Transylvania University’s Orientation and First Engagements will help first-year students with their academic and social transition to college beginning next weekend.
These programs will be a great time for them to ask questions, get involved and, most importantly, have fun as they prepare for the new school year, which starts Aug. 30. If they live on campus, they’ll also have time to settle into residence halls and learn their way around. Meanwhile, their parents can mingle with staff and faculty while learning more about Transylvania.
Highlights of Orientation include the First-Year Induction Ceremony on Aug. 21, followed the next day by the Campus Cheer, Greet Line and class picture.
Orientation and First Engagements Schedule
Friday, Aug. 20
New Student Move-In
8 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Transylvania community will be available to assist students as they create a home away from home. Please follow the detailed move-in instructions provided by the Office of Housing and Residence Life (reslife@transy.edu).
Offices Open for Assistance
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
After check-in, representatives from different departments and programs will answer questions and describe their services. Consider visiting the first floor of Old Morrison for student-support services or the second floor of the Campus Center for student life. Don’t forget our bookstore in the Campus Center. Need guidance? Ask at the move-in table.
Lunch
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Great Hall, William T. Young Campus Center
Students on a meal plan will use their Crimson Card. Those not on a meal plan or other guests may purchase lunch at the door. Credit cards only.
Alumni Legacy Lunch (by invitation)
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Graham Cottage
Meeting for parents and guardians of minors
3-4 p.m.
Location: TBD
Members of the student life staff will be available to answer questions about students’ experience at Transylvania if they are under 18.
Dinner
5-8 p.m.
Great Hall
Students on a meal plan will use their Crimson Card. Those not on a meal plan or other guests or guests may purchase dinner at the door (credit cards only).
Parents: Dessert with the Deans
7-8 p.m.
William T. Young Campus Center
Parents (only) are invited to a short presentation and welcome reception hosted by the academic and student life deans.
First Hall Meeting for Residential Students
7:30-8:30 p.m.
Students will be able to meet the residence hall staff, suitemates and new friends in their home away from home.
Commuter Student Meeting
7:30-8:30 p.m.
Rafskeller Cafe, William T. Young Campus Center
Commuter students are invited to an information session with student leaders and fellow commuters.
Movie Night
9-10:30 p.m.
Back Circle (rain location: Campus Center)
Join classmates for a blockbuster movie and free snacks.
Saturday, Aug. 21
Parents: Information Session
9-10 a.m.
Campus Center Pioneer rooms
Find out how we support students. Representatives from student life, public safety, and the Center for Academic and Professional Enrichment will be on hand to answer questions about the student experience.
Students: First Engagements Scholar Meeting
9:30-10 a.m.
Students will meet their First Engagements scholar at their assigned location.
First-Year Induction Ceremony
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Haggin Auditorium, Mitchell Fine Arts Center
Parents and family members are invited to attend the Class of 2025’s official inauguration into the Transylvania community. Dressy casual attire is encouraged for students. The ceremony will be conducted twice to help limit group size. A livestream will be available at transy.edu/live.
10-11:30 a.m.
Ceremony for FE Sections 1-9 (Arganbright, Bauman, Brown, Deaton, Gohde, Hauman, Jenkins, Johnson, Kaufman)
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ceremony for FE Sections 10-18 (LeVan, Lin, Parekh, Partain, Ribovich, Schnitzenbaumer, Todorova, Tompkins, Wallace)
Parents: Meetings with First Engagement Faculty
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Parents will have an opportunity to meet their students’ First Engagements instructor and academic adviser. Location information will be provided at check-in.
Brunch
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Great Hall
Students on a meal plan will use their Crimson Card. Those not on a meal plan or other guests may purchase brunch at the door (credit cards only). Parents depart after brunch.
Education Session Rotation I
All incoming students are required to attend with their First Engagement scholar. Questions or concerns? Email studentwellbeing@transy.edu.
2-4 p.m.
Session A – Think Your Drink/Alcohol Education
Does everyone drink at college? What if I don’t? What if I do? This interactive program discusses alcohol trends, decision-making and Transylvania’s policy.
Session B – Campus Policies and Campus Safety
Safety first! Be in the know about expectations for your conduct as a student and learn what you can expect from the Department of Public Safety, which keeps our campus safe.
Dinner
5 – 7:30 p.m.
Students on meal plan will use their Crimson Card. Those not on a meal plan may purchase dinner at the door.
Class of 2025 Social Event
7:30-11:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 22
Lexington Area Worship Services
A list of services is posted in the Campus Center and online.
Brunch
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Great Hall
Students on a meal plan will use their Crimson Card. Those not on a meal plan may purchase brunch at the door.
Education Session Rotation II
All incoming students are required to attend with their First Engagement scholar. Questions or concerns? Email studentwellbeing@transy.edu.
2-4 p.m.
Session A – Understanding Title IX and the University Equal Opportunity Policy
This session will educate students about discrimination (gender and otherwise) under the university’s equal opportunity policy and provide information about student rights and the resolution process.
Session B – Green Dot: Direct, Distract, Delegate
Learn about bystander engagement to reduce violence. No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do something.
Campus Cheer, Greet Line and Class Picture
4-6 p.m.
Participate in a long-standing tradition where you can meet more of your classmates and learn to cheer on the Pioneers. See your FE scholar for meeting location and details.
Dinner
5-7:30 p.m.
Great Hall
Students on a meal plan will use their Crimson Card. Those not on a meal plan may purchase dinner at the door.
Late Night Social Event
8-10 p.m.