Orientation Schedule
View the New Student Orientation and Week of Welcome Schedules below:
View Schedule for:
- 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. — Check-In & Breakfast
Robertson College-Community Center - Brady Courtyard
We will have coffee and a continental breakfast waiting for you from 7:30 until 9:00 a.m. on the Brady Courtyard outside the Robertson College-Community Center. - 9:05 – 9:30 a.m. — Welcome to Catawba College
Robertson College-Community Center - Keppel Auditorium
President David P. Nelson and Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Monica Cowart are excited to welcome you as the 174th entering class at Catawba College. - 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. — Discovering Your Success at Catawba College
Robertson College-Community Center - Keppel 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 both excitement and challenges. That’s why we prioritize the crucial role of success coaches in unlocking your potential and helping you achieve your academic and personal goals. - 10:15 – 11:30 a.m. — Guided for Greatness: Meet Your Success Coach
Shuford Science Building
Join your assigned Student Success Coach for an interactive session designed to set you up for a successful first year! Learn about how your Success Coach provides personalized support, offers guidance on academic planning, time management, and connects you with campus resources. This session is also a great chance to meet fellow First-Year Seminar (FYS) classmates and start building connections that will enhance your college experience.
- Q. Byrd, Room 205
- Kira Harwood, Room 310
- Eric Kidd, Room 305
- Cierra Short, Room 107 - 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Lunch/Resource Fair
Cannon Student Center – Leonard Lounge
Enjoy lunch in the dining hall, where a variety of delicious food options await you! While you're there, be sure to stop by the Resource Fair to connect with helpful campus departments and organizations. Passport to Prizes Inside your folder, you’ll find a Resource Fair Passport, visit different tables, collect stamps and turn in your completed passport for a chance to win a $50 Campus Bookstore gift card!
Room Tours: Join Residence Life for guided room tours during this time frame. It’s a great way to see where you might be living and ask any questions! - 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. — Discovering Campus & Finding Your Place
Cannon Student Center
Enjoy time with your group and explore campus during our exciting scavenger hunt!
Discover key locations—including academic buildings, athletic facilities, and hidden gems—while building team spirit and a sense of belonging. Don’t forget to upload your group photos to Campus Community! Each submission enters your group into a drawing to win a $50 Amazon gift card! Let the hunt begin—have fun, learn, and connect! Meet in front of Cannon Student Center, by the fountain. - 2:05 – 2:55 p.m. — First-Year Seminar: The Key Course to Your College Success
Shuford Science Building and Center for the Environment
Our students say that First Year Seminar (FYS) is the most important class that they take in their first year. Find out what happens in FYS, how FYS sections are alike and different, and learn how FYS will help you navigate a rigorous course schedule in a supportive environment. A veteran FYS instructor will lead you through what happens in FYS and its auxiliary components, such as the Common Summer Reading, scheduling, academic advising, and academic expectations in your courses. This is a good time to get your class-related questions answered!
JUNE 20 ONLY:
- Sheila Brownlow, Shuford Science Building, Room 205
- Norris Feeney, Shuford Science Building, Room 107
- Kendra Joyner-Miller, Shuford Science Building, Room 305
- David Nelson, CENV, Room 301
- Luis Fernandez-Torres, Shuford Science Building, Room 310
- Professor Steffanie West, CENV, Room 303
JUNE 23 ONLY:
- Professor Laura Collander, Shuford Science Building, Room 107
- Kendra Joyner-Miller, Shuford Science Building, Room 205
- David Nelson, CENV, Room 301
- Professor Annie O’Brien, Shuford Science Building, 305
- Sarah Sweatt, Shuford Science Building, Room 310
- Professor Steffanie West, CENV, Room 303 - 3:00 – 3:50 p.m. — Getting Connected to Campus
Robertson College-Community Center – Hedrick Little Theatre
Dive into campus life with the Office of Campus Life and explore exciting opportunities including our immersive student experience and esports initiatives, a wide array of campus programming and student activities to get involved, and comprehensive campus recreation and wellness resources to support your well-being; we'll also guide you through the platforms we use to keep you informed about events, highlight potential work-study positions within our office, and show you how to connect with us on social media to stay engaged with everything happening on campus. - 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Excelling as A Student-Athlete at Catawba (Athletes)
Robertson College-Community Center – Hedrick Little Theatre
Transitioning to a collegiate athlete can be both exhilarating and challenging, and it is essential to understand the expectations for what lies ahead. We invite all new student-athletes to attend an informative session to help you and your family. This session will cover important topics and required paperwork for your success and well-being as a student-athlete. - 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Serving the Salisbury Community (Non-Athletes)
Robertson College-Community Center – Peeler Crystal Lounge
Service is a core value at Catawba College. Join your fellow students in making a meaningful impact through a service project supporting local elementary, middle, and high school students in the Salisbury area. - 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. — Finding Friends, Touring Campus & Making Lasting Connections
Cannon Student Center – Abernethy Quad Lawn/Stanback Plaza
Presented by the Student Success Center, this session is designed to help you unlock the keys to success at Catawba. Learn about the wide range of campus resources available to support your academic, personal, and professional growth. From tutoring and success coaching to wellness services and involvement opportunities, we'll share the essential tools and strategies to help you thrive throughout your college journey. - 6:00 p.m. — Depart for New Student / First-Year Retreat
Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
New students registered for the First-Year Retreat will leave for one of the most fun parts of Orientation. Meet in front of the Chapel for departure.
This is your opportunity to explore downtown Salisbury and the surrounding Rowan County. We have wonderful restaurants to try, such as The Smoke Pit, Hendrix BBQ, City Tavern, and more. Scan the QR code for a list of options.
- 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. — Check-In & Breakfast
Robertson College-Community Center - Brady Courtyard
We will have coffee and a continental breakfast waiting for you from 7:30 until 9:00 a.m. on the Brady Courtyard outside the Robertson College-Community Center. - 9:05 – 9:30 a.m. — Welcome to Catawba College
Robertson College Community Center - Keppel Auditorium
President David P. Nelson and Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Monica Cowart are excited to welcome you as the 174th entering class at Catawba College. - 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. — Discovering Your Success at Catawba College
Robertson College-Community Center - Keppel 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 both excitement and challenges. That’s why we prioritize the crucial role of success coaches in unlocking your potential and helping you achieve your academic and personal goals. - 10:15 – 11:30 a.m. — Transfer Toolkit: The Journey Towards Graduation
Center for Environment, Room 216
In this session, you’ll learn about the resources, support systems, and opportunities available to help you thrive in your new academic home. We’ll also highlight how our campus culture, communication partnership, and student life may differ from your previous institution. You'll also have the opportunity to meet your assigned success coach. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, connected, and confident as you begin this exciting new chapter. - 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Lunch/Resource Fair
Cannon Student Center – Leonard Lounge
Enjoy lunch in the dining hall, where a variety of delicious food options await you! While you're there, be sure to stop by the Resource Fair to connect with helpful campus departments and organizations. Passport to Prizes Inside your folder, you’ll find a Resource Fair Passport, visit different tables, collect stamps and turn in your completed passport for a chance to win a $50 Campus Bookstore gift card!
Room Tours: Join Residence Life for guided room tours during this time frame. It’s a great way to see where you might be living and ask any questions! - 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. — Discovering Campus & Finding Your Place
Cannon Student Center
Enjoy time with your group and explore campus during our exciting scavenger hunt!
Discover key locations—including academic buildings, athletic facilities, and hidden gems—while building team spirit and a sense of belonging. Don’t forget to upload your group photos to Campus Community! Each submission enters your group into a drawing to win a $50 Amazon gift card! Let the hunt begin—have fun, learn, and connect! - 2:05 – 2:55 p.m. — Transfer Toolkit: Mastering MyCatawba & Planning Your Path
Center for Environment, Room 216
Technology tools differ at each institution. Learn about Catawba's technology that will help you navigate your way to graduation. - 3:00 – 3:50 p.m. — Getting Connected to Campus
Robertson College-Community Center – Hedrick Little Theatre
Dive into campus life with the Office of Campus Life and explore exciting opportunities including our immersive student experience and esports initiatives, a wide array of campus programming and student activities to get involved, and comprehensive campus recreation and wellness resources to support your well-being; we'll also guide you through the platforms we use to keep you informed about events, highlight potential work-study positions within our office, and show you how to connect with us on social media to stay engaged with everything happening on campus. - 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Excelling as A Student Athlete at Catawba (Athletes)
Robertson College-Community Center – Hedrick Little Theatre
Transitioning to a collegiate athlete can be both exhilarating and challenging, and it is essential to understand the expectations for what lies ahead. We invite all new student-athletes to attend an informative session to help you and your family. This session will cover important topics and required paperwork for your success and well-being as a student-athlete. - 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Serving the Salisbury Community
Robertson College-Community Center – Peeler Crystal Lounge
Service is a core value at Catawba College. Join your fellow students in making a meaningful impact through a service project supporting local elementary, middle, and high school students in the Salisbury area. - 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. — Finding Friends, Touring Campus & Making Lasting Connections
Cannon Student Center – Abernethy Quad Lawn/Stanback Plaza
Presented by the Student Success Center, this session is designed to help you unlock the keys to success at Catawba. Learn about the wide range of campus resources available to support your academic, personal, and professional growth. From tutoring and success coaching to wellness services and involvement opportunities, we'll share the essential tools and strategies to help you thrive throughout your college journey. - 6:00 p.m. — Depart for New Student / First-Year Retreat
Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
New students registered for the First-Year Retreat will leave for one of the most fun parts of Orientation. Meet in front of the Chapel for departure.
This is your opportunity to explore downtown Salisbury and the surrounding Rowan County. We have wonderful restaurants to try, such as The Smoke Pit, Hendrix BBQ, City Tavern, and more. Scan the QR code for a list of options.
- 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. — Check-In & Breakfast
Robertson College-Community Center - Brady Courtyard
We will have coffee and a continental breakfast waiting for you from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. on the Brady Courtyard outside the Robertson College-Community Center. - 9:05 – 9:30 a.m. — Welcome to Catawba College
Robertson College-Community Center - Keppel Auditorium
President David P. Nelson and Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Monica Cowart are excited to welcome you as the 174th entering class at Catawba College. - 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. — Discovering Your Success at Catawba College
Robertson College-Community Center - Keppel 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 both excitement and challenges. That’s why we prioritize the crucial role of success coaches in unlocking your potential and helping you achieve your academic and personal goals. - 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. — From Catawba to Career
Robertson College-Community Center - Peeler Crystal Lounge
Join us for a dynamic parent panel where staff members share insights on what it’s really like for students living on campus, finding internship opportunities, and navigating college academics. You’ll hear firsthand tips on helping your student make the most of their residential experience, stay on track in the classroom, and prepare for career success — all while adjusting to life away from home. Whether you're wondering how to support healthy habits, encourage involvement, or guide your student toward professional opportunities, this session is designed to answer your questions and ease the transition for family and friends of new students. - 11:15 – 11:30 a.m. — Financial Aid & Student Accounts Overview
Robertson College-Community Center - Peeler Crystal Lounge
Financial aid staff will introduce critical information on financial aid and student accounts. Staff will be available to answer questions and help you navigate the ins and outs and ups and downs of financial aid and tuition planning. - 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Lunch/Resource Fair
Cannon Student Center – Leonard Lounge
Enjoy lunch in the dining hall, where a variety of delicious food options await you! While you're there, be sure to stop by the Resource Fair to connect with helpful campus departments and organizations.
Room Tours: Join Residence Life for guided room tours during this time frame. It’s a great way to see where you might be living and ask any questions! - 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. — Navigating the Transition: Letting Go But Staying Connected
Robertson College-Community Center – Hedrick Little Theatre
As your student embarks on their college journey, you may be feeling a mix of emotions—pride, excitement, and perhaps a little uncertainty. This session is designed to support friends and family members as you navigate the transition of letting go while staying connected with your student. Learn how to strike the right balance between offering support and giving them the space they need to grow and thrive independently. - 2:05 – 2:55 p.m. — Meet the Academic Deans
Robertson College-Community Center – Peeler Crystal Lounge
Join us for a unique opportunity to meet the academic deans of Catawba College. This session allows parents and families to connect directly with academic leadership and learn more about each college and school’s vision, programs, and support systems. Gain insight into the academic experience your student will have throughout their time at Catawba. - 3:00 – 3:50 p.m. — Choose Your Own Academic Adventure
Shuford Science Building + Center for the Environment
Sample a college class experience from one of our teaching faculty members. Faculty have designed class content to help you understand what your students will encounter in the classroom and how academic majors will lead to future career opportunities. Find detailed descriptions of course offerings and their specific locations are on the insert called “Choose Your Own Academic Adventure.” - 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Excelling as A Student-Athlete at Catawba (Athletes)
Robertson College-Community Center – Hedrick Little Theatre
Transitioning to a collegiate athlete can be both exhilarating and challenging, and it is essential to understand the expectations for what lies ahead. We invite all new student-athletes to attend an informative session to help you and your family. This session will cover important topics and required paperwork for your success and well-being as a student-athlete. - 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Serving the Salisbury Community (Non-Athletes)
Robertson College-Community Center – Peeler Crystal Lounge
Service is a core value at Catawba College. Join your fellow students in making a meaningful impact through a service project supporting local elementary, middle, and high school students in the Salisbury area. - 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. — Parent and Family Reception Hosted by President Nelson
Center for the Environment
Join President David Nelson, Kimberly Nelson, and the Executive Cabinet for an engaging evening of conversation and connection. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and beverages while learning about the college’s vision, current initiatives, and future plans. This is a great opportunity for parents and families to hear firsthand about Catawba's leadership and direction. You’ll also hear about our Parents' Council and how to get involved in your Catawba experience. - 6:00 p.m. — Depart for New Student / First-Year Retreat
Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
New students registered for the First-Year Retreat will leave for one of the most fun parts of Orientation.
Parents and families will also depart campus. This is your opportunity to explore downtown Salisbury and the surrounding Rowan County. We have wonderful restaurants to try, such as The Smoke Pit, Hendrix BBQ, City Tavern, and more. Scan the QR code for a list of options.
Welcome Week is August 18-22.
Stay tuned for the schedule!
More Information:
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:
