Freshmen Feedback:

"It was the best retreat
I ever went to!"

"This has been an amazing experience ... I feel so much more ready to begin college."

"I feel that I have gotten to know faculty and staff who will be there for me if I need them, and that is so comforting."

"It was so much fun! :D"

WHY: To provide an opportunity for the members of the Class of 2017 to get to know your classmates and some members of the faculty prior to the start of the hectic activity of registration and the beginning of classes. The retreat is designed to help freshmen gain a better understanding of the college experience and be successful. Members of the Student Retreat Leadership Corp will be on-hand to answer questions you may have from an upperclassman’s point-of-view. Students are given guidance in discovering who they are and how this understanding can lead to discussions about vocation and career. Finally, these retreats are great fun! Why Catawba & the Freshman Retreat?

WHEN: The 2013 retreat dates are June 20-22 and August 14-16. Athletes should check their team's pre-season practice schedule to be sure there are no conflicts with the retreat dates.

June retreat participants will gather at 1:00pm in Tom Smith Auditorium in Ketner Hall on Thursday, June 20. The retreat concludes at 4:00pm on Saturday, June 22. Parents may join students for the final session held on campus beginning at 3:00pm.

August retreat participants will gather at 1:00pm in Tom Smith Auditorium in Ketner Hall on Wednesday, August 14, but can move into their residence halls between 9:00am and 1:00pm prior to departing for the retreat. The retreat concludes at 4:00pm on Friday, August 16. Parents may join students for the final session held on campus beginning at 3:00pm. Students will be permitted to spend Friday night in their residence hall rooms.

The Class of 2015 Said:

"This has been an amazing experience ... I feel so much more ready to begin college."

"I no longer am worried about being able to navigate the orientation process and get involved."

"I feel that I have gotten to know faculty and staff who will be there for me if I need them, and that is so comforting."

"Thank you so much for making this experience possible."

Other Past Participants Said:

"Definitely go. It is worthwhile and you make a lot of good friends for the start of the year. Prepare for a great-, life-changing experience and keep your mind open."

"I never have had the honor of being part of something that seems as special as Catawba is. I can't wait until fall."

"I would advise every freshman to attend. It opens up possibilities and minds to the aspect of beginning your adventure and experience in college."

“Go for it! You will have a blast and meet many new people.”

“The retreat has meant so much to me and my friends. We all feel blessed that the foundation for our tight relationships and essential skills to adjusting to college life were built on the retreat”

“It was really cool – I’m really glad I came. I met people I will be good friends with in college. It’s a great way to begin such a scary experience. Thanks!”

“The retreat was a great part of my summer. The sessions gave me a lot to think about and the outdoor things were a blast!”

“Don’t miss it for the world!”

"By the time you leave you’ll be greatly relieved that you went. You’ll go to college more open-minded and willing."