Orientation

Order a Class Photo

One of Hamilton's orientation traditions is a panoramic photograph of your entire class. The photo will be taken by a professional photographer and is available for purchase. Recent graduates love this reminder of their first days and often reminisce before Commencement. A lot can happen in four years, so order your photo now!

Thursday, January 12

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Registration and Move-in

Welcome to Hamilton! Start off by picking up your Orientation packet and residence hall keys in the Sadove Student Center Lobby. Orientation Leaders (OLs) will be available to greet students and family members and answer your questions.
Sadove Student Center, 1st floor lobby
Parents and Students

9-11:30 a.m.

Introduction to the HillCard
Find out about Hamilton’s one card system, put dollars on your card, and get your card questions answered.
Sadove Student Center, 1st floor

For Parents and

New Students

12 p.m.

 

 

Welcome Remarks

Director of Admission Lora Schilder, Dean of Students Nancy Thompson and Associate Dean of Faculty Margaret Gentry will welcome you and your family to Hamilton College.
Fillius Events Barn, Beinecke Student Village

12:30 - 1:15 p.m.

Welcome Reception

Meet with our Orientation Staff, Division of Student Life Staff, January Faculty Advisors, and other parents and students.
Fillius Events Barn, Beinecke Student Village
*A light lunch will be available

Parent Sessions

1:15 - 2:15 p.m.

Navigating the Road Ahead
Director of Counseling and Psychological Services Bob Kazin will share what to expect as family members of a Hamilton College student, and what resources are available on campus. Current students also will share their insights and answer your questions.
Kirner-Johnson Auditorium (KRJH 125)

2:15 - 3 p.m.

Introduction to the HillCard
Find out about Hamilton’s one card system, put dollars on your student’s card, and get your card questions answered.
Kirner-Johnson Commons, Level 1
*You may meet your student in the lobby of the Fillius Events Barn, Beinecke Village, following this program
 

New Student Sessions

1:15 - 2 p.m.
Student Group Meetings with Orientation Leaders

Your Orientation Leader will give you an overview of Orientation activities and events, and discuss important guidelines for the days ahead.
Various locations; students will depart from Fillius Events Barn

2 - 2:45 p.m.
Matriculation

Visit Buttrick Hall to sign the historic College Register. President Joan Hinde Stewart, Associate Dean of Faculty Margaret Gentry, Dean of Students Nancy Thompson and Director of Admission Lora Schilder will greet you as part of this annual tradition.
Board of Trustee Room, Buttrick Hall, 2nd floor
*You may meet your family in the lobby of the Fillius Events Barn, Beinecke Village following this program
 

3:45 - 4:30 p.m.
Library Q & A

We're here to help! Come to the library where we'll hit the high points: how to look up a book, where to find it and other things in the library, and other available resources.

6 - 7 p.m.
Dinner with Orientation Staff and Resident Advisors

(Students only; parents depart)
The Hub, Bristol Center

7-9 p.m.
Residence Hall Meetings

Facilitated by Resident Advisors
Meet in The Hub, Bristol Center following dinner

   

 Friday, January 13

7:30 - 9 a.m.

Breakfast

Commons Dining Hall

9 - 10:15 a.m.
Curriculum and Advising Discussion

Learn about Hamilton’s curriculum, the Honor Code, the Writing Center, and the Peer Tutoring Center, and meet your faculty advisors. Discussion facilitated by Associate Dean Students for Academics and Professor of Chemistry Karen Brewer. This session will be followed by group meetings with your advisor.
Café Opus 2, Science Center

10:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.   
Schedule Changes; Individual Meetings with Advisors

Do you need to change or add a class? Do you need additional time with your advisor? Just want to confirm your schedule? Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with members of the Registrar’s staff or to consult with your advisor.
Registrar’s Office; Faculty Advisor Offices

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.  

Lunch

Commons Dining Hall

1 - 2:30 p.m.
Student Life Trivia

Learn all about the Division of Student Life during a fun-filled trivia session with college administrators and other new students.
Fillius Events Barn, Beinecke Student Village
 

2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Physical Education Testing

Please wear appropriate clothing/footwear and be prepared for fitness activities (i.e., running, fitness exercises and swimming).
Meet in the Blood Fitness Center

5:30 - 7 p.m.
Dinner with Faculty and Orientation Staff

Enjoy a casual dinner with members of the faculty, orientation staff, and administrators.
Science Center Atrium
 

7 - 8:30 p.m.
Alcohol Education and Sexual Assault Prevention

Learn about the effects of alcohol, how to protect yourself and your friends, and what the available resources are at Hamilton.

Science Center G041
 

8:30 p.m.

Games!
Sadove Sunporch

   

Saturday, January 14

Returning students move in

7:30 - 9 a.m.

Breakfast
Commons Dining Hall

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Diversity at Hamilton College

Days-Massolo Center Director Amit Taneja will lead a discussion on what it means to attend college with students from a variety of backgrounds. You’ll also learn about the great resources and events that take place at the Days-Massolo Center.
Sadove Student Center Conference Room, 112
 

12 - 1 p.m.

Lunch
Commons Dining Hall

1 - 5 p.m.
Hamilton Serves!

Join our 2011 Alternative Spring Break leaders on service projects in the greater Utica area. A great opportunity to get to know your local area, learn about volunteering, and help out some non-profit organizations. Sponsored by the COOP (Community Outreach and Opportunity Project).
Meet your college van and ASB leader in the Sadove Student Center Driveway

6 - 8 p.m.

Dinner with Returning January Students

Come to the Pub and enjoy dinner and the company of returning Hamilton ”Jans,” along with OL’s and ASB leaders.
The Little Pub
 

8 p.m.

Movie Night!

Come watch a movie and hang out at one of the hippest places on campus (movie TBA).
Glen House (Hamilton’s Outdoor Leadership Center)

   

Sunday, January 15

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sunday brunch
Commons

1 p.m.

Campus Tour

Confused about getting to classes tomorrow? Come tour the campus with one of Hamilton’s most entertaining student tour guides.
Meet in front of the Commons Dining Hall.

2 - 5 p.m.

Getting Acclimated

Jitney Service to New Hartford shopping areas. Drop-off locations include Hannaford Market, the Village of Clinton, Sangertown Mall, Wal-Mart and the Marquee Cinemas.
Pick up/drop off in the Sadove Student Center Driveway

   

Monday, January 16

Classes begin! Afterwards, please join us in our celebration of MLK Day!

 

Activities in ALL CAPS are mandatory.

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