Orientation
Welcome to Calvin University!
The orientation team is excited to help you make the jump from high school to the awesome adventure of higher education. This transition is not always easy, but we have a team of people to assist you.
Calvin has a variety of orientation programs that are unique to individuals’ situations. Every student must attend an orientation program (in the spring or summer) and Welcome Week (in the fall). But there are other opportunities: For instance, we have wilderness orientation trips in August for students who crave adventure but also want to meet other students before they arrive on campus. For international students, third culture kids, and Americans who have lived abroad, we have an International Orientation. For North American students of color, we have IMPACT, an orientation designed specifically for you.
To select the program for you, read on.
You are our priority
We want you to find a new home where you belong. That all starts with getting the most out of your orientation programs.
On-campus or Online Orientation
For:
- On-campus—New students and family members
- Online—New students only (A separate online orientation for parents will be scheduled.)
When:
- On-campus—Apr. 14, May 21, June 7, June 18
- Online—June 2, 3, 9–11, and 15, July 15, Aug. 16
Also required: Automatically registered for Welcome Week—Aug. 26–29
IMPACT
For: North American students of color (required)
When: August 23–25
Also required: On-campus or Online Orientation and Welcome Week
Additional cost of $100.
INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION
For: International students & American third-culture students
When: August 22–25
Also required: On-campus or Online Orientation and Welcome Week
Note: Required for international students. Optional for third-culture students or students living abroad. Additional cost of $250. Please arrange your travel schedule to arrive in Grand Rapids on August 22 for programming that will begin on August 23.
TRANSFER ORIENTATION
YOUR ORIENTATION ROADMAP
Launch into a fun and successful start at Calvin by doing these key things:
- Participate in an on-campus or virtual orientation experience
For students and families, there are various options offered during spring, during summer, or just before Welcome Week. - Meet your advisor and register for classes
This will usually be incorporated into the orientation option you choose. We'll make sure your fall classes will help you reach your goals. - Have a blast during Welcome Week
Enjoy a fun few days just before classes start. - Be assured that you're ready!
We are committed to serving you and keeping you safe. These orientation experiences will help you feel confident in your next steps here at Calvin.
ALSO CONSIDER
WILDERNESS ORIENTATION
Wilderness Orientation is an additional(and completely awesome) program for adventure-seekers who want an extraordinary outdoor experience.
For: Anyone who is up for an adventure. You must also attend the standard orientation experiences.
When: August 8–14 & August 18–25
Costs: Range in fees depending on trip
Still wondering what to expect? Contact our Orientation Team—we’re here to help.
WELCOME WEEK
Welcome Week is scheduled to take place just before classes begin. We’ll keep you updated with the specific and any changes that may occur.
