Welcome
Class of 2028!
Orientation is the time for all new students to move in, and get acquainted with campus and each other prior to classes starting. The days are busy with a lot of important learning and a lot of fun!
Orientation Details
At Kalamazoo College Orientation is mandatory for all incoming students and it takes place just prior to the first week of classes. The dates of First-Year Student Orientation for 2024 are September 11-15. Students will move into their residence halls on September 11 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and formal Orientation activities will begin that evening. Classes start on Monday, September 16, 2024.
The full schedule will be mailed to incoming first-year students in June 2024 as part of a larger mailing,and will be posted in the Orientation Schedule section. The current schedule posted is from 2023 to provide incoming first-year students a general idea of what to expect.
Parent and Family Orientation activities are offered starting late afternoon September 11 and all day September 12, 2024 until 5 p.m. Parents are asked to do their farewells at that time and depart campus to enable their student to fully participate in the rest of Orientation activities. Parents/guardians will be mailed the Parent and Family Schedule in June 2024 as part of a larger parent/guardian mailing.
Transfer Students
Transfer students have their own Transfer Student Orientation on Friday and Saturday, September 13-14, 2024 and will receive more information in a June mailing, including their specific schedule of events.
Incoming First-Year Orientation Schedule 2023 (the 2024 schedule will be posted in June 2024)
The 2023 schedule provides the fall 2024 incoming first-year students a general idea of what to expect.
Information Desk and Center Hours
Wednesday, September 6
Health Center | 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location – Main Floor, Hicks Student Center
Health Center staff is available for health information verification as well as general consultation with students and families
Information Table | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Atrium, Hicks Student Center
Stop by for opening day schedules, maps, directions, suggestions for lunch and answers to your questions.
Bookstore Open – 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Hicks Student Center
Go Hornets! 20% off Kalamazoo College imprinted items.
Book Club Café | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Upjohn Library Commons
Stop by the first floor of the Upjohn Library and allow one of our baristas to serve you a cup of Kalamazoo Coffee, hot chocolate, tea or a specialty espresso. Choose from fast grab-and-go options including pastries, house-made salads, sandwiches and sides.
Richardson Room | 1-5 p.m.
Location: Richardson Room, Hicks Student Center
The Richardson Room offers a variety of options including an extensive deli line with a wide variety of toppings and homemade soup. Also available is a selection of grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, yogurt parfaits, fruit, sweet and salty snacks and beverages.
Thursday, September 7
Information Table | 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Atrium, Hicks Student Center
Stop by for schedules, maps, directions and answers to your questions.
Book Club Café | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Upjohn Library Commons
Stop by the first floor of the Upjohn Library and allow one of our baristas to serve you a cup of Kalamazoo Coffee, hot chocolate, tea or a specialty espresso. Choose from fast grab-and-go options including pastries, house-made salads, sandwiches and sides.
Bookstore Open | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Hicks Student Center
Go Hornets! 20% off Kalamazoo College imprinted items.
Wednesday, September 6th
9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Student Move-In
Location: Residence Halls (please refer to the campus map for your student’s exact residence hall)
Resident Assistants (RAs) and FYE Mentors will be stationed at check-in tables at each residence hall to welcome you. Pick up your orientation folder from the FYE Mentors. Then see the Residential Life staff to get your student ID, room key, check into your room and get settled. Health verification must be completed before you can check in. Students with incomplete health requirements will be directed to the Health Center to complete any necessary requirements before they are permitted to check in. Morning is extremely busy, so families are highly encouraged to arrive throughout the day for a more stress-free move in.
1-4 p.m. | Computer Network Assistance
Location: Main lounges of Harmon, Hoben, and Trowbridge Residence Halls
Have questions about connecting to K’s network? Information Services staff is available in Harmon, Hoben and Trowbridge main lounges to answer questions.
3-6 p.m. | Athletic Practices
Location: Various Locations
Did you know that 25% of K students are student-athletes? Our 8 fall teams (football, soccer, volleyball, golf, and cross country) have been on campus for a few weeks already, and in addition to participating in Orientation activities they will be engaged in daily practices and regular competitions. Go Hornets!
4-6 p.m. | First-Generation Program (by invitation only)
Location: Hicks Banquet Room
A welcome for first-generation students and their families. Appetizers will be provided, and information specifically geared for first generation students and their families will be shared. By invitation only. Check your K email for invitation and more information.
5-7 p.m. | Orientation Dinner
Location: Dining Center in Hicks Student Center or off campus
Families are welcome to have dinner on campus at the Dining Center, or venture off campus to one of Kalamazoo’s excellent eating establishments (a list of restaurants is available at the information table in the Hicks Atrium). New students, use your student ID (which also serves as your meal card) to access the Dining Center. Families may pay at the Dining Center entrance ($11.50 per person)
7-7:45 p.m. | Hornet Student Welcome (required)
Location: The Quad
The President, Dean of Students, First-Year Class Dean, College Chaplain, FYE Mentors and the Office of Student Activities welcome you—the class of 2027 to campus!
8-8:45 p.m. | Meet your Seminar Group and FYE Mentor (required)
Location: The Quad
Introductions and get-to-know-you. Talk through the Orientation schedule and answers any questions you may have. FYE Mentors will be on the Quad with signs so you can locate your seminar group.
9-9:45 p.m. | Residence Hall Community Meetings (required)
Location: Various Locations
Meet with your fellow residents and RAs to talk about community expectations, living in residence halls, college policies, and begin to know your neighbors!
10-11 p.m. | Setup Your Room & Free Time
Location: Residence Halls
Use this time to make sure your room is set up just the way you want it and relax before a full day of activities tomorrow!
Thursday, September 7th
7-8:30 a.m. | Orientation Breakfast
Location: Dining Center, Hicks Center
New students, use your student ID (which also serves as your meal card) to access the Dining Center. Families may pay at the Dining Center entrance ($6.10 per person).
8-9 a.m. | Follow-Up Language Placement Exams (Select Students)
Location: Various locations
These exams are required for only those students who have admission tickets in their orientation folders, who have placed out of the 3rd level of language, and/or who need to meet with a faculty member in the relevant language.
9-10 a.m. | First-Year Seminars (required)
Location: Seminar Rooms
Join your professor, FYE Mentor and fellow students for an introduction to your class.
10-11 a.m. | Summer Common Reading Small Group Discussions (required)
Location: Seminar Rooms
Meet with your seminar to discuss What the Eyes Don’t See. Bring your book and a copy of your Summer Common Reading response.
11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Orientation Lunch
Location: Various Locations
Families are welcome to have lunch on campus at the Dining Center, or venture off campus to one of Kalamazoo’s excellent eating establishments (a list of restaurants is available at the information table). New students, use your student ID (which also serves as your meal card) to access the Dining Center. Families may pay at the Dining Center entrance ($8.15 per person).
1 p.m.-2:45 p.m. | Social Life at K (required)
Location: Seminar Rooms
In addition to a great academic experience, a good social life is also important to most K students. Meeting new people, having new experiences and finding ways to relieve stress can all part of college life. What do most K students do? What do you want to do? This session will discuss social life at K and some of the decisions you can make to best thrive during your time at K. FYE Mentors will share their knowledge and guide a conversation and group discussion.
3 p.m. | Convocation (required)
Location: Quad (Rain Site: Stetson Chapel)
President Jorge Gonzalez, Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students, Malcolm Smith, Provost Danette Ifert Johnson, Chaplain Elizabeth Candido, the Convocation speaker, faculty, staff, and the President’s Student Ambassadors welcome you and your families. Convocation concludes with all new students signing the matriculation registry. Livestream Link: https://vimeo.com/event/2358971
4-5 p.m. | Hugs and Farewell Reception
Location: The Quad (Rain Site: Hicks Student Center)
Immediately following Convocation, Parents and families depart campus when the reception concludes at 5 p.m.
5:30-7:00 p.m. | Picnic on the Quad with your FYE Mentors and Seminar (required)
Location: The Quad
Enjoy dinner together and socializing. FYE Mentors will let you know where to meet to find your group.
7:00-7:45 p.m. | Campus Tour (required)
Location: Campus
FYE Mentors will lead you on a tour of the campus, pointing out areas you need to know. Bring your class schedule so you can find the locations of your classes.
8-9 p.m. | The Asia Project (required)
Location: Stetson Chapel
The Asia Project has toured over 600 colleges with an acoustic music poetry act that has amazed audiences all over the country. On the microphone is Asia Samson: writer, poet and part-time ninja. He has been seen on HBO Def Poetry Jam and has shared the stage with such artists as Janelle Monae, Jill Scott, DMX, Mos Def, Dead Prez and KRS-One. Accompanying him on the guitar is his brother-in-law Jollan who uses music to create an atmosphere that brings poetry to emotional levels you would never expect. Asia will remain after the performance for a group discussion for any students who would like to stay.
Friday, September 8th
7-8:30 a.m. | Orientation Day 3 Breakfast
Location: Dining Center, Hicks Center
Get your day off to a good start! Enjoy breakfast in the Dining Center.
8-10 a.m. | Advising Appointments (1 required before or during Orientation)
Location: Various locations
Discuss your fall schedule, placement exam results, academic goals, and co-curricular interests with your advisor. Make sure to sign up for an
appointment time that does not conflict with a session you’re required or would like to attend. Your advisor will let you know how to schedule an
appointment and where to go.
10-10:30 a.m. | New Hornet’s Guide to Community Living (required)
Location: Stetson Chapel
Hear a welcome message from our Vice President and Dean of Students, J. Malcolm Smith, Provost Danette Ifert Johnson, and Director of Campus Safety, Tim Young, and learn what it means to be a member of a new community.
10:45-11:45 a.m. | Belonging at K (required)
Location: Seminar Rooms
Join your FYE Mentors to talk about the Asia Project, the summer common reading, and your role in building an inclusive and welcoming campus for all members of our community.
11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Orientation – Lunch
Location: Hicks Center
Have lunch in the Dining Center.
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Advising Appointments 2nd Opp (1 required before or during Orientation)
Location: Various locations
Discuss your fall schedule, placement exam results, academic goals, and co-curricular interests with your advisor. Make sure to sign up for an
appointment time that does not conflict with a session you’re required or would like to attend. Your advisor will let you know how to schedule an
appointment and where to go.
1:15-4:15 p.m. | Build your Own Schedule: Academic (required)
Location: Various locations
This part of the schedule is your opportunity to focus on the academic departments that you are most interested in learning more about. You will have the opportunity to meet with the faculty and learn more about their courses or offerings. Please refer to the Build Your Own Schedule Link where you can edit your schedule up until one day before!
2:35-3 p.m. | “Music at K”
Location: Recital Hall, Light Fine Arts
All new students, come, find out what music opportunities we have for you at K! There is a place for everyone – those who have experience in music and those who want to learn for the first time. Yes, we have classes, lessons, and ensembles for everyone! Join us to meet our faculty and staff and learn how you can become involved in the “Music at K”!
4:30-5:30 p.m. | Social Justice 101 (required)
Location: Dalton Theatre, Light Fine Arts
In this interactive workshop, participants are encouraged to think creatively and collectively about what equity and justice look like, and what we need to build a world free from oppression.
5:30-7:00 p.m. | Dinner with your FYE Mentors and Seminar (required)
Location: Hicks Center
Enjoy dinner together and socializing. FYE Mentors will let you know where to meet to find your group.
9-11:30 p.m. | Hicks Open House
Location: Hicks Center
Enjoy all Hicks has to offer: pool and ping pong tournaments (with prizes), the latest in video gaming, craft areas, board game areas, activities that help you meet new people and make friends and much more!
Saturday, September 9th
7-8:30 a.m. | Orientation Day 4 Breakfast
Location: Dining Center, Hicks Center
Get your day off to a good start! Enjoy breakfast in the Dining Center.
9:30-10 a.m. | CIRP & PERTS Surveys (required)
Location: Seminar Rooms
Kalamazoo College participates in national surveys about incoming college students. These anonymous surveys ask about your expectations for college, habits, experiences, goals and values, and how you spend your time. Results from this survey are used to improve the college experience. Bring your phone, laptop or tablet to take the surveys. Let your FYE Mentor know if you do not have one of these items.
10-10:45 a.m. | Emergency Response Training (required)
Location: Seminar Rooms
Part two of Emergency Response Training. FYE Mentors will lead you through specific scenarios for how to react in crisis situations.
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Let’s Talk About Mental Health (required)
Location: Dalton Theatre, Light Fine Arts
Please join the Counseling Center for a candid conversation about mental health. In this session you will engage in stigma reduction conversation about mental health and learn strategies for managing your mental/emotional well-being while at K. Your FYE Mentor will tell you where to go for this session.
12-1 p.m. | Orientation Day 4 Lunch
Location: Dining Center, Hicks Center
Take a break and have lunch at the Dining Center.
1-1:45 p.m. | The New Hornet’s Guide to Sexual Respect & Violence Prevention (required)
Location: Seminar Rooms
K is committed to an environment free of sexual misconduct and you are an important part of creating a culture where violence is not tolerated.
FYE Mentors will facilitate a discussion on bystander intervention and work through scenarios from the skills and techniques learned from the resources shared in the summer.
2-5 p.m. | Build your Own Schedule: Life at K (required)
Location: Various locations
This part of the schedule is your opportunity to focus on the various departments and support services at Kalamazoo College. You will be able to
meet with staff and students and learn more about how their department is here to make sure you’re successful and happy. Please refer to the Build Your Own Schedule Link where you can edit your schedule up until one day before!
5:30-8:00 p.m. | Dinner
Location: Various Locations
Enjoy dinner in the Dining Center.
7:00-9 p.m. | Men’s Soccer Game vs. North Park University
Location: MacKenzie Field
Come check out your Hornets take on the Vikings of North Park University at MacKenzie Field!
9 p.m.-midnight | Zoo After Dark
Location: The Quad (rain site: Hicks Center)
Join the Office of Student Activities (OSA) for a night of games, performances and fun!! Every week, OSA hosts a series of programs on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tonight, we kick-off of our Zoo After Dark series, hosted every Saturday night from 9pm-midnight. There’s something for everyone and we look forward to seeing you there!
Sunday, September 10th
Take it easy and get ready for class on Monday!
Location: Various locations
Today make sure to take time for yourself and do things that you find enjoyable and relaxing as you gear up for week 1 of your first term. We are so glad you’ve joined the Kalamazoo College community!
10:15-11:30 a.m. | Catholic Mass
Location: St. Thomas More Catholic Church
Meet members of the Catholic Student Organization to walk to St. Tom’s Student Parish for Catholic Mass. Gather on the steps of Stetson Chapel and walk the one short block together.
10:00-11:00 a.m. | Tour of the Grove and Composting Program
Location: The Grove
Join current students who work with the Composting Program to explore the Grove (the wooded area behind Trowbridge between the Arcus Center, DeWaters Hall, and the brick grove houses) and learn about composting on K’s campus!
11 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Orientation Brunch
Location: Dining Center, Hicks Center
Enjoy Sunday brunch in the Dining Center.
10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. | Bookstore Open
Location: Bookstore, Hicks Center
Welcome new Hornets! 20% off Kalamazoo College imprinted items.
11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. | Bagel Brunch
Location: Stetson Chapel Cavern
Come meet with students from Hillel, Fellowship of Christian Students and the Muslim Student Association in the basement of the Chapel.
12:00- 4:00 p.m. | Open Fitness
Location: Fitness and Wellness Center
Need to get your workout in? The Fitness and Wellness Center will be open for students to use the cardio equipment, weights, racquetball and squash courts (K student ID required for access).
1:00- 2:30 p.m. | Hoop House Gardens Drop-In
Location: The Hoop House (behind the Fitness & Wellness Center)
Are you interested in caring for the Earth through gardening and learning about different cultures through food? Stop by our Hoop House community garden to see what’s growing! Meet Hoop House interns, and learn how you can get involved. The Hoop House Gardens are supported by the Environmental Stewardship Center and the Center for Civic Engagement.
2:00- 4:00 p.m. | Cavern Drop-In
Location: Stetson Chapel Cavern
Stop by for some treats, check out the Cavern library and the Crypt, chat with Interfaith Student Leaders or just duck in for a quiet place to hang out.
4:00- 6:00 p.m. | Student of Color Mixer (by invitation only)
Location: Arcus Center
A mixer for current and new students of color and selected faculty and staff as a time to connect.
5:00- 7:30 p.m. | Dinner
Location: Dining Center, Hicks Center
Enjoy dinner at the Dining Center.
6:30- 7:30 p.m. | Student-Athlete Training and Compliance Meeting (required for all winter and spring student-athletes)
Location: Dalton Theatre, Light Fine Arts
An informational meeting regarding compliance and eligibility. This meeting is required for ALL winter and spring athletes.
6:30 p.m. | Condom Bingo
Location: Banquet Room, Hicks Center
Join members of SPEAK (Sexual Peer Education Alliance at K) in a game of Condom Bingo! Win fabulous prizes and relax in a safe, fun, sex-positive environment!
Questions?
For questions related to the Fall 2024 Orientation please email dana.jansma@kzoo.edu, Senior Associate Dean of Students.