Fall Admitted Students
Location
251 South Willard Street
Burlington, VT 05402
Office Hours
8AM – 5PM
Contact Us
New Student Orientation is all about welcoming you to your new home.
Get ready for a weekend completely focused on helping you settle into your new life at Champlain! The weekend before classes begin, we host New Student Orientation for all of our incoming students. Every element and activity is intentionally guided by the core belief that feeling connected to people and the Champlain campus is essential to student success.
After all, positive relationships with your peers and campus support systems will build your foundation for a successful transition to college. Indulge in some fun (and killer views!) on our Lake Champlain boat cruise—a classic Champlain tradition—and enjoy lawn games, live music at open-mic night, and more.
Orientation gives you the opportunity to:
- make connections with peers over shared interests and identities;
- engage with key resources critical to student success;
- understand your role in creating a campus culture of safety and wellbeing;
- identify ways to get involved on campus that are meaningful to you; and
- develop relationships with your Faculty Advisor and peers in your academic division.
All of which, sets you up to thrive here at Champlain! All incoming students are required to attend Orientation, so you’ll get to meet all of your fellow classmates, transfer students, and the upper-year student leaders who are so excited to connect with you and show you the ropes.
Move-In & More
Move-in is the first thing you’ll do as part of Orientation. Pull up in your vehicle to your assigned residence hall and wave hello to the many staff and students who will be on the sidewalk waiting to greet you and show you where to park! We’ll help you unload your car, you’ll check in with your Resident Advisor and get your room key, then head up to your new room! Once your belongings are dropped off, one of your family members will be asked to bring your car down to our Lakeside Campus parking lot, and they’ll take the Champlain shuttle back up to Main Campus to help you unpack and set up your room.
After Move-In …
The Nuts & Bolts: Info Fair
As you settle in and meet your roommate(s), you and your family are welcome to stop by our Info Fair, where staff from our various departments and offices will be on hand to answer your questions, from accessibility to medication management and counseling, wellbeing, sustainability, community resources, getting involved in our Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Women’s & Gender Center, and more.
BBQ Lunch, On Us!
After moving all those boxes and crates, you’ll be ready for some food! Enjoy a BBQ lunch, chat with fellow students and their families, and fuel up for a packed afternoon.
President’s Welcome & Convocation
All students and families are invited to join us for our President’s Welcome and Convocation ceremony! Hear remarks from our President and Provost as you are welcomed to the Champlain community with open arms. Celebrate Convocation, a tradition that officially marks the start of a new academic year.
Farewell, Families
Once the Convocation ceremony concludes, students and families will share an emotional moment, saying their goodbyes to one another before students head off into their Orientation groups. (Get your tissues ready!) Families will continue hanging out on the quad as our President and Student Affairs experts share transition tips and insight for the first semester.
Beyond Move-In Morning
Move-in morning is an exciting and busy time. Once students say their farewells to families, there’s a bunch more in store for Orientation weekend that will help you get familiar with your new campus and classmates.
Academic Meetings
During Orientation, you’ll get to meet your academic Deans and Faculty Advisors who are here to support you along your educational journey at Champlain. Hear about the exciting things you’ll get to take part in both in and outside of the classroom during your first year and beyond.
Cruise on Lake Champlain
The Spirit of Ethan Allen Boat Cruise on Lake Champlain is a Champlain tradition: You take a cruise on the beautiful lake at the beginning of your Champlain experience during Orientation and again right before graduation, during Senior Week. It’s the perfect bookend to this important chapter of your life.
Required Info Sessions & Trainings
As new students, there’s a lot to learn about Champlain policies, student standards, and expectations. You’ll attend trainings and sessions about safety; Title IX and sexual misconduct; diversity, equity, and inclusion; study abroad; and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to touch base with our Registrar, IT department, and take a campus tour.
Affinity Meet-Ups
Keep an eye out for affinity gatherings throughout the weekend. The Orientation schedule often includes intentional spaces and times for first-generation, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ students to come together in community and also learn about available support options.
Class Photo
Another classic Orientation tradition is capturing your class photo! Everyone heads to Finney Quad to commemorate this special moment of your class being fully together for the first time.
Fun in the SLC & More
While there are some structured activities during Orientation, there are also times when you can choose your own fun. Attend a performance at The Grind Open Mic Night (or plan a performance of your own!), play lawn games on the green, enjoy a movie under the stars, and get to know your hallmates during residence hall meetings and activities.
Transition Support Continues After Orientation
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Champ 101Part of our InSight program’s wellbeing theme, Champ 101 is a 10-week program designed specifically for incoming first-year students. The goal? Help you find your footing as you enter college life.
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Transfer ConnectionsTransfer Connections is a program offered to students who transferred to Champlain. The workshops are designed to create a sense of belonging and foster academic success.
August 2025 Orientation Details
Now that you’ve gotten the general overview of Orientation, you may be searching for some more specific information related to August 2025 Orientation. A full schedule will be posted in August!