Orientation Schedule
August 19-27, 2025
Below is the orientation schedule for all new students entering in fall 2025. If you have questions, please contact Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement Tessa Chefalo at tchefalo@hamilton.edu.
- 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.
- Parents and family members are also encouraged to participate in all activities prior to 3 p.m.
Note: International Student Orientation (ISO) takes place from August 16-18, 2025. Students who are participating in ISO should plan to arrive on campus on August 15 or 16, and should refer to their email for additional information about ISO. Please contact Director of International Student Services Bonike Odegbami at oodegbam@hamilton.edu with any questions.
| Tuesday, August 19 |
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| 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Orientation Check-in and Residence Hall Move-In* Welcome to Hamilton! Start off by picking up your Orientation information and residence hall keys. Orientation Trip Leaders and Community Advisors (CAs) will be available to greet students and family members and answer your questions. Residence Hall Lobbies/Lounges |
| 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cram and Scram Sale Still need something for your room? Stop by Hamilton’s annual cram and scram sale - happening for the first time during orientation! Browse this nearly-new dorm essentials resale event to put the finishing touches on your new residence hall space. Molly Root House Parking Lot |
| 10 a.m.-1 p.m. One-Stop Shop An informational open house with campus representatives from Student Employment, Career Center, HillCard Services, Campus Safety, Student Transportation, Community Living, Financial Aid, Health Center, Library & Information Technology Services, NBT Bank, Haylor, Freyer and Coon (student health insurance), and Clinton Merchants. Atrium, Taylor Science Center |
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. Coffee and Conversation for January Admission Students and Families Join fellow January Admission students and families along with Hamilton administrators and returning Jan students at a welcome and informational coffee break. Filius Events Barn |
| 11:30-11:45 a.m. Meeting for Student Athletes and their Families Interim Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Deidre Pierson will provide information specific to Hamilton student-athletes. Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Picnic Lunch for New Students and Families Tent on the Dunham Green |
| 1 p.m. President and Deans’ Welcome* President Steven Tepper, VP and Dean of Faculty Ngoni Munemo, VP and Dean of Admission John McLaughlin, and VP and Dean of Students Christopher Card welcome new students and their families. Margaret Bundy Scott Field House |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. Welcome Reception Students and their families are invited to speak with the president, deans, administrators, faculty members, and staff. Light refreshments will be served. East Quad outside the Taylor Science Center (Rainsite: Margaret Bundy Scott Field House) |
| 3-4 p.m. Parent and Family Session: Student Life and Campus Resources Dean of Students Chris Card and other members of the Divisions of Student Life and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion will share information about the student experience and resources as Hamilton. Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 3-4:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies* Head to the football field to meet your fellow new students, Orientation Adventure trip leaders, and groups for games and introductions. Steuben Football Field |
| 4:30-7 p.m. Adventure Trip Preparation* Harding Field House |
| 5 -7 p.m. First Night Dinner* Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| 7 p.m. Be Here Now* Meet the Orientation staff and student leaders and learn more about what to expect when your Orientation Adventure Trip begins tomorrow. Kennedy Center Amphitheater (Rainsite: Scott Field House) |
| 8 p.m. Adventure Trip Group Activities* Various Locations – See your Orientation Adventure Trip Leader for details. |
| Wednesday, August 20 |
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| 7–10 a.m. Breakfast Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| All Day Adventure Trip Activities Various locations |
| 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch For trip groups still on campus Commons Dining Hall |
| 5 – 7 p.m. Dinner For trip groups still on campus Commons Dining Hall |
| Thursday, August 21 |
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| 7–8 a.m. Breakfast* For trip groups still on campus Commons Dining Hall |
| All Day* Adventure Trip Activities Various locations |
| Friday, August 22 - Saturday, August 23 |
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| All day* Adventure Trip Activities Various locations |
| Sunday, August 24 |
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| Morning-Afternoon Adventure Trip Activities* Various locations |
| Afternoon Adventure Trips return to campus* |
| 12 p.m.–4 p.m. Lunch Commons Dining Hall |
| 5:30 p.m. Dinner* Tent on the Dunham Green |
| 7 p.m. Residence Hall Mixers* Meet your CA and fellow hallmates, and learn more about living on campus at Hamilton. After dinner, please head to your residence hall to meet your CA! Residence Halls – various locations |
| 7 p.m. Jan Mixer Spend some time getting to know your fellow January Admission students before you embark on your fall experiences! The Little Pub |
| Monday, August 25 |
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| 7:30–8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast Tent on the Dunham Green |
| 8:45–10 a.m. Orientation Lecture Anna Huff, assistant professor of digital arts, delivers this year’s Orientation Lecture. Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 10–11 a.m. Brunch and Info Session for January Admission Students and Families Jans who are interested in information about Hamilton’s curriculum, advising, and spring course registration are invited to chat with representatives from the Registrar’s Office, Associate Dean of Students for Academics, and Pre-Health Professions Advising. A continental brunch will be served. Please bring along your temporary room key and meal card. Fillius Events Barn |
| 10–11 a.m. Group Advising Sessions* Meet with your faculty advisor See your orientation booklet sticker for your advisor's name and office location |
| 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Lunch with your Orientation Group (Students wishing to attend the Jewish Community Bagel Brunch may do so.) Commons Dining Hall |
| 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Individual Advising Meetings* Faculty Advisor Offices |
| 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Jewish Community Bagel Brunch Come for delicious bagels with spreads and meet members of our on-campus Jewish community! Everyone is welcome. Questions? Email hillel@hamilton.edu. Azel Backus House, Center for Jewish Life |
| 12:30–2:30 p.m. Lawn Games and Ice Cream Stop by for some friendly competition, snacks, music, and cold treats! Babbitt Pavilion |
| 12 –1 p.m. Informal Sciences Advising Mingle with faculty and ask questions about majors and courses in the sciences. Taylor Science Center Atrium |
| 12– 1 p.m. Informal Social Sciences Advising Mingle with faculty and ask questions about majors and courses in the social sciences. In addition, the Economics Department will be offering a 20-minute introduction to the major with a Q&A beginning at noon and 12:30 p.m. in KJ 101. First Floor Commons, Kirner-Johnson |
| 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Academic Info Sessions Each session is offered twice, at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
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| 2–4 p.m. Drop-In Snacks & Relax Stop by Sadove for games, snacks, crafts, and a chance to unwind. Orientation leaders will be around to chat and answer any lingering questions! Sadove Student Center Living Room and Sun Porch |
| 3–5 p.m. The Hamilton Honor Code* Introduction to the Hamilton Honor Code. This 30-minute session is offered 4 times. Please see your orientation booklet for your group name and assigned time. Bradford Auditorium, Kirner-Johnson Group One @ 3 p.m.: Teams Tiana, Jasmine, and Cinderella Group Two @ 3:30 p.m.: Teams Elsa, Merida, and Moana Group Three @ 4 p.m.: Teams Aurora, Belle, and Rapunzel Group Four @ 4:30 p.m.: Teams Mulan, Ariel, and Snow White |
| 3–5 p.m. Wellness at Hamilton* College is a holistic experience, and you will have a lot to balance over the next four years. Come learn about how you can take care of yourself while at Hamilton, how we take care of each other in our community, and what services are offered in the Counseling Center and Dean of Students Office. This 30-minute session is offered 4 times. Please see your orientation booklet for your group name and assigned time. Kennedy Auditorium, Taylor Science Center Group One @ 3 p.m.: Teams Aurora, Belle, and Rapunzel Group Two @ 3:30 p.m.: Teams Mulan, Ariel, and Snow White Group Three @ 4 p.m.: Teams Tiana, Jasmine, and Cinderella Group Four @ 4:30 p.m.: Teams Elsa, Merida, and Moana |
| 5–6:45 p.m. Dinner Commons Dining Hall |
| 7 –8 p.m. Community and Allyship* Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 8:30–10p.m. Transfer Student Mixer The Little Pub |
| 10 p.m.–Midnight Open Mic Night Show off your talents or just come to watch your friends and Orientation trip leaders perform! Fillius Events Barn |
| 10 p.m.–Midnight New Student Block Party Food Trucks, DIY dorm decs, crafts, games, fire pits, and giveaways. Need we say more? Come relax, connect, and grab a bite! Sadove Terrace |
| Tuesday, August 26 |
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| 7:30-9 a.m. Breakfast Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| 9–3 p.m. Registration Follow-up Check-in at the Registrar’s office if you need to make changes to your course schedule. See below for your group’s assigned time. Registrar’s Office, Elihu Root House 9 – 10:15 a.m.: Teams Ariel, Snow White and Rapunzel 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Teams Moana, Cinderella and Jasmine 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.: Teams Tiana, Elsa and Merida 1:45 – 3 p.m.: Teams Aurora, Belle, and Mula |
| 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Individual Advising Meetings Various Locations |
| 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Matriculation* Visit the Kirkland Cottage 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 & Inclusion Sean Bennett, and VP and Dean of Students Christopher Card will greet new students during this annual and historic Hamilton tradition. (Please find your group name on your orientation booklet label, and arrive at the Kirkland Cottage at your group’s assigned time below). Kirkland Cottage 10 a.m.: Tiana 10:30 a.m.: Elsa 11 a.m.: Merida 11:30 a.m.: Aurora 12:30 p.m.: Belle 1 p.m.: Mulan 1:30 p.m.: Ariel 2 p.m.: Snow White |
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11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
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| 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Lunch Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| 2-4:30 p.m. Wellin Museum of Art Poster Giveaway Stop in to the Wellin Museum to pick up a poster to decorate your room, look at artwork, and personalize your back-to-school gear with homemade vinyl cut-out stickers. Wellin Museum of Art |
| 2:30–4:30 p.m. Hamilton’s Sexual Misconduct Policy* This presentation will provide an introduction to the Hamilton Sexual Misconduct Policy. Presentation by Debbie Owens, director of Title IX and civil rights compliance. Bradford Auditorium, Kirner-Johnson Group One @ 2:30 p.m.: Teams Ariel, Snow White, and Rapunzel Group Two @ 3 p.m: Teams Moana, Cinderella, and Jasmine Group Three @ 3:30 p.m.: Teams Tiana, Elsa, and Merida Group Four @ 4 p.m.: Teams Aurora, Belle, and Mulan |
| 5-7:30 p.m. Dinner Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| 5–6:30 p.m. MP2 (Multicultural Peer Mentoring Project) Mixer Tolles Pavilion |
| 7:30–9 p.m. Safety and Health at Hamilton* This presentation will highlight health and safety resources at Hamilton and discuss ways to promote a healthy and safe campus community. Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 9 p.m. Mentalist Al Snyder Dr. Al Snyder blends traditional stage hypnosis and creative new material to keep audience members on the edge of their seats. One of the highlights of the week! Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 9 -10 p.m. Fire and Ice...Cream Mix and mingle while you enjoy fire pits, ice cream, and popsicles. You will also have a chance to meet our staff, including the new Dean, and student leaders from our Spiritual and Religious Life student organizations. ALL ARE WELCOME! Chapel Lawn |
| 10 p.m. Trivia Night Come test out your knowledge of Hamilton (and minutiae) at Trivia Night, hosted by the First-Year Experience (FYE) Leaders! Bring along your own group, or just show up and we’ll match you with a group. Snacks for all, and prizes for the winners! Fillius Events Barn |
| Wednesday, August 27 |
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| 7–9 a.m. Breakfast Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Registration Follow-Up Stop by if you still need to make changes to your fall course schedule. Registrar's Office, Elihu Root House |
| 9–10:30 a.m. QuestBridge Scholars Orientation Meeting Meet peer incoming QuestBridge scholars in this dynamic session that will provide guidance on effective campus navigation, learn about the concept of the hidden curriculum, meet the QSN leadership, and more! Bradford Conference Room (112), Sadove Student Center |
| 11 a.m.-Noon Hamilton 101* Being a member of the Hamilton community is an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and develop deep and meaningful relationships. With that privilege comes responsibility to our community. This session, hosted by the Dean of Students Office, will focus on your rights and responsibilities as a student, and will introduce staff members from the Divisions of Student Life and partners across campus who will be resources to you as you navigate your campus experience. Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 12-2 p.m. Lunch Commons and McEwen Dining Halls |
| 12 - 2 p.m. Matriculation* Visit the Kirkland Cottage 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 & Inclusion Sean Bennett, and VP and Dean of Students Christopher Card will greet new students during this annual and historic Hamilton tradition. (Please find your group name on your orientation booklet label, and arrive at the Kirkland Cottage at your group’s assigned time below). Kirkland Cottage 12 p.m.: Rapunzel 12:30pm: Moana 1 p.m.: Cinderella 1:30 p.m.: Jasmine |
| 1:30-2:30 p.m. Finding Community at Hamilton: MARC and ALANA Caucus Mixer Join faculty, staff, and alumni members of MARC (Hamilton’s Multicultural Alumni Relations Committee) and the ALANA Caucus (Africana, Latino/a, Asian and Pacific Islander, Native American, and All Other Underrepresented Races and Ethnicities) and students from across campus for an ice cream social and mixer, and to learn more about their work, involvement, and experiences with community on campus. Days Massolo Multicultural Center |
| 4:15 p.m. Convocation* President Steven Tepper will preside over the ceremony that officially opens the 214th year of Hamilton College. Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| 5:30-7 p.m. All-Campus Barbecue Tent on the Dunham Green |
| 6:30-7:30 p.m. Music Department Open House Interested in Choir, Orchestra, or Jazz Ensemble? Thinking about taking private music lessons? Wondering about music classes and perhaps the concentration? Come to the Open House to meet faculty and have all your questions answered! 2nd Floor Lounge of List Art Center |
| 7:30-9 p.m. A Cappella Concert Come see Hamilton’s five a cappella groups perform! Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| Friday, Aug. 29 |
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| Noon – 2 p.m. Student Activities & Organizations Fair Tent on the Dunham Green |
| 6–9 p.m. Back to School Food Trucks Grab a bite at the first Food Truck Friday of the year! Various locations — see your email for details |
| 7:30–9 p.m. A Cappella Concert Come see Hamilton’s five a cappella groups perform! Wellin Hall, Schambach Center |
| Saturday, Aug. 30 |
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| Noon – 3 p.m. C@B (Campus Activities Board) Carnival Come join the fun as we kick off the school year with inflatables, treats, and more! Stop by the FYE booth for giveaways, ice cream, a chance to meet the FYE leaders AND your first opportunity to earn FYE points toward prizes through the semester! Kennedy Center Amphitheater (Rainsite: Tolles Pavilion) |
| 9 – 11 p.m. First After Dark of the Year: Big Prize Bingo, Dorm Room Edition Feeling lucky? Fill your room with some great prizes at our Big Prize Bingo program! Fillius Events Barn, Beinecke Student Activities Village |
Contact
Contact Name
Tessa Chefalo
Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement
Phone
Email
