Orientation

The start of your time at Catawba will be here before you know it. Here is what you need to do to be ready to join us on campus:

1. Review and print the orientation schedule. Bring this schedule with you to campus.
   
   
2. Review the Quick Guide to Catawba Technology for information on how to login to CatLink (Catawba's community portal) and how to access your email - you will need this information for the next three steps.
   
   Quick Guide to Technology

3. Login to CatLink, change your initial password, and set up your CatawbAlerts and secret question.
   
   
4. While in CatLink, view the Housing and Mailbox Information channel on the Life tab for campus mailbox information, your room assignment and roommate information (if living on campus).
   
   
5. Read your Catawba email and use the campus address book to easily contact faculty, staff, and other students. Official notifications, event information and other important notices are communicated via campus email. Check your Catawba email and the Catawba website often to stay updated.
   
   
6. Return your Health History and Physical Examination forms to the Proctor Student Health Center.
   
   
7. Return your Health Insurance Forms. 

Students attending Orientation Session I, II, or III will stay in the residence halls overnight! Be sure to bring the following with you to check in:

• Bedding (extra-long twin sheets, light blanket, pillow, pillowcase)
• Change of clothes and comfortable walking shoes
• Light jacket or sweatshirt
• Shower items (towel, flip flops, toiletries)
• Cell phone, charger
• Small fan (optional)
• Swimsuit, towel 

We recognize transitioning your student(s) to college can be stressful and emotional. New Student Orientation will give you the opportunity to meet with other parents and families of incoming students, better understand what life at Catawba will be like for your student, and how you can support them in their journey.

Orientation Schedule
You will find several parent and family only sessions in the Orientation schedule which are optional for your participation. There is also time included to explore the Salisbury and Rowan County area.

Don't miss the Parent Reception at our New Student Orientation sessions from 6-7 p.m.! Meet other new parents and families, members of our Parent and Family Council, and Catawba staff.

Accommodations
Your student(s) will be spending the night in a residence hall on campus as part of New Student Orientation. Parents and families are welcome to stay at one of our local hotels, inns, or bed and breakfasts in the area.

Placement processes at Catawba College are designed to help students and their advisors make informed decisions about course selection. Placement is conducted for English composition and foreign languages.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Catawba's general education curriculum calls for intermediate level proficiency in foreign language. The Modern Foreign Language Department encourages students to begin college study at the highest level for which they are prepared.

Only students who seek placement recommendations above the 1001 level (Elementary I) and/or exemption from the language requirement on the basis of proficiency should report to the test, held during Welcome Weekend.  Native speakers of Spanish should take the placement to assess competency and native speakers of languages other than English and Spanish will see Dr. Wilson, Chair of Modern Foreign Language, to certify competency.

COMPOSITION

Composition placement is done by a writing sample. Dr. Gordon Grant, Coordinator of Rhetoric and Composition, determines which students will be asked to take a writing sample. Most students do not need a placement test for composition, and those who do are notified on arrival.