Orientation

GET READY FOR ORIENTATION!

August 20 - 24, 2025 | Move-In Day is Wednesday, Aug. 20

Registration for New Student Orientation is coming soon. Full schedule will be posted in the coming days. Check below for pre-orientation events!

And Don't Forget:

Check out your Accepted Student Checklist for more information
Attend one of our many Accepted Student Events for a fun and engaging preview of the Pioneer experience
Pioneer students, parents, guardians, and families are invited to our virtual “Supporting U” series to learn more about important information throughout the year.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be glad to help!

COUNTDOWN TO ORIENTATION:

AT ORIENTATION, YOU CAN:

Take part in information sessions that introduce you to Utica resources and enable you to get answers to all of your questions
Learn about life on campus and prepare for your Utica experience!

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

"New Student Orientation was the perfect start to my Utica journey. I met some of my best friends, got to know the campus, and felt completely at home before classes even started. I’ll never forget how welcomed and excited I felt that week! I loved it so much that I became an Orientation Mentor myself, and have gotten to make Orientation week a blast for new Pioneers!"
Rylee Mullholland ’24

Orientation Schedule

Check out this year's amazing Orientation program!

(Additional dates and details will be posted over the coming days - please check back!)

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Residential Move-In
Strebel Student Center Front Circle

Welcome, Residential Students! Check-in here for your move-in essentials, and be sure to grab your NSO name tag and schedule of events!

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
All Utica University Offices Open
Various locations - see campus map

Stop in to say hello and get your last minute questions answered!

Need to pick up your official Utica University School ID? Stop by the Campus Safety Office between 9:00am- 4:00pm, located on the back side of the Strebel Student Center. You’ll need your Utica ID to swipe into all required NSO sessions, to eat in the Dining Hall, and access all buildings on campus!

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Commuter Student Check-In
Cynkus Family Welcome Center
Required for all First Year Commuter Students

Welcome, Commuter Students! Check-In at the Welcome Center to obtain your NSO name tag and schedule of events! Check out the schedule ahead of time to determine the best time to arrive.

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Utica Resource Fair
“Utica” Tent, Strebel Student Center Back Lawn

Visit with a variety of campus offices, as well as local businesses and organizations to get to know the Utica community!

11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
New Students and Families BBQ
Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center
Seating available in Strebel Student Center Lounge, Pioneer Cafe, and the “Moose Tent” outside!

Grab some delicious BBQ in the Strebel Student Center Dining Commons (2nd floor) and find a table outside in the Moose Tent on the back lawn, or in the Student Center Lounge on the 1st floor. Free for students without a meal plan, and any of our Pioneer families and guests.

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Meet the Staff of Learning Services
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center

Will you be utilizing learning services over the course of your Utica experience? Feel free to stop by the Strebel Auditorium to learn more about what Learning Services has to offer! This session is for new students with disabilities, parents & families.

2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Students: Class of 2029 Pioneer Kick Off!
Strebel Back Lawn
Required for all First Year Students

Get ready to laugh, connect, and kick off your college journey at Playfair! This high-energy, interactive event is your first chance to meet your entire class, make new friends, and start building your Utica family. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity for fun and connection!

2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Parents & Families: Open Sessions
While your student is at required sessions with their peers, we invite you to engage with our faculty and staff! Stay for the whole session or pop in to ask a question and head to the next one - the choice is yours!

“Desserts with the Deans”
Donohue Concourse, Lower Level of the Gannett Library
Mix and mingle with fellow Pioneer parents, Deans, faculty, and staff. No official agenda, just a chance to grab some dessert and refreshments!

Check out our “Postcards From Home” table”, hosted by the Office of Health & Wellness:
Looking for a creative way to send your college student off with a heartfelt message on move-in day? Our arts and crafts table is the perfect place to create a personalized message that will remind them of your love and support throughout the semester. Choose from a variety of colorful supplies to design a card or decoration that will brighten their room and lift their spirits when they need it the most. Let your student know you're thinking of them and cheering them on with a message they can keep close to their heart. Stop by our table and get crafty with us on move-in day! (Located in the Donohue Concourse during the “Desserts with Deans” session.)

Supporting Your Student Through Their Academic Journey
MacFarlane Auditorium, DePerno Hall
Hosted by the Center for Student Success, come learn about how to best support your student’s academic career at Utica, ask questions, and meet the Success Coaches!

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Family Farewell
Clark Athletic Center Front Courtyard

It’s time to say goodbye to your student! Stop by for some photo opps before you hit the road.

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Dinner Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk and SLCE will cover your meal!

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Floor Meetings
North Hall Ground/First Floors: Donahue Auditorium, 167 Gordon Science Center
North Hall 2nd Floors and 3rd Floor Low Side: MacFarlane Auditorium, DePerno Hall
North Hall 3rd Floor High Side, South Hall All Floors, and all Transfers: Strebel Auditorium
Required for all First Year Residential Students

Come together to meet other residents living on your floor and have an introductory conversation on what it is like to be a residential student at Utica University.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Commuter Student Meet Up
Pioneer Cafe, Strebel Student Center

This is a fantastic opportunity for commuter students to connect with each other and meet current commuter students who have thrived on campus. Hear firsthand how they got involved, made the most of their college experience, and balanced their commute with campus life. Don't miss out on this chance to build your network and get insider tips on navigating campus resources!

8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Pioneer Pride!
Location To Be Announced

Kick off your Utica journey with a high-energy night of school spirit and celebration! Hosted by your amazing Orientation Mentors (OMs), Pioneer Pride is part pep rally, part talent show, part dance party — and all fun. Meet your class, show off your moves, cheer on student performers, and feel the energy that makes Utica unforgettable. Wear your blue and orange, bring your Pioneer spirit, and get ready to make some noise!

7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk and SLCE will cover your meal!

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Pioneering Your Path to Academic Success
Various - see Utica email and text message for your assigned location
Required for all First Year Students

An exhilarating program designed to equip you for your upcoming semester. Dive into essential topics such as student responsibilities, grade expectations, navigating your course schedule, and uncovering vital resources for your academic journey. Prepare for dynamic, interactive sessions where you'll gain invaluable insights and strategies for success. Don't forget to bring your laptops or tablets to make the most of this engaging experience!

All students will receive an email to your Utica account and text message with your schedule to follow!

12:30 - 1:15 p.m.
Lunch Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk and SLCE will cover your meal!

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Groups 1-6: Shot of Reality (AOD Prevention)
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
Required for all First Year Students
A Shot of Reality is an alcohol awareness show performed by two professional comedians who make the topic engaging. Covering multiple facets of responsible alcohol use, the show keeps students engaged with a powerful combination of levity and realistic discussion. This is many schools’ favorite programs to satisfy alcohol awareness training, especially for orientation. You could win gift cards!!

Groups 7-12: Health, Wellness, and Community Safety
Donohue Concourse, Lower Level of the Gannett Library
Required for all First Year Students
This session provides vital information about Title IX, your rights and resources related to sexual misconduct, and the comprehensive support available through our victim services and violence prevention programs. You’ll also meet the University's mental health counselors and campus safety officers dedicated to fostering a secure and supportive environment. This is a critical opportunity to learn about the tools and services that contribute to a safe and healthy campus community.

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Groups 7-12: Shot of Reality (AOD Prevention)
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center
Required for all First Year Students
A Shot of Reality is an alcohol awareness show performed by two professional comedians who make the topic engaging. Covering multiple facets of responsible alcohol use, the show keeps students engaged with a powerful combination of levity and realistic discussion. This is many schools’ favorite programs to satisfy alcohol awareness training, especially for orientation. You could win gift cards!!

Groups 1-6: Health, Wellness, and Community Safety
Donohue Concourse, Lower Level of the Gannett Library
Required for all First Year Students
This session provides vital information about Title IX, your rights and resources related to sexual misconduct, and the comprehensive support available through our victim services and violence prevention programs. You’ll also meet the University's mental health counselors and campus safety officers dedicated to fostering a secure and supportive environment. This is a critical opportunity to learn about the tools and services that contribute to a safe and healthy campus community.

4:30
Dinner Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk and SLCE will cover your meal!

7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Mission IMPROVable!
Strebel Auditorium, Strebel Student Center

Get ready to laugh until your face hurts! Join the nationally touring improv troupe Mission IMPROVable for a high-energy, fast-paced comedy show where you help drive the action. This interactive performance is part game show, part improv – and 100% hilarious. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of campus comedy!

8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk and SLCE will cover your meal!

9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Icebreakers with your OM Group!
Meet on the Strebel Student Center Back Lawn

Join us for this fun activity on the back lawn!

10:00 a.m.
Line Up For Faculty Procession
Sidewalk, Strebel Student Center Back Lawn
Required for all First Year Students

A Utica University tradition: as the Bell Tower bell tolls, all first-year students form a line along the sidewalk to greet the faculty procession as they pass on their way to the Convocation ceremony.

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Utica University Convocation
Clark Athletic Center
Required for all First Year Students

One of our oldest traditions! This ceremony officially begins the academic year.

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk and SLCE will cover your meal!

12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Backpacking Through Campus
Start at "The Bubble", near the lounge in Strebel Student Center

Pick up your Safari Card at “The Bubble” in Strebel Student Center. Once you complete your Backpacking Journey and receive at least 6 stamps from the offices listed to the left, you’ll return your stamp card to “The Bubble” and spin the prize wheel!

Please note that Meetings By Major sessions are happening during this time as well. Because these sessions are required for all first year students, please only do your backpacking journey outside of these sessions! Destinations include:

Frank E. Gannett Library & Peer Tutoring
Center for Career Readiness
TRIO Student Support Services
Center for Student Success
Health & Wellness Center
Student Government Association
Wilcox Intercultural Center
Student Employment
ESports Lounge
HEOP & CSTEP

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. OR 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Meetings By Major
Locations vary by major (check your Utica email)
Required for all First Year Students

Meet the faculty and fellow students in your selected major! Check your Utica email to find out which time/session you should attend. For meeting location, check your email or follow the link below:

Meeting Locations

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
OM Classroom Tours
"The Bubble", near the lounge in Strebel Student Center

Meet at the “The Bubble” to pair up with an OM who will take you through your schedule step-by-step!

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Transfer Student Reception
Pioneer Cafe, Strebel Student Center

Welcome, transfer students! Please join us for this special event hosted by the Center for Student Success. Come meet the staff who will assist you in your new journey at Utica University, along with fellow transfer students. Please register using the form below:

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Dinner Available
Strebel Dining Commons, Strebel Student Center

No meal plan? No problem! Swipe in with an Orientation Mentor (OM) at the front desk and SLCE will cover your meal!

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
BINGO Hosted by Residence Hall Association
Strebel Student Center Lounge

Join the Student Living team to experience a taste of what our annual Bingo Series has in store—prizes, laughter, and unforgettable community bonding await! Don’t miss out on this exciting sneak peek into the fun-filled evenings ahead.