One of the best ways of transitioning to college life is to participate in a Pre-Orientation program at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ. 

Whether it's kayaking, visiting the beautiful landscapes in Wisconsin, tapping into your creative juices, or exploring intentional rituals, meet peers with similar interests and goals over 4 days.

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Pre-Orientation 

  • Programs provide opportunities to help you learn things about yourself that can be applied to your first year at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ.
  • The experiences are designed to inspire connection, leave students energized, emotionally balanced, and mentally focused. 
  • Pre-Orientation takes place just before the required Welcome Week activities for all new students. 
  • To make programs meaningful experiences, registration is capped at 20 students or less.

Register for a Pre-Orientation Program!

  • Registration Open: March 6, 2026.
  • Registrations Close: June 12, 2026 (11:45pm).
  • Accepted Registrants Notified: On a rolling basis until filled. Final notifications by June 16, 2026.
  • Program Dates: September 1-5 (Move-in September 1.)
  • Cost to participate: $150 (Financial assistance is available and can be requested in the application form.)

** Due to overlapping programming, fall athletes, new international students, and students that participate in Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Launch will NOT be able to participate in a Pre-Orientation Experience.

ritual circle

The Balance Blueprint

The Balance Blueprint facilitates a gentle transition into Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ by offering a variety of activities to promote school/life balance throughout your college years. You will also be introduced to campus resources that will help sustain you over time. This program will introduce new students to different: 

  • Mindfulness practices
  • Creative opportunities
  • Connections with nature.  
Students in front of Drew Street Wall Mural they painted for Pre-Orientation Experience

Street Art Squad

Design and paint a 104-foot mural overlooking Drew Street

  • Virtual collaboration before arrival
  • On-campus design and painting with staff assistance
  • All materials provided
  • Opportunities for other times of connection (public art tours, evening connection activities, etc.)
Students standing by canoes on a lakeshore at 2024 Sylvania Land and Sea Pre-orientation experience

Land and Sea

Make a 3.5-hour trek north to discover the natural beauty of the  at a .

  • Canoe, fish, and camp
  • Evening campfire, meals, and community building
  • Swimming is not required but helpful; comfort in water with PFD essential