NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
August 16-19, 2025
Welcome to Meredith!
Through New Student Orientation, you鈥檒l find everything you need to start your Meredith journey with confidence. Our program is designed to immerse you in the campus community, connect you with new classmates, and have tons of fun. We look forward to welcoming you to campus鈥攂alloon arches and all!
Fall 2025 New Student Orientation will run from Saturday, August 16 鈥� Tuesday, August 19. The first day of classes is Wednesday, August 20.
For a full breakdown of what to expect on Move-In Day鈥攊ncluding check-in instructions, parking, and open campus resources鈥攖ake a look at the Move-In Day Information Handout (PDF)
Contact Information
Chrissie Bumgardner
Co-Director, First Year Experience
bumgardner@meredith.edu
Lisa Brown
Co-Director, First Year Experience
lmbrown@meredith.edu
Favorite Orientation Traditions
At Meredith, Orientation is more than schedules and sessions 鈥� it鈥檚 where you begin to belong. Each of these beloved traditions plays a special role in helping you feel connected, grounded, and fully part of our community from day one.
Move-In Day: Your Meredith Welcome Party
Your Meredith journey begins at the front gate 鈥� literally! As you roll onto campus, be prepared for cheers, signs, and maybe even a balloon arch or two. Our OCrew (a high-energy team of student volunteers), along with proud alumnae, our Parent鈥檚 Council, Student Advisors, and Resident Assistants, are spread all over campus to welcome you home through out the day.
Honor Code Ceremony: A promise we make together
At Meredith, integrity is something we pledge publicly and take seriously. During the Honor Code Ceremony, every new student formally recites the Honor Pledge, marking the official beginning of their academic and community life at Meredith. According to tradition, your matriculation as a student officially begins the moment you take the pledge.
Massey House Tour: Your Invite to the President鈥檚 Home
Within your first few days on campus, you鈥檒l have the opportunity to visit the Massey House鈥攈ome of President Aimee Sapp. Since the 1970s, this tradition has marked a meaningful milestone for new students, offering a memorable start to your Meredith experience.
New Student Checkist
We get it. There is a lot going on before you head to campus. Use this checklist as a helpful reminder of all the details that should be settled before you arrive this August. For more detailed information, be sure to visit the聽:
- Access and begin using your Meredith Email via the applicant portal.
- Return a signed scholarship acceptance form and financial aid offer via the applicant portal.
- Request official transcripts and any Advanced Placement scores be sent to the Office of Admissions via the applicant portal.
- Complete all modules on the聽聽Brightspace Page.
- Complete a Housing Request Form, if living on campus (form can be found in the Brightspace page. Due June 25).
- Submit all required forms, immunization records, and health insurance information via聽Health Services聽(due July 1).
- Request accommodations聽for a documented disability.
- Complete your CliftonStrengths Assessment (Email will be sent on July 15).
- Purchase and read our聽Summer Reading Program听蝉别濒别肠迟颈辞苍,听Ordinary Light聽by Tracy K. Smith
Orientation FAQs
What programs do I have to attend during New Student Orientation?
New students 鈥� whether you鈥檙e a first-year, transfer, or commuter 鈥� are all part of Orientation and all sessions are required unless otherwise noted on your schedule. We have designed the schedule with you in mind to help you be prepared and successful and strongly encourage you to participate in as much of the program as possible.
What if I am on a fall sports team?
Please attend all mandatory orientation programs. Coaches are aware of the schedule and will work with you to best meet your needs and their requirements.
What is the Fast Track Program and am I eligible?
The Fast Track Program is a condensed and rapid-paced version of orientation intended for our WINGS/Adult students held on Tuesday, August 19th. Transfer students may be eligible to opt into the Fast Track program and can discuss this alternative with your admissions representative.
Is there anything specific I need for New Student Orientation?
All events are casual attire with the exception of the FDOC Eve Events, which includes the Honor Code Ceremony. This is a formal ceremony that requires dressy casual attire (sundresses, daytime dresses, pants with nice tops, etc.)
Important Links
Orientation Schedule
Saturday | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Fast track | The Month Ahead
Saturday, August 16th
| Start | End | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | New Student Move In | Residence Halls |
| 11:00 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. | Family Lunch* Enjoy lunch with your student in Belk Dining Hall whenever it works for you. Parents Council representatives will be there to answer questions and talk about how you can stay involved and support your student throughout their time at Meredith. | Belk Dining Hall |
| 3:30 p.m. | 3:50 p.m. | Commuter Student Check In | Johnson Hall Rotunda |
| 4:00 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. | Welcome to Meredith Your official welcome to Meredith where you will join President Aimee Sapp, Vice President Jean Jackson, and Student Government Association President Georgia Fulghum as they share advice for making the most of your time at Meredith. | Jones Auditorium |
| 4:30 p.m. | 5:45 p.m. | Meet & Greet with Student Advisors Gather with your Student Advisor (SA) Groups outside of Jones Auditorium. SAs will lead you to your "homeroom" where you will meet others in your group and set the plan for your next three days of orientation. | SA Group Homerooms |
| 5:45 p.m. | 7:30 p.m. | Dinner* | Belk Dining Hall |
| 7:30 p.m. | 8:00 p.m. | First Floor Meeting (required of all first year and transfer resident students) Meet your Resident Assistant (RA), get to know floor-mates, and review a few basics for community living. | Residence Halls |
| 8:00 p.m. | 10:30 p.m. | Movie on the Green Its been a busy day, so unwind with a good movie and new friends outside. Light food, drinks, and goodies will be provided, but please bring your own blanket/towel. Sponsored by the Residence Hall Association (RHA). | Kresge Auditorium (Rain Location) |
| * Resident students use their meal plan. Commuter students receive a meal voucher for all meals in red. $10.70/person otherwise. |
Sunday, August 17th
| Start | End | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast* (special breakfast hours) | Belk Dining Hall |
| 9:30 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. | Yoga, Meredith Style Connect with your heart, mind, body, and breath to cultivate strength and balance. In this vinyasa style flow, participants will link their breath with purposeful movement and leave with tools they can access on and off the mat. Come as you are and take the pace and movement you need in your body. Leave feeling centered, grounded and empowered.聽Bring a towel/mat and water. Dress in comfortable clothes to move freely. | Johnson Hall Rotunda |
| 10:00 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. | Brunch/Lunch* | Belk Dining Hall |
| 10:30 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | First Generation Meet Up Attend this gathering if you are a first-generation student (student whose parent(s) did not complete a bachelor's degree) to connect with others first in their family to attend college. Staff will be present to guide conversation and connection. | Cate Center, 2nd Floor |
| 11:30 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. | The Chaplain & Canines Come meet our Chaplain, Stacy Pardue, learn about her office and enjoy visiting with loving dogs and their owners through Canines for Service. | Patio, Belk Dining Hall |
| 11:30 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. | Early College Student Lunch Meet Up Are you entering Meredith with your Associates Degree? Gather over lunch with Melissa Stanley from the Student Success Center and meet other new students coming in with college credit. Tables will be reserved in the Belk West section of the dining hall. A lunch voucher will be provided for commuter students interested in this meet up. | Belk Dining Hall |
| 11:45 a.m. | 12:45 p.m. | Student Collective Meet Up The Student Collective meets with the Assistant Provost for Retention and Belonging to share ideas, discuss student experiences, and contribute to shaping campus initatives. This is a great opportunity to connect with others who are interested in building a stronger, more supportive community. All students are welcome. | Cate Center, 2nd Floor |
| 1:00 p.m. | 1:50 p.m. | Guide to Community Living Living on campus? Members of the Residence Life team review the expectations of living, learning, and staying safe in our campus community.聽Required of all first year and transfer resident students. | Jones Chapel |
| 1:00 p.m. | 1:50 p.m. | Commuter Student Information Session Not living on campus? Attend this session designed to get you connected to each other, campus resources, as well as the Association of Meredith Commuters (AMC).聽Required of all first year commuter students. | Kresge Auditorium |
| 2:00 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. | SA Group Sunday Rotations Gather with your SA Group before Sunday Rotations. SAs will escort their group to each program at the assigned time. Consult with your SA for your group's specific schedule. | Start in SA Group Homerooms |
| The following sessions are included in Sunday Rotations: | |||
| Strengths 101 In this introduction to StrongPoints and CliftonStrengths, you'll explore your Top 5 natural talents and learn how to grow them into real strengths during your time at Meredith. Results from your Strengths Assessment will be reviewed during this program. Please come prepared to discuss. | Various Locations | ||
| Navigating Campus Go beyond the typical campus tour and discover the places that you will not only frequent as a student, but learn to appreciate as well. Bring your schedule so you can find all your classes! | Various Locations | ||
| 4:45 p.m. | 6:00 p.m | Campus Life Skit Enjoy a comical yet informative performance introducing you to the many opportunities, resources, and campus traditions that exist at Meredith. | Jones Auditorium |
| 6:00 p.m. | 7:30 p.m. | Dinner 鈥� Belk Bash Celebrate the new academic year with a campus-wide dinner party. No meal plan? No problem. Dinner is on us! | Belk Dining Hall |
| * Resident students use their meal plan. Commuter students receive a meal voucher for all meals in red. $10.70/person otherwise. |
Monday, August 18th
| Start | End | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast* | Belk Dining Hall |
| 9:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. | Commuter Student Hangout Open The Library welcomes commuter students! Whenever you find yourself with some downtime between programs, settle into the Library where comfortable spaces, conversation, books, board games, and more awaits. | Carlyle Campbell Library |
| 9:00 a.m. | 9:50 a.m. | Group Meeting with Faculty Advisors Students will connect with their Faculty Advisor (FA), explore what's ahead in their intended major, and get a few tips for succeeding at the college level. | Various Locations |
| 10:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | SA Group Monday Rotations (includes lunch) Meet up with your SA at the specified times to go through your Monday Rotations. Time for lunch and mental health breaks are included during the day. Consult with your SA for your group's specific schedule. | Various Locations |
| The following sessions are included in the rotations: | |||
| Get to Know the Library Take part in a 25-minute tour of the Carlyle Campbell Library and learn about the many resources available to you. | Carlyle Campbell Library | ||
| MC Traditions: Lightning Round Join in a lightning-fast session to learn about some of the big MC traditions that are planned within the Office of Student Leadership and Service. Leave knowing how you can get involved on campus-- and with some fabulous prizes! | Harris 214 | ||
| Connection with your SA As a part of this session, your SA will facilitate the First Year Start Strong Survey. This survey includes questions about activities prior to college and your expectations for the first year. | SA Group Homeroom | ||
| 11:00 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. | Student Health Support Hours If you need help completing your insurance decision (waiver/enrollment) or have last-minute questions before the deadline---come see us! As a reminder, all full-time undergraduate students must聽either enroll聽in Meredith鈥檚 BCBS insurance or opt out by completing a waiver with their personal insurance information in the Meredith BCBS insurance portal annually.聽 | 2nd Floor, Cate Center |
| 11:00 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. | Technology Services Pop-Up Hours Have specific questions or need help with technology on campus? Stop by during Pop-Up Hours. | 1st Floor Cate Center |
| 3:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. | Disability Services Information Session Meet the staff who head up Disability Services and learn about the direct services available to students including how to qualify for accommodations. | Harris 102 |
| 4:00 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | Pickle Ball Pickleball anyone? Come on out to the Tennis Courts behind CHESS for some informal play. Equipment will be provided. | Tennis Courts |
| 5:00 p.m. | 7:00 p.m. | Dinner* | Belk Dining Hall |
| 5:30 p.m. | 8:00 p.m. | Camp Daisy: Mix & Mingle Don鈥檛 miss out on this adventure of fun, friends, and making memories. Dive into a scavenger hunt, line dancing, cornhole, and check out the amazing Bubble Guy. Sing your heart out with camp songs and satisfy your sweet tooth at our s'mores buffet. If you prefer something low-key, relax in our quiet space too. Sponsored by StrongPoints. | Cate Center |
| * Resident students use their meal plan. Commuter students receive a meal voucher for all meals in red. $10.70/person otherwise. |
Tuesday, August 19th
| Start | End | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast* | Belk Dining Hall |
| 7:30 a.m. | 8:30 a.m. | Meredith Mile Walk/Run Meet Up Join other movement-minded students to complete your first Meredith Mile. | Heck Fountain, Main Courtyard |
| 9:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. | Commuter Student Hangout Open The Library welcomes commuter students! Whenever you find yourself with some downtime between programs, settle into the Library where comfortable spaces, conversation, books, board games, and more awaits. | Carlyle Campbell Library |
| 9:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. | Academic Check In & Drop/Add Take this time to finalize your fall schedule, meet with your Faculty Advisor, and make sure you are good to go for the First Day of Classes (FDOC). | Various Locations |
| 10:00 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. | Tell Us a Story(board) Drop-In Create a storyboard about YOU and your intentions for the year. The end product: a customized piece of art and a vision board for the year ahead. Craft supplies will be provided along with some inspiration to get your creativty flowing. Stop by at any time to get started. | Carlyle Campbell Library |
| 11:00 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. | Lunch* | Belk Dining Hall |
| 1:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. | Health and Wellness at Meredith At Meredith we take wellness seriously. In this session you'll learn about the resources available to support you, get tips for building healthy relationships, and understand what to do-- and where to turn-- if something doesn't feel right. Title IX policies and reporting procedures will also be covered. | Jones Auditorium |
| 4:30 p.m. | 8:30 p.m. | FDOC Eve Traditions: The night before the First Day of Classes (FDOC) includes a series of traditions for new students and this progressive event covers them all. Dressy casual attire is encouraged. SAs escort their group to each location at their assigned time. | Various Locations |
| The following activities are included in the progressive event | |||
| Massey House Tour Since the 1970s, its been a tradition for new students to visit the President's home, the Massey House. Students get to meet President Sapp and tour the place that she calls home. | Massey House | ||
| Celebratory Dinner* Celebrate FDOC Eve with an elevated dining experience sponsored by the Office of the President. | Belk Dining Hall | ||
| Dessert Reception* Progress to desserts at this photo worthy spot-- the rotunda and the Meredith Fountain in front of Johnson Hall. | Johnson Hall Rotunda | ||
| 7:30 p.m. | 8:30 p.m. | Honor Code Ceremony This longstanding tradition provides students the opportunity to understand and celebrate the Honor Code at Meredith. Here, each student will sign and recite the Honor Code. | Jones Auditorium |
| * Resident students use their meal plan. Commuter students receive a meal voucher for all meals in red. $10.70/person otherwise. |
Fast Track Schedule - Tuesday, August 19th
| Start time | End Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m | 10:00 a.m | Campus Errands (optional) Use this time to do any necessary business on campus before the official program begins. | |
| 10:00 a.m | 10:40 a.m | Fast Track Check-In & Resource Fair Get to meet other new students and visit with staff from various departments on campus. | 1st Floor Cate |
| 10:40 a.m | 11:00 a.m | Welcome to Meredith Welcome to campus! Vice Preident for College Programs, Jean Jackson, Dean of Students, Ann Gleason and Steven Lemmons, Director of the Student Success Center will set the stage for the day ahead and offer advice for making the most of your time at Meredith. | Kresge Auditorium |
| 11:00 a.m | 11:30 a.m | Student Success & Academics Learn what it takes to be successful at Meredith, the resources at your disposal, and how to take ownership of your academic endevours. | Kresge Auditorium |
| 11:30 a.m | 12:50 p.m. | Lunch with WTA groups* Take some time to get to know other transfer and wings students over lunch. | Belk Dining Hall |
| 1:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. | Health and Wellness at Meredith Join our first year students in Jones Auditorium where staff will present information and resources related to student health and wellness. Emphasis will be placed on healthy relationships and Title IX policies and reporting procedures. | Jones Auditorium |
| 2:10 p.m. | 2:40 p.m. | Get to Know the Library Take part in a 25-minute tour of the Carlyle Campbell Library and learn about the many resources available to you. | Carlyle Campbell Library |
| 2:45 p.m. | 3:20 p.m. | Getting Involved @ Meredith Staff from the Office of Student Leadership and Service will share information about important traditions at Meredith and how to get involved. | Kresge Auditorium |
| 3:30 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. | Strengths 101 In this introduction to StrongPoints and CliftonStrengths, you'll explore your Top 5 natural talents and learn how to grow them into real strengths during your time at Meredith. Results from your Strengths Assessment will be reviewed during this program. Please come prepared to discuss. | Kresge Auditorium |
| 4:30 p.m. | 5:15 p.m. | Wings Student Meet Up (Adult Students only) Gather with the Director of Adult Education, Dr. Eboni Malloy, to learn more about campus resources and transitional support. This session is the perfect opportunity to engage and connect with other Wings students! | Kresge Auditorium |
| 5:00 p.m. | 8:30 p.m. | FDOC Eve Traditions: The night before the First Day of Classes includes a series of traditions for new students and this progressive event covers them all. Dressy casual attire is encouraged. WTAs escort their group to each location at the assigned time. | Various Locations |
| The following events are included in the progressive event | |||
| Massey House Tour Since the 1970s, its been a tradition for new students to visit the President's home, the Massey House. Students get to meet President Sapp and tour the place that she calls home. | Massey House | ||
| Celebratory Dinner* Celebrate FDOC Eve with an elevated dining experience sponsored by the Office of the President. | Belk Dining Hall | ||
| Dessert Reception* Progress to desserts at this photo worthy spot-- the rotunda and the Meredith Fountain in front of Johnson Hall. | Johnson Hall Rotunda | ||
| 7:30 p.m | 8:30 p.m | Honor Code Ceremony This longstanding tradition provides students the opportunity to understand and celebrate the Honor Code at Meredith. Here, each student will sign and recite the Honor Code. | Jones Auditorium |
| * Resident students use their meal plan. Commuter students receive a meal voucher for all meals in red. $10.70/person otherwise. |
The Month Ahead - August & September Events
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/20/2025 | 5:00 p.m. | Student Organization & Activities Fair and Block Party | Meredith Mall |
| 8/22/2025 | 7:00 p.m. | The Merry Widow Musical | Jones Auditorium |
| 8/23/2025 | 7:00 p.m. | The Merry Widow Musical | Jones Auditorium |
| 8/25/2025 | 10:00 a.m | SA Connection | Various locations |
| 8/26/2025 | 7:00 p.m. | Freshman Class Meeting | Jones Chapel |
| 8/27/2025 | 5:00 p.m. | Big Little Share Day and Social | BDH Courtyard |
| 9/8/2025 | 10:00 a.m. | First Year Discovery Session | Jones Auditorium |
| 9/13/2025 | 9:00 a.m - 12 p.m. | SPLASH Into Service Sign up . | Catawba Trail Farm - 2080 Sawmill Creek Pkwy, Durham, NC 27712 |
| 9/18/2025 | 7:00 p.m. | Summer Reading Program Author Visit | Jones Auditorium |
| 9/19/2025 | 3:00 p.m. | Sizzlin' September | Chapel Gazebo |
| 9/22/2025 | 10:00 a.m. | Summer Reading Program Discussions | Various Locations |
| 9/25/2025 | 7:30 p.m. | Big Little Social | BDH Courtyard |
Move-In Day Arrival Chart
8:00 AM
3rd Poteat
Even Numbered Rooms
3rd Faircloth
Even Numbered Rooms
3rd Heilman
Even Numbered Rooms
8:40 AM
1st Poteat
Odd Numbered Rooms
1st Faircloth
Odd Numbered Rooms
1st Heilman
Odd Numbered Rooms
9:20 AM
2nd Poteat
Even Numbered Rooms
2nd Faircloth
Even Numbered Rooms
2nd Heilman
Even Numbered Rooms
10:00 AM
3rd Poteat
Odd Numbered Rooms
3rd Faircloth
Odd Numbered Rooms
3rd Heilman
Odd Numbered Rooms
10:40 AM
1st Poteat
Even Numbered Rooms
1st Faircloth
Even Numbered Rooms
1st Heilman
Even Numbered Rooms
11:20 AM
2nd Poteat
Odd Numbered Rooms
2nd Faircloth
Odd Numbered Rooms
2nd Heilman
Odd Numbered Rooms
12:00 PM
Any Floor
Any Room
Any Floor
Any Room
Any Floor
Any Room