August Orientation Information
We strongly encourage all Jans to join us on an orientation adventure trip in August; trips are a great way to get to know fellow students and learn about both student life and the communities surrounding Hamilton. You can learn more about Hamilton’s Orientation Adventure trips, and view a list of frequently asked questions and answers related to the trip experience below.
We know that the January Admit experience often presents unique questions, especially regarding the transition to Hamilton and orientation. Please do not hesitate to contact Tessa Chefalo, Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement at tchefalo@hamilton.edu, or by phone at 315-859-4846.
- Mid-May: Receive your Hamilton email account and password.
Use this password to log in and register for an Orientation Trip in August. - Early November: Complete the Advising Tour.
The advising tour provides an introduction to the Hamilton curriculum and advising system. Once you complete the tour, we will use your list of preferred courses to prepare your initial class schedule for the fall semester and assign you to an advisor. - Mid-November: Deadline to complete housing questionnaire
- Mid-December: Complete security information modules and receive housing assignment.
In addition to getting information about your residence hall room and what to bring to campus, you are required to complete online security awareness training. These modules are designed to help you protect your personal information and teach you about your responsibilities when using Hamilton’s electronic resources.
Class schedule posted on My Hamilton and advisor assigned. - Saturday, January 17: Orientation begins.
- Wednesday, January 21: Classes begin.
FAQs: Orientation Adventure Trips
Jans should plan to arrive on campus on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and depart on Monday, August 25.
Yes. Jans who participate in an orientation adventure trip will be provided a temporary room on-campus for any nights they are not off-campus with their trip group. When you arrive on campus on August 19, you will be able to check-in to your temporary room, and will stay there on the evening of August 19. Most trips depart campus on August 20, and stay at either a campsite or local church or community center overnight during their trip. Trips return to campus on August 24, and Jans will once again be able to stay in their temporary rooms. Jans should plan to move out of their temporary rooms by 10 a.m. on Monday, August 25.
Jans should plan to depart campus on Monday, August 25. The orientation programming that occurs after that date is specific to fall admission students (for example, matriculation to the College, changes to course schedules, meetings with academic advisors).All of this programming will be offered during the required January Orientation for new Jans, from January 17-20, 2026.
When you receive your trip assignment, you will also receive a link to a trip-specific packing list. That list will include all supplies you need for the trip you are participating in. In addition, Jans may wish to bring a few additional items to cover the days spent on campus before and after the trips:
- Bedding and linens for use in your temporary on-campus room
- Towel and toiletries
- Dressy outfit for the post-trip banquet
- Comfortable clothing for the days you will be on campus
- A separate, small bag for carrying the clothing and other supplies you will need for your trip
Yes! On arrival day, August 19, there will be a coffee and conversation session for all Jans and families. This event is an opportunity to get to know fellow Jans, meet some upper class Jans, and speak with representatives from Hamilton College about the Jan experience. After all orientation trips return to campus on Sunday, August 24, there will also be a mixer just for new and upperclass Jans.
On Monday, August 25, Jans may participate in the following optional events before they depart campus:
- 7:45-8:30 a.m.: Continental Breakfast
- 8:45-10 a.m.: Orientation Lecture (all fall admission students are required to attend this event - in addition to a welcome talk from a faculty member, this also includes details about the open curriculum and advising process at Hamilton) -
- 10-11 a.m.: Advising and Curriculum Info Session for January Admission Students (continental breakfast provided - families welcome!
FAQs: Transitioning to Hamilton
January Orientation begins on Saturday, January 17, 2026, and continues through Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
In November, you will receive an invitation to the New Student Checklist. This checklist includes information about life at Hamilton and several required action steps. One of those action steps is the Advising Tour, an online process that includes information about Hamilton’s curriculum and course offerings, and space to review spring semester courses and enter your course preferences.
Residence halls open to new spring students on January 17, 2026. Orientation check-in and key pickup begins at 8:30 a.m. on that date, in the Sadove Student Center.
Contact
Contact Name
Tessa Chefalo
Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement
