What to Expect at Orientation

What should you expect from Carthage’s New Student Orientation? 

Questions? See our list of helpful contacts you can reach out to for assistance. During in-person orientation, your orientation leader or any of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

Expect an early start.

Check-in starts before you even arrive on campus through the online onboarding process in Workday. Orientation is a four-day program that begins on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. Most families arrive right away, so they have plenty of time to unpack before orientation activities begin. 

Expect an awesome orientation leader.

You will meet more than 80 energetic orientation leaders and orientation crew members during orientation. These students — a mix of sophomores, juniors, and seniors — are excited to meet you, learn your stories, and guide and teach you much of the critical information you will need at Carthage. They’ll be easy to spot (thanks to their brightly colored T-shirts) and eager to help, so ask them anything.

Expect to make new friends.

“My favorite moment on campus so far was on the first day of orientation freshman year, when my fear of not making any friends was put to rest,” recalls graduate Sarah Dunn. “On that day, I met the person who became my best friend on campus.”

Expect to learn a lot.

Orientation is designed to make new students feel like Carthage pros before classes even begin. There will be several information sessions that focus on your transition to Carthage, and your orientation leaders will be there to answer any and all questions.

Expect a lot of walking.

Our campus is a linear campus, and only a half-mile long, but you’re going to be doing a lot of walking between buildings and orientation activities. Students should wear comfortable shoes and clothes!