Mandatory events are outlined in crimson.
The full orientation schedule will be available soon. Orientation takes place from Wednesday, Aug. 26 (which is Move-In Day) through Sunday, Aug. 30, and is designed to help new students get settled, meet people and feel at home on campus. We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you to campus.
Events for parents and families are highlighted.
Wednesday, Aug. 26
New Student Move-in
Parents and Families
When: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Residence Halls
New students will receive their move-in time slot from Residence Life before move-in day!
Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will be parked in Back Circle for the duration.
Legacy Welcome Luncheon
When: 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Graham Cottage Alumni House
Transylvania University alumni and legacies are invited to lunch at the Graham Cottage Alumni House.
This luncheon is by invitation only. For information please email Natasa Mongiardo.
Lunch in the Caf
Parents and Families
Lunch served from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
New Student Induction Ceremony
Parents and Families
When: 4:45 – 6 p.m.
Where: Haggin Auditorium
Join the Transylvania family to welcome new students into our community. Receive your class coin, sign the register and bring your loved ones along. Dress code is casual—let’s celebrate together. The ceremony will be live streamed at transy.edu/live.
Before goodbyes are said and the college adventure officially begins, join us for one more meal together!
This optional dining experience is open to all incoming new and transfer students and their families. Hosted by Bon Appétit, Transylvania University’s dining services partner, the dinner offers families an opportunity to enjoy one last meal together on campus before families and guests head home and students begin this exciting new chapter.
Dinner is complimentary for incoming students, courtesy of Transylvania University. Family members and other guests who wish to attend must purchase a ticket.
Bon Appétit is currently preparing a special menu for the evening, which will be shared at a later date.
Participation is completely optional, but we hope you’ll join us for good food, time together, and one last family dinner before the college experience begins!
Meet with Orientation Leader Groups
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Assigned Orientation Leader locations (your leader will let you know where to meet!)
Hall Meetings for Residential Students
When: 8-9 p.m.
Where: Residence Halls
New students meet with their Resident Advisor (RA) and the rest of their floor.
Commuter Student Meeting
When: 8-9 p.m.
Where: W. T. Young Campus Center Student Engagement Lounge
Commuter students will meet other commuter students and learn about getting involved on campus!
First Night Under the Stars
When: 9-11 p.m.
Where: Back Circle
Join the Class of 2030 for an evening of games, Campus Center Cinema, and Mister Softee ice cream!
Thursday, Aug. 27
Greet Line and Class Photo
When: 9-11 a.m.
Where: Old Morrison
Class of 2030 will participate in the campus cheer, greet line and class photo, three important Transy traditions. Wear your new Transy orientation shirts! These will be distributed prior.
Foreign Language Placement Exams
When: 10 – 11 a.m.
Where:
Cowgill Center 102 for Spanish written exam
Cowgill Center 105 for Spanish oral exam
Cowgill Center 110 for Spanish oral exam
W. T. Young Campus Center 118 for French
Carpenter Academic Center 104 for Latin/Greek
Carpenter Academic Center 305 for Chinese
Student Programming
When: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Lunch
When: 12-1 p.m.
Where: The Great Hall
Academic Foundations Class Meetings
When: 1-2 p.m.
Where: Various Locations
Rotating Sessions
When: 2-5 p.m.
Where: W. T. Young Campus Center
Topics including Fraternity & Sorority LIfe Preview Student Organizations and Study Abroad.
Student Programming & Dinner
When: 5-7 p.m.
Meet with Orientation Leader Groups
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Assigned Orientation Leader locations (your leader will let you know where to meet!)
Intramural Olympics
When: 7-9 p.m.
Where: Back Circle
Discover a variety of sports, compete in mini-games and challenges, and connect with fellow students. All skill levels are welcome. Get a taste of the excitement, teamwork and active lifestyle that intramurals offer. Don’t miss out on this event to ignite your passion for sports and forge new connections. Lace up and join in!
Craft Night
When: 7-9 p.m.
Where: W. T. Young Campus Center Pioneer Rooms
Sponsored by Housing & Residence Life and Student Activities Board
Friday, Aug. 28
Orientation Group Meeting
When: 9-10 a.m.
Where: Various Locations
FERPA form, Getting to Know You survey, Writing Partnership survey
Foreign Language Open House
When: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Carpenter Academic Center, third floor
Lunch
When: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: The Great Hall
Academic Foundations Session
When: 12:30-2 p.m.
Where: Various Locations
Rotating Sessions
When: 2-4:30 p.m.
Where: W. T. Young Campus Center Pioneer Rooms & Strickland Auditorium
Topics include Title IX & DPS Overview and Finding Community.
Dinner and Break
When: 4-6 p.m.
Where: The Great Hall
Playfair!
When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Back Circle (Beck Center rain location)
Get ready to break the ice and meet your classmates at Playfair — a high-energy event that’s all about fun, connection, and kicking off college with good vibes. No pressure, just people, games, and a lot of laughs.
Saturday, Aug. 29
New Student Education Sessions
When: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Various Locations
Interactive bystander training provides valuable insights on bystander intervention, empowering you to recognize and respond effectively to potentially risky situations. From recognizing signs of harassment or assault to learning proactive strategies to promote a safe campus environment, we’ll guide you in becoming a vigilant and compassionate campus guardian.
Additionally, we prioritize alcohol safety to ensure that you can make informed decisions when it comes to consuming alcohol responsibly. Our program emphasizes harm reduction, teaching you practical strategies for setting boundaries, understanding your limits, and identifying signs of alcohol-related emergencies. We believe in fostering a culture of responsible decision-making, allowing you to enjoy your college experience while prioritizing your wellbeing.
Sit down at a roundtable session with your Orientation Leader for a relaxed, informative session where you’ll cover the essentials for thriving in your first year at Transy. From academic expectations to campus resources, student life, and everything in between—this is your chance to get insider tips, ask questions, and start building your campus support network from day one.
Program Lunch & Learn
When: 12-1 p.m.
Where: The Great Hall, W. T. Young Campus Center Pioneer Rooms
Head to the Pioneer rooms for the pre-health lunch and learn or stay in the Caf and sit at the table of the program you are interested in
Cool Down with the President
When: 1-2 p.m.
Where: Back Circle
Stop by to say hello to President Lewis and grab a popsicle!
Student Programming
When: 2-5 p.m.
Where: Various locations
Including Goose Chase scavenger hunt, paint & sip, games in the library and more. Your orientation leader will have more details
Silent Disco Glow Party
When: 7-9 p.m.
Where: W. T. Young Campus Center, Pioneer Rooms
Join us for a Silent Disco Glow Party—Headphones on, lights down, and playlists put together by your Orientation Leaders. Plus, there’s a photo booth to capture the moment!
Sunday, Aug. 30
Local Religious Services
Attendance: Optional
Are you looking for meaningful fellowship with others? Are you searching for a spiritual home in the Lexington area? Or would you just like to learn more about the diverse faiths represented on campus and in central Kentucky?
Sarah Harcourt-Watts, director of religious life, is here to help you find your place. You can reach Sarah at sharcourtwatts@transy.edu.
Various Activities
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Various Locations
Check with your orientation leader for more information.
Orientation Group Dinner
When: 6-7 p.m.
Where: The Great Hall
Join your orientation group for a casual dinner and bring your questions—big or small. It’s your chance to get real about college life with your orientation leader and hear what they wish they’d known.
Phone Directory
| Office | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Athletics | 233-8270 |
| College Bookstore | 281-3570 |
| Computing Help Desk | 281-3593 |
| Counseling Services | 281-3682 |
| Dean of Students | 233-8215 |
| Department of Public Safety | 233-8118 |
| Dining Services | 233-8217 |
| Accessibility Services | 233-8806 |
| Health Services | 233-8127 |
| Library | 233-8225 |
| Mail Room | 233-8137 |
| Registrar’s Office | 233-8116 |
| Residence Life | 233-8181 |
| Campus and Community Engagement | 233-8182 |
| Student Crimson Card | 233-8154 |
| Student Financial Aid | 233-8239 |