Congratulations and welcome!
Jump start your ´ó·¢²ÊƱ experience by participating in a pre-orientation program. ´ó·¢²ÊƱ offers a variety of pre-orientation programs prior to Arrival Day and Orientation. These programs are designed to help you become familiar with ´ó·¢²ÊƱ, engage with student leaders, have fun, learn, and of course, meet some of your new classmates. Learn more below and by visiting the pre-orientation webpage.
To reserve a spot for one of our pre-orientation programs, please complete the registration by Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Limited space is available and reservations will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you have any questions regarding pre-orientation programs, please email newstudents@colgate.edu.
Pre-Orientation Programs
Community Outreach
August 19–24, 2025
Make friends through community outreach and service, and learn about the local community in which you will live while at ´ó·¢²ÊƱ. You will travel off campus in small groups with upper-level student leaders and mentors, immersing yourself in community settings. Serve with and learn from residents and nonprofit agencies in the local and regional area. Through service and reflection on its definition, purpose, and efficacy, this experience invites you to begin your time at ´ó·¢²ÊƱ acting on and thinking about engaged citizenship and the public good. Learn how to connect individual acts of service to long-term social change; join a group of students on a service journey and see what answers you find!
First@´ó·¢²ÊƱ and QuestBridge Scholars
August 19–24, 2025
Build community and familiarize yourself with campus resources that will help you thrive at ´ó·¢²ÊƱ. This program provides QuestBridge Scholars and first-generation students early access to opportunities to network with faculty and staff, get acquainted with key University offices, hear from upper-level students, and bond with fellow incoming students. Join this pre-orientation program and make the most of your ´ó·¢²ÊƱ experience right out of the ’gate!
Sustainability of the North Country
August 19–24, 2025
´ó·¢²ÊƱ students are passionate students. Kick off your journey with the Sustainability of the North Country pre-orientation, an immersive experience that blends community engagement with outdoor adventure. Starting on campus and traveling into the Adirondack Park, we will cook elaborate meals with sustainable foods, volunteer with local nonprofits, and canoe in the North Country’s expansive lakes. At the end of each day, unwind in cozy cabins at the goat farm. This Office of Sustainability and Upstate Institute trip offers a little bit of everything, from chances to build friendships and connect to the region, to lighting the spark to carry sustainability into your ´ó·¢²ÊƱ journey.
All are welcome, whether you consider yourself a novice in sustainability or a long-time sustainability champion. After returning to campus, you will start off on a more sustainable path with a crew of like-minded friends as you embark on your first year at ´ó·¢²ÊƱ.
Wilderness Adventure
August 9–14, 2025
August 19–24, 2025
For more than 30 years, around 25% of first-year students have started their ´ó·¢²ÊƱ careers with a Wilderness Adventure. Alongside 7–9 other incoming first years and two experienced Outdoor Education student leaders, you will experience upstate New York and the Adirondack Park by backpacking, canoeing, sea kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, day hiking, or a combo of these activities. Whether you’re an experienced outdoors person or you have never been camping before, we have a trip that is right for you (besides a range of activities, trips also come in a variety of difficulty levels). Along the way, you’ll make new friends and create unforgettable memories to set you up for the rest of your time at ´ó·¢²ÊƱ.
No previous outdoor experience is needed for any of our trips — just a willingness to have fun, learn, and meet new people. We will take care of the rest!