Ithaca College

Each week, the office of New Student & Transition Programs will be sharing our responses to our most frequently asked Orientation questions. Our hope is increase awareness and understanding around this new program and why it is beneficial to our incoming students.  

This week’s question is: Why Eight Days?

In 2019, Fall Orientation will be an eight-day program, starting with move-in day and culminating in Convocation. This program carefully balances (1) focusing on new students’ academic and social transition, (2) continuing engagement of our student population, (3) ensuring our students have breaks to promote good mental and physical health, and (4) creating a sense of community among incoming students. The committee prioritized programs, created shorter days, and balanced new and exciting initiatives to keep our students engaged. The length of Fall Orientation mirrors the time committed to past summer orientation and fall welcome sessions.

It continues to be important for our students, families, and guests to have a positive experience when visiting Ithaca. Eliminating an additional required trip during the summer and working with the Ithaca community and neighboring institutions will help achieve this goal.