Fall New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is all about welcoming you to your new home.

Get ready for a weekend completely focused on helping you settle into your new life at Champlain! The weekend before classes begin, we host New Student Orientation for all of our incoming students. Every element and activity is intentionally guided by the core belief that feeling connected to people and the Champlain campus is essential to student success.

After all, positive relationships with your peers and campus support systems will build your foundation for a successful transition to college. Indulge in some fun (and killer views!) on our Lake Champlain boat cruise—a classic Champlain tradition—and enjoy lawn games, live music at open-mic night, and more.

Orientation gives you the opportunity to:

Make connections with peers over shared interests and identities
Engage with key resources critical to student success
Understand your role in creating a campus culture of safety and wellbeing
Identify ways to get involved on campus that are meaningful to you
Develop relationships with your faculty advisor and peers in your academic division

Which in turn, sets you up to thrive here at Champlain! All incoming students are required to attend Orientation, so you’ll get to meet all of your fellow classmates, transfer students, and the upper-year student leaders who are so excited to connect with you and show you the ropes.

student makes a heart shape with their hands while sitting on their twin bed in a residence hall

Move-In & More

Move-in is the first thing you’ll do as part of Orientation. Pull up in your vehicle to your assigned residence hall and wave hello to the many staff and students who will be on the sidewalk waiting to greet you and show you where to park! We’ll help you unload your car, you’ll check in with your Resident Advisor and get your room key, then head up to your new room! Once your belongings are dropped off, one of your family members will be asked to bring your car down to our Lakeside campus parking lot, and they’ll take the Champlain shuttle back up to main campus to help you unpack and set up your room.

After Move-In…

three members of the counseling center team smile in green t-shirts behind a table decked out in informational posters and pamphlets about the services they offer

The Nuts & Bolts: Info Fair

As you settle in and meet your roommate(s), you and your family are welcome to stop by our info fair, where staff from our various departments and offices will be on hand to answer your questions from accessibility, to medication management and counseling, wellbeing, sustainability, community resources, getting involved in our Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Women’s & Gender Center, and more.

three students sit on the grass eating a BBQ lunch at orientation, waving and giving peace signs at the camera

BBQ Lunch, On Us!

After moving all those boxes and crates, you’ll be ready for some food! Enjoy a BBQ lunch, chat with other fellow students and families, and fuel up for a packed afternoon.

a crowds of hundreds of students and families sit and stand on the lawn, raising their hands

President’s Welcome & Convocation

All students and families are invited to join us for our President’s Welcome and Convocation ceremony! Hear remarks from our President and Provost as you are welcomed to the Champlain community with open arms. Celebrate Convocation, a tradition that officially marks the start of a new academic year.

a student hugs two adults as they say goodbye to each other on a crowded aiken lawn

Farewell, Families

Once the Convocation ceremony concludes, students and families will share an emotional moment, saying their goodbyes to one another before students head off into their Orientation groups. (Get your tissues ready!) Families will continue hanging out on the quad as our President and Student Affairs experts share transition tips and insight for the first semester.

Beyond Move-In Morning

Move-in morning is an exciting and busy time. Once students say their farewells to families, there’s a bunch more in store for Orientation weekend that will help you get familiar with your new campus and classmates.

Academic Meetings

During Orientation, you’ll get to meet your academic deans and faculty advisors who are here to support you along your educational journey here at Champlain. Hear about the exciting things you’ll get to take part in both in and outside of the classroom during your first year and beyond.

mascot chauncey t. beaver captains the ethan allen boat cruise with a lake and mountain view through the boat window

Cruise on Lake Champlain

The Ethan Allen Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain is a Champlain tradition: You take a cruise on the beautiful waters at the beginning of your Champlain experience during Orientation and again right before graduation, during Senior Week. It’s the perfect bookend to this important chapter of your life.

Required Info Sessions & Trainings

As new students, there’s a lot to learn about Champlain policies, student standards, and expectations. You’ll attend trainings and sessions about safety; Title IX and sexual misconduct; diversity, equity, and inclusion; study abroad; and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to touch base with our Registrar, IT department, and take a campus tour.

WGC interior, students meeting and discussing in a group

Affinity Meet-Ups

Keep an eye out for affinity gatherings throughout the weekend. The Orientation schedule often includes intentional spaces and times for first-generation, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ students to come together in community and also learn about available supports.

Champlain College Class of 2027 at Orientation

Class Photo

Another classic Orientation tradition is capturing your class photo! Everyone heads to Finney Quad to commemorate this special moment of your class being fully together for the first time.

Students in fireside lounge preforming during The Grind with a red hue of light

Fun in the SLC & More

While there are some structured activities during Orientation, there are also times when you can choose your own fun. Attend a performance at The Grind Open Mic Night (or plan a performance of your own!), play lawn games on the green, enjoy a movie under the stars, and get to know your hallmates during residence hall meetings and activities.

Transition Support Continues After Orientation

Champ 101

Part of our InSight Program’s wellbeing theme, Champ 101 is a 10-week program designed specifically for incoming first-year students. The goal? Help you find your footing as you enter college life.
- Learn More About Champ 101
Transfer Connections

Transfer Connections is a program offered to students who transferred to Champlain. The workshops are designed to create a sense of belonging and foster academic success.
- Explore our Transfer Connections Program

August 2025 Orientation Details

Now that you’ve gotten the general overview of Orientation, you may be searching for some more specific information related to August 2025 Orientation. A full schedule will be posted in August!