Orientation Schedule

Schedule

Summer 2024 Orientation: Session III
Thursday and Friday, August 15-16

Day 1 - Thursday, August 15th

• 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — New Student, Transfer, and Family Check-In (JS)
  Orientation and Residence Hall Check-In Hedrick Administration Lawn
  (Look for the large white tent!)
  We will have coffee and a continental breakfast waiting for you from 8 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Parking is available at multiple locations off Innes Street, including Omwake-Dearborn Chapel Circle, behind Corriher-Linn-Black Library, and behind Trustee Drive (near Keppel Auditorium). Before parking, you can drop off family members, students, and luggage in front of Hedrick Hall by the white check-in tent. Parents, grab a bite to eat while your Catawba student registers, pick up your room key, and don’t forget to choose your Catawba orientation shirt!

• 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — Individual Financial Aid Questions (as needed) (JS)
  Corriher-Linn-Black Library - Study Rooms 1, 2, & 4
  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.

• 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — Commuter Students and Family Check-In (JS)
  Orientation and Residence Hall Check-In Hedrick Administration Lawn
  (Look for the large white tent!)

• 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — Thriving as a Student Athlete (JS)
  Robertson College-Community Center – Keppel Auditorium
  Congratulations on becoming a collegiate athlete! Transitioning to this new role can be both exhilarating and challenging, and it’s essential to understand what lies ahead. We invite you to attend an informative session to help you and your family navigate this journey. This session will cover various topics crucial for your success and well-being as a student-athlete.

• 11:30 a.m.-1:00 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, light snacks, etc.

• 1:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m. — Welcome to Catawba College (JS)
  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 173rd entering class at Catawba College. Dr. Stephan Moore, Chief Student Affairs Officer, Interim Dean of Students, and Student Government Association President Katelyn Cothren are eager to discuss how you can find your place and thrive among our learners, faculty, and staff community. Our energized Orientation Leaders are ready to inspire you to belong to the Catawba legacy.

• 1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. — Unlocking Success: Navigating College Life (JS)
  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.

• 2:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m. — Break
  Students leave with their Orientation Leaders to attend the Meet Your Success Coach session or the First Year Seminar and Transfer Small Group Session.

  Parents move to Peeler Crystal Lounge.

• 2:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m. — Meet the Deans (PF)
  Robertson College-Community Center - Peeler Crystal Lounge
  This is a chance for parents and families to mix and mingle with each other and meet our Academic Deans. Enjoy coffee, tea, and sweets as you speak with the academic leaders who will be working with your students.

• 2:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m. — Group A: Meet Your Success Coach (S)
  Corriher-Linn-Black Library
  Learn the basics of academics at Catawba and how to be successful from our Success Coaches. Discover all the ways they can support you through your academic journey.

• 2:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m. — Group B: First-Year Seminar & Transfer Small Group Sessions (S)
  Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
  We will begin as a large group In the Chapel before breaking into smaller groups according to your assigned color. Your group leader will unveil the summer reading and discuss how to prepare this summer to get the most out of your FYS Experience. This session will help acclimate and transition transfer students to our institution and share support resources.

• 3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m. — Supporting Your Catawba Student (PF)
  Robertson College-Community Center – Keppel 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.

• 3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m. — Group B: Meet Your Success Coach (S)
  Corriher-Linn-Black Library
  Learn the basics of academics at Catawba and how to be successful from our Success Coaches. Discover all the ways they can support you through your academic journey.

• 3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m. — Group A: First-Year Seminar & Transfer Small Group Sessions (S)
  Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
  We will begin as a large group In the Chapel before breaking into smaller groups according to your assigned color. Your group leader will unveil the summer reading and discuss how to prepare this summer to get the most out of your FYS Experience. This session will help acclimate and transition transfer students to our institution.
  

• 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. — Placement Assessments (S)
  Ketner Hall – Tom Smith Auditorium Room 116
  English Writing Sample Placement
  
  Ketner Hall - Room 201
  Languages Placement: French & Spanish
  
  Ketner Hall - Room 205
  Overflow Space

• 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. — Parent and Family Reception Hosted by President Nelson (PF)
  Center for the Environment
  Meet President Nelson and other members of the Catawba community, along with fellow parents, over light refreshments.

• 5:00 p.m. — Parents and Families Depart Campus
  Parents and families will depart campus for the night. This is your opportunity to explore downtown Salisbury and 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.

• 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.

• 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. — The Campus Life Experience (S)
  An exciting evening awaits you as you dive into the campus life experience. You’ll enjoy a night filled with games, a movie, delicious food, and more. You’ll get a taste of what campus life at Catawba offers throughout the year.

Day 2-Friday, August 16th

• 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. — Breakfast (S)
  Cannon Dining Commons
  Students will enjoy a hot breakfast in the dining hall before for the morning sessions.

• 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. — Student Account/Billing Questions (as needed) (S)
  Hedrick Hall - Student Accounts/Business Office

• 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. — First-Year Scheduling Questions (as needed) (S)
  Corriher-Linn-Black Library - Study Room 3

• 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. — Individual Transfer Credit Questions (as needed) (S)
  Corriher-Linn-Black Library - Study Room 5

• 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — From Catawba to Career (S)
  Robertson College-Community Center – Hedrick Little Theatre
  You have big aspirations, and we are here to support you every step of the way. The Success Center is dedicated to assisting students from application to alumni status. We help you achieve your future goals, prepare for life beyond college, offer tips and advice to stay on track and create your own personalized Student Success Plan.

• 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. — Finding Your Purpose (S)
  Robertson College-Community Center – Hedrick Little Theatre
  Catawba College’s Lilly Center helps students discover who they are, what values shape and direct their lives, what gifts they have, and how those gifts can be lived out in their personal, academic, and professional lives. This session helps students reflect on who they are as they dream about who they will become.

• 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Placement Assessments (S)
  Ketner Hall – Tom Smith Auditorium Room 116
  English Writing Sample Placement
  
  Ketner Hall - Room 201
  Languages Placement: French & Spanish
  
  Ketner Hall - Room 205
  Overflow Space

• 1:00 p.m. — Exploring Salisbury, North Carolina
  Orientation Tent at Stanback Residence Hall
  (Look for the large white tent!)

Saturday, August 17

• 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. — New Student Move-In
• 3:00 p.m. — Official Welcome
  Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center
• 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. — Family Cookout
  President’s Residence
• 8:00 p.m. — “Not Your Average Bingo Night”
  Leonard Lounge, Cannon Student Center

Sunday, August 18

• 10:00 a.m. — Yoga On the Lawn
  Abernethy Quad
• 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. — Brunch
  Cannon Dining Commons, Cannon Student Center
• 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. — International Student Meeting
  Center for the Environment (CENV) 302
• 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. — First-Year Residential Students Meeting
  Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center
• 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. — First-Year Commuter Connect
  Leonard Lounge, Cannon Student Center
• 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. — Field Day
  Stanback Plaza + Abernethy Quad
• 4:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. — Dinner
  Cannon Dining Commons, Cannon Student Center
• 6:30 p.m. — Class Photo
  Shuford Stadium
• 8:00 p.m. — Catawba Up Late
  Beach Courts & Outdoor Basketball Courts

Monday, August 19

• 9:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. — FYS Group Meeting
  
  FYS Meeting Locations and Class Fall 2024

• 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. — Spanish Placement Testing for selected students:
  Hedrick Building Rooms 228 (A-D), 235 (E-O) and 236 (P-Z)
• French Placement Testing for selected students:
  Hedrick Building, Room 233
• 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. — Lunch
  Cannon Dining Commons, Cannon Student Center
• 12:45 p.m.-1:45 p.m. — *FYS Group Meeting
  Students meet with FYS professors and groups in designated classrooms
  Required for FYS students
• 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. — Writing Placement Sample for Selected Students
  Hedrick Building, Room 322 (A-G), Room 331 (H-N), or room 332 (O-Z)
  Composition Writing Sample for selected students
• 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. — Transfer Students Advisor Meetings
  Transfer students may meet with their advisors in their offices to discuss schedules (optional and as needed)
• 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Athletics Compliance Meeting
  Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center
• 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. — “Meet your Major” Information Essentials
  
  Business Administration, Accounting, Economics/Finance, Management, Marketing, Information Systems and Technology, Data Analytics, International Business, and Communications (including Integrated Marketing Communications, Digital Media Production, and Sports Communications)
  All students begin in Ketner Hall 201
  
  Group meeting to be followed by break-out sessions by major
  IT and Data Analytics - Ketner Hall 205
  Communications (including IMC, Sports, and Digital Media Production)-Ketner Hall 213
  Accounting, Economics, and Finance, and other business concentrations (International Business, Marketing, and Management) in Ketner Hall 201
  
  Humanities (History, Literature, Writing, Religion, Philosophy, Spanish) as well as Secondary Education Minors in English and History
  Hedrick Building, Room 204
  
  Mathematics and Computer Science, Mathematical Finance, and Secondary Education Minors in Mathematics
  Ketner Hall, Room 205
  
  Music (including Music Performance, Music Education, Music Business, Sacred Music, Worship Arts, Popular Music, Choral and Instrumental Ensembles, and Music Minors)
  Williams Music Building, Room 103
  
  Immediately following the Information Meeting for all Prospective Music Majors/Minors:
  Individual auditions for all choral ensembles and private vocal instruction will occur at this time until finished.
  Audition room locations are in the Williams Music Building
  All Instrumental Ensembles (Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Brass,
  Woodwind, and Percussion Ensembles, and private lessons) are in Band Hall (Room 103)
  All Choral Ensembles (Singers, Chamber Ensemble, and Pop A Cappella) and private vocal lessons are in Room 006
  
  Teacher Education: Elementary Education, Special Education (Elementary Concentration), and Middle School Education
  Hedrick Building, Room 320
  
  Note for Prospective Secondary Education (9-12) Education Minors
  Attend the meeting of your subject area (e.g., music, history, English, math, science) at 4:30 p.m. A representative from Teacher Education will be available at the major meeting to discuss the Secondary Education minor.
  
  Therapeutic Recreation, Sport Management, Exercise Science, and Nursing
  Ketner Hall 115 (Tom Smith Auditorium)
  
  Group meeting to be followed by break-out sessions by major
  Nursing in Ketner Hall 103
  Exercise Science in Ketner Hall 108
  Sport Management in Ketner Hall 115 (Tom Smith Auditorium)
  All other health science and human performance, including Therapeutic Recreation in Ketner Hall 116
  
  Politics, Administration of Justice, Pre-Law, and Public Administration
  Hedrick Building, Room 236
  
  Psychology
  Hedrick Building, Room 235
  
  Natural Sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environment and Sustainability, and Allied Health Professions including, Pre-Medical, Vet, and Pharmacy) and Secondary Education Minors for the Secondary Science Concentration
  Center for the Environment (CENV), Room 302
  Breakout group meetings will follow
  
  Sociology
  Hedrick Building, Room 303
  
  Theatre Arts (Theatre Arts, Musical Theatre, and Theatre Arts Administration) Robertson College-Community Center, Hedrick Little Theatre
  Auditions will be held immediately following the Information Meeting for all theatre arts students who will participate in choir/voice or ensembles.
  Audition room locations are in the Williams Music Building
  All Instrumental Ensembles (Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion Ensembles, and private lessons) are in Band Hall (room 103)
  All Choral Ensemble (Singers, Chamber Ensemble, and Pop A Cappella), and private vocal lessons are in Room 006
  
  Undecided or Still Thinking About it?
  Hedrick Building, Room 233
  
  
• 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. — Commissioning Ceremony
  Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
• 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. — Dessert Reception
  Leonard Lounge, Cannon Student Center

Tuesday, August 20

• 9:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. — *FYS Group and Individual Advising Meetings:
  Meet in designated campus locations for schedule adjustment discussions and completion of surveys. Required of all FYS students.
• 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Lunch
  Cannon Dining Commons, Cannon Student Center
• 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Noon, or 1:15 p.m. — Know Before You Go! Optional Classroom Hunt
  Follow Admissions through campus buildings to find your classrooms. Bring your schedule.
  Be sure to be in your FYS group meeting at 12:30 p.m.
  Hedrick Building, Admissions Welcome Center
• 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. — *FYS Group Meeting
  Meet in designated campus classroom locations for final English placements and preparation for the Common Summer Reading Discussion.
  Required for all FYS students.
• 1:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m. — *Common Summer Reading Discussion
  FYS groups meet in their classrooms
• 3:30 p.m. — *Convocation Gathering
  FYS group photos in various campus locales.
• 4:00 p.m. — Opening Convocation
  Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
• 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. — Welcome Back Reception
  Omwake-Dearborn Chapel Circle

Wednesday, August 21

• 8:00 a.m. — First Day of Classes
• 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. — #FDOC Photobooth
  Stanback Plaza

Thursday, August 22

• 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. — IT @ Catawba
  Come learn about printing and other helpful IT tips to be successful at Catawba.
  Leonard Lounge, Cannon Student Center
• 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. — College Night Out
  Bell Tower Green (Downtown Salisbury)
  Transportation provided

Friday, August 23

• 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. — Low Ropes with New Friends
  (1-hour sessions) Center for the Environment (CENV)
• 5:30 p.m. — Welcome Back Cookout
  Stanback Plaza and Abernethy Lawn
• 6:00 p.m. — “First Walk”
  Center for the Environment (CENV)

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