Orientation Schedule

Tentative Schedule 

Spring 2025 Orientation: Session III
Friday, January 10, 2025 

Day 1 – Friday, January 10th

• 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. — New Students (First-Time, Transfer, and Re-Entering) Check-In (JS)
  Residential Students Only 
   
  Residence Hall Check-In
  Cannon Student Center
  Grab your clearance card, clear any holds, and receive approval to move into your residence hall.
• 8:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m. — Individual Financial Aid Questions (as needed) (JS)
  Hedrick Building - Office of Financial Aid
  Catawba offers a 5-pay interest-free installment plan each Fall and Spring semester. This year, the 5-pay plan runs from July 28 through November 28 for the Fall semester and December 15 through April 15 for the Spring semester.
• 8:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m. — Health Center/Insurance Verification (as needed) (JS)
  Proctor Health Center
  Catawba College full-time students are required to have health insurance, and all international students are required to have health insurance covering them in N.C. Health Services MUST review and approve all insurance an international student carries prior to allowing them to waive the school insurance.
• 8:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m. — Student Account/Billing Questions (as needed) (S)
  Hedrick Building - Student Accounts/Business Office
• 8:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m. — Individual Transfer Credit Questions (as needed) (S)
  Hedrick Building - Registrar Office
• 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — New, Transfer, Re-Entering, Commuter Students and Family Orientation Check-In (JS)
  Cannon Student Center 
• 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — Lunch (JS)
  Cannon Dining Commons
  Enjoy lunch in our Cannon Dining Commons – our primary dining option on campus for students. The Coop in the Commons will also have Starbucks coffee and light snacks.
• 12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. — Welcome to Catawba College (JS)
  Ketner Hall – Tom Smith
  Join us for a warm welcome session featuring President Nelson, EVP & Provost Cowart, Dean of Students, student leaders, faculty, and deans! This is a unique opportunity to hear inspiring messages, connect with campus leaders, and kick off your journey at Catawba College.
• 1:00 p.m.-1:45 p.m. — Unlocking Success: Navigating College Life (JS)
  Ketner Hall – Tom Smith Auditorium
  Join us for an enlightening session designed to empower future students with essential skills and offer families invaluable insights to support their students’ success at Catawba College. Our Success Coaches understand that the student journey is filled with excitement and challenges. That’s why we prioritize the crucial role of success coaches in unlocking your potential and helping you achieve
• 1:45 p.m.-1:55 p.m. — Break
• 2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m. — Supporting Your Catawba Student (PF)
  Ketner Hall – Tom Smith Auditorium
  Your student’s time at Catawba will be filled with opportunities, connections, and, at times, challenges. Learn how you can help support your student through their transition to college. 
• 2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m. — Navigating MyCatawba Portal (S)
  Hedrick Building - Room 235
  Join us for an informative orientation session to help you navigate the MyCatawba Portal! Discover how to utilize its features effectively to enhance your academic success and stay connected at Catawba College.
• 3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Understanding MyCatawba Schedule (S)
  First-Year Students Only
  Hedrick Building – Room 235
  This essential orientation session will help you understand your academic schedule at Catawba College! Learn how to access course offerings, locate classrooms, and explore time and subject content to ensure a successful start to your semester.
• 3:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m. — Transfer Students and Advisor Connection (S) / Exploring Campus and Connecting with Your Faculty Advisors
  You can connect with your faculty advisor! This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions, discuss your academic goals, and learn how to make the most of your college experience. 
• 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. — Chill, Relax and Explore Campus (PF)
  Cannon Student Center – Commuter Lounge
  Join us for a relaxing opportunity to chill, explore, and connect with other families while your student attends orientation activities at Catawba College!
• 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. — Dinner (S)
  Cannon Dining Commons  
  Students will enjoy delicious dinner options with their classmates in our dining hall.
• 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. — The Campus Life Experience (S)
  Ketner Hall – Tom Smith Auditorium
  An exciting evening awaits you as you dive into enjoying a night on campus at the movies.

Saturday, January 11th

• 9:00 p.m. — Catawba Dance Party
  Peeler Crystal Lounge 
  Welcome back to Catawba College. Let’s kick start the Spring 2026 with everyone dancing the night away.

Welcome to Salisbury! If you need a cup of coffee before arriving on campus, you can visit the drive-through at Mean Mug Coffee, located at 1621 W. Innes Street, just a short drive from campus. Be sure to mention that you are here for Catawba College orientation to receive a discount. We have over 50 community partners where a Catawba student ID can save money!

Thinking ahead to dinner options while your student is on campus? We love our barbeque in North Carolina, and we have great places to try, such as The Smoke Pit, Hendrix BBQ, and College Barbeque, but if BBQ isn't your thing, check our many places to dine in Rowan County below:

View Restaurants