Orientation Schedule
View the Orientation and Welcome Week schedules below:
- Orientation I: Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Orientation II: Monday, June 15, 2026
- Orientation III: Thursday, June 18, 2026
- Orientation IV: Friday, August 14, 2026
Orientation Schedules
View the Orientation schedules by group below:
8:00 – 9:00 AM | Check-In & Breakfast
Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center
Kick off your first official day as a Catawba student with coffee, breakfast, music, and your first chance to meet classmates, student leaders, faculty, and staff. Pick up your orientation materials, ask questions, and settle into campus life before the day begins.
9:05 AM – 9:45 AM | Welcome to Catawba
Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center
You’re officially part of the Catawba community. Hear from student leaders and campus administrators as they welcome the newest members of the Catawba family and set the tone for an unforgettable college experience. Student Orientation Leaders, President David P. Nelson, SGA Executive President Makeda Micheal and Dean of Students Dr. Justin Tyler Owens will welcome the 2030 class at Catawba College.
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM | Discovering Your Success
Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center
Join our Success Coaches 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 AM – 10:45 AM | Taking Care of Business
Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community
College is an exciting investment in your future, and this session is designed to help students and families feel confident about the financial side of the Catawba experience. Representatives from the Office of Financial Aid will walk attendees through important information regarding financial aid, billing, payment plans, scholarships, and student account services.
10:45 AM – 10:55 AM | Transitional Time
10:55 AM – 11:45 AM | Getting Connected
Hedrick Little Theatre, Robertson College-Community Center
Representatives from Student Affairs will share opportunities for leadership, entertainment, wellness, competition, and community throughout the academic year. Students will learn how to join organizations, attend events, fitness programming, participate in intramurals, and discover spaces where they can truly belong. The session will also include a live Q&A featuring Current Student Leaders.
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Resource Fair
Leonard Lounge, Cannon Student Center
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.
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM | Meet the Academic Deans
Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center
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.
1:40 PM – 1:50 PM | Transitional Time
1:50 PM – 2:30 PM |First-Year Seminar: Your Key to College Success
Shuford Science Building 205
This session is designed specifically for incoming first-year students to get a deeper understanding of the First-Year Seminar experience at Catawba College. Students will meet a their First-Year Seminar instructors in a small-group setting, helping build early connections and support systems before classes begin. This session focuses on what to expect in FYS, how it supports your transition to college, and how it helps you build the skills needed for long-term academic success."
1:50 PM – 2:30 PM | Transfer Toolkit: Your Fast Track to Success
Shuford Science Building 209
Designed exclusively for transfer students, this small-group session helps you confidently transition into life at Catawba College. Students will connect with Success Coaches and staff to review academic planning, degree pathways, credit application, and campus resources tailored specifically to transfer needs. This is also a chance to ask questions, build relationships, and make sure your transition is as smooth and supported as possible from day one.
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM | Guided for Greatness: Meet Your Success Coach
Shuford Science Building 205, 209, 305, 310
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.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Transitional Time
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Living on Campus at Catawba
Hedrick Little Theatre, Robertson College-Community Center
Topics will include residential life expectations, move-in and housing support, commuting resources, and campus policies. Students will also learn how to build community, navigate campus efficiently, and take advantage of resources designed to support all Catawba students.
This is your daily experience at Catawba College is an important part of your college journey. This session, hosted by the Office of Housing and Residence Life, will help students understand what to expect and how to make the most of their campus experience.
4:00 PM – 4:40 PM | Excelling as a Student-Athlete at Catawba (Athletes Only)
Hedrick Little Theatre, Robertson College-Community Center
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 PM – 5:00 PM | Checkout Event
Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center
Before wrapping up Orientation, students will stop by Checkout to complete final steps and pick up Catawba merchandise and materials. This is a quick, organized wrap-up station where students can confirm completion of Orientation items, receive important next-step information, and leave with official Catawba gear to kick off their college experience in style.
8:00 – 9:00 AM | Check-In & Breakfast
Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center
Kick off your first official day as a Catawba student with coffee, breakfast, music, and your first chance to meet classmates, student leaders, faculty, and staff. Pick up your orientation materials, ask questions, and settle into campus life before the day begins.
9:05 AM – 9:45 AM | Welcome to Catawba
Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center
You’re officially part of the Catawba community. Hear from student leaders and campus administrators as they welcome the newest members of the Catawba family and set the tone for an unforgettable college experience. Student Orientation Leaders, President David P. Nelson, SGA Executive President Makeda Micheals and Dean of Students Dr. Justin Tyler Owens will welcome the 2030 class at Catawba College.
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM | Discovering Your Success
Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center
Join our Success Coaches 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 AM – 10:45 AM | Taking Care of Business
Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community
College is an exciting investment in your future, and this session is designed to help students and families feel confident about the financial side of the Catawba experience. Representatives from the Financial Aid Office and the Business Office will walk attendees through important information regarding financial aid, scholarships, billing, payment plans, and student account services.
10:45 AM – 10:55 AM | Transitional Time
10:55 AM – 11:45 AM | Parent Panel: Discussion with Campus Leaders
Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center
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.
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Resource Fair
Leonard Lounge, Cannon Student Center
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.
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM | Meet the Academic Deans
Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center
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.
1:40 PM – 1:50 PM | Transitional Time
1:50 PM – 2:30 PM | Introduction to the 3 Centers
Hedrick Little Theatre, Robertson College-Community Center
Here at Catawba, The Center for the Environment, The Lilly Center for Vocation & Values, and The Center for NC Politics and Public Service, give students the opportunity to dig deeper in areas of particular interest and explore passions beyond the classroom. This Session is designed to introduce our Family and Friends to our 3 Signature Centers our Campus-wide Pillar Days.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Navigating the Transition: Letting Go but Staying Connected
Hedrick Little Theatre, Robertson College-Community Center
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.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 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. President Nelson will speak and highlight our Parents' Council and how to get involved in your Catawba experience Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and beverages while learning about the college’s vision, current initiatives, and future. 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.
4:00 PM – 4:40 PM | Excelling as a Student-Athlete at Catawba (Athletes Only)
Hedrick Little Theatre, Robertson College-Community Center
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 PM – 5:00 PM | Checkout Event
Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center
Before wrapping up Orientation, students will stop by Checkout to complete final steps and pick up Catawba merchandise and materials. This is a quick, organized wrap-up station where students can confirm completion of Orientation items, receive important next-step information, and leave with official Catawba gear to kick off their college experience in style.
