First-Year Student Orientation
Our June Orientation program is designed to welcome our first time in college students to our campus and to give a glimpse into the everyday life of a student at ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ. The Orientation program will provide you with ease as you transition by providing information regarding your academic and college life. It’s also an opportunity to meet and interact with your fellow Hawks.
Dates for June 2024 New Student Orientation:
- Session 1: Monday, June 10th and Tuesday, June 11th
- Session 2: Thursday, June 13th and Friday, June 14th
- Session 3: Monday, June 17th and Tuesday, June 18th
- Session 4: Thursday, June 20th and Friday, June 21st
You can always reach out to the Orientation team at orientation@rwu.edu or contact at 401-254-3385
Incoming students will make connections with each other, connect with our undergraduate student leaders (called Orientation Advisors), faculty, and staff. We offer four two-day overnight sessions throughout two weeks in June where students will stay on campus, select their Fall courses, learn about campus and academic life. and learn a little about themselves. All Students will be staying in one of our first year residence halls; families can look at our local hotel listing here.
Throughout this two day program students will be given a glimpse into all that ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ has to offer, ranging from out outstanding academic programs to vibrant campus life. All of this pairs beautifully with our dedicated and supporting community of faculty, staff, and our Orientation Advisor staff. ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ will open you up to countless opportunities to explore and achieve both inside and outside the classroom. ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ will open students to countless opportunities to explore and achieve both inside and outside the classroom.
Families will have a chance to attend our Family Orientation program, which will be a one day on the first day of each student session. Family members will have the opportunity to learn about required courses, your student's academic major, and connect with the Student Life Division to learn about outside of classroom resources, support and staffing.
We ask that if you have questions regarding travel to and from our orientation sessions you please reach out to our New Student & Family Orientation office prior to June 1 so that we can assist with accommodations.
The Orientation team is hard at work preparing the schedule for your session; students will receive our Orientation newsletter upon registration for their session. Our Orientation newsletter will provide information on our program, what to bring for the overnight experience, and other details you will need. Orientation Schedules and student resources will be sent out the week prior to your session.
Is Orientation Required for New Students? Yes. Attendance at the New Student Orientation program is Mandatory for all first-year freshman and transfer students. The program is designed to ease the transition to the Roger Williams community. During Orientation, students will learn about vital campus resources as well as the opportunities available to them that supplement and enhance your educational and co-curricular experience. Students will also be registering for their classes. Orientation is the first step you take as a Roger Williams student, and if you do not attend you may set yourself back in the process of becoming a Hawk!
Is Orientation Required for Family Members? We do not require Family Members to attend Orientation, but the staff highly encourages family members to attend. Due to the large amounts of information shared at all the available sessions, younger family members may not be as interested in attending.
Do I stay overnight if I am a commuter student? Commuter Students will stay overnight during our June program, this is a great way to make connections with other students.
Do we provide housing for families during Orientation? Overnight accommodations are not provided for family members; family members interested in booking overnight accommodations can visit our webpage for area hotels
I have registered for Orientation, but how do I switch my date? Students can contact the Orientation Office via email at orientation@rwu.edu. We can reschedule your date pending space in June sessions.
Do you need to attend orientation with your intended roommate? No, this is not required. In fact, by attending orientation without a roommate, students may have an easier time branching out to meet new people!
What should I bring to orientation? Comfortable clothing for both day 1 and day 2, as well as anything that you may need to spend the night (including medications). You will need to bring linens (blanket/sheets) or a sleeping bag and a pillow as the residence halls do NOT have linen. We suggest packing light, as we will not be spending an abundant amount of time in the residence hall. We also suggest taking a look at the forecast ahead to prepare for any bad weather, rain or shine our Orientation program continues!
Can I change my major at orientation? Yes, students will have the opportunity to meet with an admissions counselor (if necessary) to discuss potential major changes before course registration.
Will I be staying in my residence hall for next year? All students that participate in the summer 2-day program will be spending the night in one of our first year resident halls.
Who do I contact if I need special accommodations? We are more than happy to accommodate students if need be. To make these arrangements, contact our orientation department via email at orientation@rwu.edu.
Where do I find the schedule for Orientation? Students and families will be sent the program schedule for the Orientation program 1 week prior to their session. The Orientation schedule will be published via Guidebook.
If I am deferring until the spring, should I still attend orientation over the summer? Students who decide to defer their admission should attend our January orientation session that is best suited for the spring semester.
Do I need to bring money to orientation? No, the registration covers the cost of all food, housing, and activities for the duration of the program.