflection. It's your turn to participate. You'll have the opportunity to think about what you want your time at Union to look like and can choose to share that on video that will be shared via social media.

Memorial Chapel

TRANSFER STUDENT - ADVISING OVERVIEW WITH DEAN OSBORN AND CLASS DEANS
11:00 a.m.

Transfer students will have the opportunity to talk to Dean Osborn and their Class Dean about transfer credit evaluations, general education requirements and how to make sure they stay on track for graduation.

Reamer Auditorium

LUNCH
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Reamer Campus Dining

CAMPUS TOURS (rotation)
1:30 p.m. (OL groups 1-21) & 2:45 p.m. (OL groups 22-44)

Connect with your OL as you tour campus, find out where your classes and academic advisor meetings will be, and pick up some treats and giveaways along the way.

IT’S UP TO U (rotation)
1:30 p.m. (OL groups 22-44) & 2:45 p.m. (OL groups 1-21)

In order to create and maintain a safe community here at Union College, it takes every member of the community to do their part. This session will show incoming Union students how they can help themselves and their fellow students when unwanted behavior starts to happen in their rooms, residence halls, classrooms, or anywhere else on and around campus. Students will be able to strategize how they would intervene when they observe something inappropriate happening in their community.

CPH Ballroom

MINERVOLYMPICS & MINERVOLYMPICS DINNER
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m

Let the games begin! Join your orientation group to mark the official start of the MinervOlympic games! Get a chance to show off your team and house spirit and learn about the Minerva Program. You'll compete as part of your Minerva House to acquire points in a variety of different challenges and activities. Which house will be our champion, will Breazzano be able to defend their title?!

Remember, you don't have to join your Minerva, you already belong!

Rugby Field

COMMUTER STUDENT MEET UP & TOURS
7:00 p.m.

Meet our Commuter OL in Reamer 406!

FLOOR MEETINGS WITH YOUR COMMUNITY ADVISOR
7:15 p.m.

Your Residence Hall Floor

COFFEE HOUSE AT THE KENNEY CENTER
8:15 p.m.

The staff from the Kenney Center for Community Engagement and Outreach invite you to join them for an open mic night coffee house. Come to share your talent, art, and connect with other new students.

Kenney Community Center

ORIENTATION BINGO
8:30 p.m.

Join the Class of 2028 at one of Union’s most popular events. Come early to get a seat. You could win anything from laundry detergent, Union gear, bluetooth speakers, and more.

CPH Ballroom

TIE DYE WITH THE CDs
8:30 p.m.

Join the CDs for a tie dye event (t-shirts provided) between Fox and Davidson!

Between Fox and Davidson

BREAKFAST
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Meal plans begin, you must have your ID card to swipe in. Commuter students may talk to your OL about receiving a meal swipe voucher.

Reamer Campus Dining

OPTIONAL WELLNESS EXPERIENCES
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Students can opt into participate in a wellness experience during this time.

Spin on Alumni Gym Balcony
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. - 14 spots available - sign up here

Yoga Flow in the Lower Exercise Room in Alumni Gym
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - 25 spots available - sign up here

Morning Meditation in Jackson's Garden (rain location: Henle Dance Studio)
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - no sign up required

Pre-registration for some activities may be required.

Various Locations

OL GROUP MEETINGS
9:00 a.m.

Reconnect with your OL group before you begin day 3 of orientation.

Your OL group location

INDIVIDUAL ADVISING APPOINTMENTS
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Bring your schedule and any questions you want answered. This is your first opportunity to meet your advisor.

LIBRARY RESOURCES AT UNION (rotation)
9:20 a.m. (OL groups 1-7), 9:40 a.m. (OL groups 8-14), 10:00 a.m. (OL groups 15-21), 10:20 a.m. (OL groups 22-28), 10:40 a.m. (OL groups 29-36), 11:00 a.m. (OL groups 37-44)

Have you ever been out and about only to discover that your device needs a charge? If this happens while you're studying in the library, did you know that you can check out Mac, PC, iPhone, Android, and/or tablet power adaptors? There are lots of resources and services available to you at Schaffer Library. Come learn about some of the other items you can get in the library and - if you act now - find out how you can get some of your textbooks from other libraries around the country/world.

Reamer Auditorium

HOW TO SUCCEED ACADEMICALLY AT UNION (rotation)
9:20 a.m. (OL groups 8-14), 9:40 a.m. (OL groups 15-21), 10:00 a.m. (OL groups 22-28), 10:20 a.m. (OL groups 29-36), 10:40 a.m. (OL groups 37-44), 11:00 a.m. (OL groups 1-7)

Join the Office at Student Success for a discussion on best practices to succeed academically during your first year and beyond. Topics will include services provided by the Office of Student Success as well as tips in regards to time management, asking for help, and academic support on campus.

Olin 115

CAREER CENTER AT BECKER HALL OPEN HOUSE (rotation)
9:20 a.m. (OL groups 15-21), 9:40 a.m. (OL groups 22-28), 10:00 a.m. (OL groups 29-36), 10:20 a.m. (OL groups 37-44), 10:40 a.m. (OL groups 1-7), 11:00 a.m. (OL groups 8-14)

Stop by the Career Center and meet the team as they provide an overview of the Career Center. Learn about the many services, programs, events, resources the Career Center offers.

Becker Hall

Q & A WITH CURRENT STUDENTS (rotation)
9:20 a.m. (OL groups 22-28), 9:40 a.m. (OL groups 29-36), 10:00 a.m. (OL groups 37-44), 10:20 a.m. (OL groups 1-7), 10:40 a.m. (OL groups 8-14), 11:00 a.m. (OL groups 15-21)

Join some of our Orientation Committee and a few other returning students for a Q & A session and hear from different students that make up the Union Community, about their experiences while at Union both in and out of the classroom.

Old Chapel

STUDY ABROAD W/ INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS OPEN HOUSE (rotation)
9:20 a.m. (OL groups 29-36), 9:40 a.m. (OL groups 37-44), 10:00 a.m. (OL groups 1-7), 10:20 a.m. (OL groups 8-14), 10:40 a.m. (OL groups 15-21), 11:00 a.m. (OL groups 22-28)

Learn more about the study abroad experiences that International Programs has to offer.

Hale House Dining Room

LUNCH w/ FACULTY & STAFF
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Some members of our Faculty and Staff will join you for lunch in Reamer Dining. We encourage you to say hello and introduce yourself! Meal plans begin, remember you must have your ID card to swipe in. Commuter students may talk to your OL about receiving a meal swipe voucher.

Reamer Dining Hall

DROP/ADD FOR NEW STUDENTS
11:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

If you need to make changes to your class schedule, you’ll be able to make those adjustments during this time.

Nott Memorial

OPTIONAL WELLNESS EXPERIENCES
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Students can opt into participate in a wellness experience during this time.

Time Management Workshop w/ Lesly Clay, Director of Student Success, Olin 115
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m - no sign up required

Alumni Gym open
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - no sign up required

Spin on Alumni Gym Balcony
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - 14 spots available - sign up here

Group Fitness Class in the Racquetball Court in Alumni Gym
12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. - 20 spots available - sign up here

Spin on Alumni Gym Balcony
12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. - - 14 spots available - sign up here

Various Locations

OL GROUP CHECK-IN
1:30 p.m.

Reconvene with your OL and group before heading to CPH.

Your OL group location

DEIB AND OFFICE OF INTERCULTURAL AFFAIRS AT UNION COLLEGE
1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Come and learn about DEIB - the Office of Intercultural Affairs and how to learn more about exploring your identity and the identities of others. OIA will discuss what they do at Union and how you can get involved or engage with their office during your time at Union.

CPH Ballroom

FINAL OL GROUP MEETING
3:00 p.m.

Reflect on all you learned and the connections you made during these busy orientation days as you and your group head to line up for Convocation.

MINERVA PROCESSION FOR CONVOCATION
3:30 p.m.
Join your OL and Minerva Student Leaders for the procession into Convocation.

Rugby Field

OPENING CONVOCATION
4:00 p.m.

Join your classmates, faculty and staff to celebrate the start of the 2024-2025 academic year.

Memorial Chapel

CAMPUS WIDE BBQ
5:00 p.m.

Tent on Library Plaza

BUSES TO/FROM WALMART
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Buses will leave campus at 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:00 p. m. The final buses will depart Walmart back to campus at 9:00 p. m.

Buses leave from Old Chapel Circle

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH

FIRST DAY OF CLASSES

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PHOTOS
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Stop by Reamer Campus Center for your first day of school photo! We will have first day of school boards to fill out to show off your first day!

Reamer Campus Center, 1st Floor

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH

DONUTS WITH THE DEANS
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join us for Donuts and say hello to some of the many Deans we have on campus!

TBD

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH

CLUB EXPO
4:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

You don't want to miss Club Expo! Every Year Student Forum hosts Club Expo to showcase all the clubs and organizations on campus. Stop by to sign up for all the clubs that interest you, for some great food, and for fun giveaways!

Tent on Library Plaza

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH

JOHN CALVIN TOLL DAY OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Time slots available throughout the day starting at 8:00am

Join hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends for the single biggest day of community engagement at the College. Some examples of sites may include community cleanups, community schools programming, urban farming, park maintenance, supporting local nonprofit events, and event assisting with and attending some of the local festivals happening that day!

Check-in at Old Chapel

RESIDENCE HALL MOVE IN
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Pick-up your key and student ID right at your residence hall. Pre-O Leaders, Orientation Leaders (OL’s) and Community Advisors (CA’s) will be on hand to show you to your room and help you get moved in.

Your Residence Hall for Key Pick Up & Move-In

RESOURCE FAIR
11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Stop by the Nott Memorial for a mini resources fair. Representatives from across campus will be here. If you plan on working on campus, fill out the Student 2024 New Hire Packet and stop by the resource fair to see HR with original forms of ID to complete the I-9 form. Copies are not accepted. Please see the list of acceptable documents here.

Nott Memorial

PRE-O WELCOME LUNCH
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy lunch with the other students participating in Pre-O and their families!

Tent on Library Plaza

PRE-O CHECK IN BY PROGRAM
12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m

Stop by your program specific table to check-in for your Pre-O experience and pick up your Pre-O bag.

Tables outside of Memorial Chapel

PRE-O WELCOME & TIME FOR GOODBYES
1:15 p.m.

Join us as members of the Union Administration officially welcome you to the Union Community before you being your Pre-O experience.

Hear from:

• David Harris, President
• Annette Diorio, VP for Student Affairs
• Michele Angrist, Dean of Faculty, VP for Academic Affairs
• Kate Schurick, Dean of First-Year Students

Moderated by:

• Aileen Schatz, Director of the First-Year Experience

Memorial Chapel

PRE-O PROGRAMS OFFICIALLY BEGIN!
2:00 p.m.

Outdoor buses will depart from Old Chapel Circle promptly by 2:00 p.m.

Community & Culture and Leadership will begin their programs on campus.

Parents and Families – at this time, we politely ask you to head off campus to allow your students to fully engage in our Pre-O programs.

OUTDOOR PRE-O BUSES DEPART
2:00 p.m.

Outdoor buses will depart from Old Chapel Circle promptly by 2:00 p.m. Students participating in Outdoor Pre-O should bring anything they will need at camp (their overnight bag, sleeping bags, etc.) with them to Pre-O Check In and Welcome.

Old Chapel Circle

When students arrive at Camp Echo Lake, they will jump right into a Team Scavenger Hunt to explore the campgrounds and get to know their new classmates! Enjoy a nightcap of s'mores and camp songs while sitting by the campfire.

TASTE WALK*
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

For dinner, students will tour a selection of local Schenectady eateries sampling their signature dishes. Experience the delicious offerings of our city just steps from campus.

*For students participating in Leadership Pre-O, Community & Culture Pre-O and Global Orientation.

Leaving campus from Webster Hall

COMMUNITY & CULTURE PRE-O

Students participating in C&C Pre-O will spend the day getting to know local non-profits and community organizations, supporting outdoor programming with kids and families, and enjoying Schenectady highlights including food and musical performances.

LEADERSHIP PRE-O

Students participating in Leadership Pre-O will engage in activities encouraging reflection on students' individual growth in leadership, explore leadership through different lenses, and learn about leadership opportunities at Union.

OUTDOOR PRE-O

Students participating in Outdoor Pre-O will start their morning bright and early with an opt-in Polar Plunge into Echo Lake, followed by their choice of a hike or arts & crafts. During open recreational time in the afternoon, students will have the opportunity to try activities such as boating at the waterfront, yoga, and countless sports competitions (basketball, tennis, golf, volleyball, pickleball, etc.).

COMMUNITY & CULTURE PRE-O

Students participating in C&C Pre-O will spend the day getting to know the Capital Region including tours, activities, and museum visits highlighting the area's rich history and culture centered in the city of Albany and along the Hudson River.

LEADERSHIP PRE-O

Students participating in Leadership Pre-O will experience the importance of collaboration in leadership through participation in outdoor activities in the greater Capital Region.

OUTDOOR PRE-O

Students participating in Outdoor Pre-O will have another opportunity for an early morning Polar Plunge, followed by a choice to take a trip to the Village of Lake George or to hang back on site to try their hand at rock climbing, archery, and the auto belay ropes course.

BBQ CELEBRATION AT ELLMS FARM
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Students from all three Pre-O programs and Global Orientation will come together to celebrate completing their programs with a BBQ at Ellms Farm. Students will have the opportunity to spend time with their new friends, Pre-O and Global Orientation Leaders and begin to meet our OLs. Enjoy lots of food and fun before Orientation begins on Sunday!

Ellms Family Farm

RESIDENCE HALL MOVE IN
4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Pick-up your key and student ID right at the tent on West Beach. Global Orientation Leaders will be on hand to show you to your building and room and help you get moved in.

Tent on West Beach for Key Pick Up & Move-In

RESIDENCE HALL MOVE IN
10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Pick-up your key and student ID right at the tent on West Beach. Global Orientation Leaders will be on hand to show you to your building and room and help you get moved in.

Tent on West Beach for Key Pick Up & Move-In

BREAKFAST
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

We will start with a welcome breakfast for all incoming international students and family members traveling with them.

GLOBAL ORIENTATION PROGRAMING
9:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Throughout the day, you’ll be in programs and sessions that provide you with the information you need to get settled in at Union and in the U.S. You’ll also have a chance to meet our Global Orientation leaders and other incoming students.

BREAK
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

GARDEN LUNCH
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Welcome & lunch with with President Harris.

GLOBAL ORIENTATION PROGRAMING
2:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Throughout the day, you’ll be in programs and sessions that provide you with the information you need to get settled in at Union and in the U.S. You’ll also have a chance to meet our Global Orientation leaders and other incoming students.

TASTE OF HOME DINNER
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

CULTURAL SHOW
2:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

We’ll conclude the day with a Culture Show, giving you a chance to share elements of your home culture with your new classmates.

BREAKFAST
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

GLOBAL ORIENTATION PROGRAMING
9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

LUNCH
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

LEADER PANEL AND QUESTIONS
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

BBQ CELEBRATION AT ELLMS FARM
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Students from Global Orientation and our Pre-O programs will come together to celebrate completing their programs with a BBQ at Ellms Farm. Students will have the opportunity to spend time with their new friends, Global Orientation and Pre-O Leaders and begin to meet our OLs. Enjoy lots of food and fun before Orientation begins on Sunday!

Ellms Family Farm