orientation leaders and resident advisors for each first year dorm hold signs for their houses in a group photo

Welcome to the Class of 2023! We’re so glad you’re here.

An exciting buzz was in the air as cars pulled up to South Willard Street in late August for Move-In Day. It was the start of something new for more than 600 students, and the Champlain community was here to welcome them with open arms. Seriously. As soon as a parent opened up their car’s trunk, staff and upper-year students’ arms were outstretched, waiting for what they could help bring inside to each student’s new home.

two students moving their belongings into their new homes
Move-in time!

What followed was a whirlwind of setting up residence hall rooms, lunch with new friends, family goodbyes, and events on events so our new Champlainers could learn the ins and outs of campus.

families and students setting up dorm rooms
Families and students worked together to set up their new spots.

orientation leaders and resident advisors for each first year dorm hold signs for their houses in a group photo
Orientation Leaders were on hand the entire weekend, cheering the Class of 2023 on.

Student ambassadors wearing bright neon green shirts on campus
As were our Student Ambassadors!

And our (best-dressed) student move-in crew members!

families exploring information booths
Information booths were available around campus so families could learn about campus transportation, ski deals, local banking options, and more.

a family enjoying lunch on campus
Families enjoyed lunch together in Rozendaal Courtyard before heading to Finney Quad for the President’s Welcome.

Interim President Laurie Quinn speaking at a podium on campus
Interim President Laurie Quinn told students: “Connect—this is a big theme today and for Orientation, but it matters every day. Relationships with new people are the juice that powers your college experience.” Soon after, it was time for families and students to go their separate ways.

families saying goodbye to their students
We know, goodbyes are hard.

families saying goodbye to their students
Like, really hard.

A group photo of the class of 2023 in Finney quad
But we promise, the Class of 2023 is in good hands.

A Well-Rounded Education

To help acquaint students to campus, different offices and departments hosted talks about important topics such as safety, diversity and inclusion, sexual abuse, alcohol and substance abuse, and more.

Stacey Miller speaking on stage to the class of 2023
Special guest Stacey Miller spoke to the Class of 2023 about diversity and respecting each other’s book of rules.

new students attend presentations in the argosy gym
Students learned about alcohol and substance abuse, as well.

Champlain College Director of Public Safety Bruce Bovat presenting a meme to new students
Champlain College Director of Public Safety Bruce Bovat shared a lot of really important information with students to ensure they stay safe—and some humorous tips, too. Like don’t burn your popcorn in the residence hall kitchens.

Fun and Games

The hard-hitting topics were offset with fun and games, both on and off campus throughout the weekend. Students got a chance to explore the local Burlington community, too.

students bowling at Spare Time
Bowling at Spare Time in Colchester is always a hit.

students working on crafts at a campus event
Crafts, crafts, and more crafts!

a student performing at the grind
The Grind Open Mic Coffee House is a great opportunity for students to express themselves through performance. Audience members can relax, meet new people, and spend time with friends. 

students playing games during new student orientation in finney quad
Games on Finney Quad are a must, too. Spikeball, anyone?

students playing jenga
Jenga?

Chauncey fighting a blow-up T-Rex while students watch
But a fight between Chauncey and T-Rex? Now that you can’t miss.

Thank you to everyone who helped welcome the Class of 2023 to campus. What an exciting year we have ahead!

a group of orientation leaders and residence hall advisors sit on the quad and dance
Dancing into the new academic year.

Kaylee Sullivan

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