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 Programming

  • 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.

Registration for Fall 2026 has now closed. Participants have been notified via their Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ email address.

Move-In Day Schedule (Tuesday, 9/1/2026)

Move-In: 9:00am–11:00am | Warch Campus Center

You’ll kick things off at Warch with a welcoming and smooth move-in process. 

  • Key Check-In & ID Pick-Up
  • Pick up your First-Year Welcome Bag
  • Snap a photo at the Picture Station

Lunch Break: 11:00am–12:30pm

Enjoy a relaxing lunch on behalf of Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ and the First Year Experience with your family at Andrew Commons, located right in the Warch Campus Center (first-floor, lower level). 

Welcome Gathering: 2:30pm | Warch Campus Center

Students and families will reconvene for our official welcome event, including:

  • Dessert Social
  • Introductions and Program Overview
  • Small Group Conversations & Questions and Answers 

Let the Experiences Begin: 4:00pm

Student programming officially begins at this time, with a full slate of engaging activities, sessions, and evening social programming to kick off your Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ experience with fun and connection. This is where you say goodbye to your families and meet with your groups!

We’re thrilled to be part of your first moments on campus and are here to support you every step of the way.

Pre-Orientation Experience Offerings

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