First-Year Orientation is a comprehensive program that assists new students, their parents, and families in making successful transitions into the Whittier College community.
The schedule is tentative and subject to change. A final schedule will be emailed to students who registered for orientation the week before. We encourage students to check their email regularly for updates regarding orientation.
Sunday, August 18: Welcome to Whittier
2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. Orientation Check-In • Graham Athletic Center (GAC)
All orientation participants will check in and get relevant materials.
3 p.m. - 3:40 p.m. Welcome to Whittier • Graham Athletic Center (GAC)
Orientation will begin with opening remarks from campus leaders to welcome everyone to the Poet experience.
3:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Transitioning to Whittier • Graham Athletic Center (GAC)
Students will hear from panelists in a storytelling session focused on transitioning to college and offering insights aimed at helping new Poets with their welcome to Whittier.
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Dinner • Upper Quad
Mix and mingle with fellow Poets while enjoying a delicious dinner provided by the College. Table topic questions will be distributed at each table to help you kick-start your friendships. There will also be an opportunity to win prizes during our trivia game.
6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Light of Learning Set Up • Location Varies
Students • Upper Quad near SLC building
Students will line up in the Upper Quad and get ready to process for the Light of Learning ceremony, a Whittier College tradition.
Guest • Harris Amphitheater
Parents, guardians, and families will head to the Harris Amphitheater to find their seats and await for the Light of Learning ceremony to begin.
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. President's Convocation & Light of Learning • Harris Amphitheater
This meaningful tradition has taken place for decades and is the formal beginning of the Whittier College experience.
Monday, August 19: Beginning the Poet Experience
9: 30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Continental Breakfast • Shannon Center Courtyard (Optional)
An optional breakfast is available at the Shannon Center Courtyard. Breakfast is free for all new students.
10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Orientation Check-In • Shannon Center
All orientation participants will check in and be assigned to a group.
10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Tedx Style Presentation • Shannon Center
Poets will form connections based on affinity groups and common interests. There will also be a panel of diverse speakers who will share their tips for forming connections.
11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Introductions • North Lawn
Poets will participate in introductory activities led by their assigned student leader.
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Campus Tours • North Lawn
Poets will walk through campus on a tour guided by their student leader.
*Please be sure to bring your class schedule to familiarize yourself with building names and codes.
12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Lunch • Upper Quad
Poets can enjoy a meal on the lawn while meeting fellow Poets interested in their intended major(s).
1:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Diversity and Inclusion • Shannon Center
Join our Office of Equity and Inclusion to learn more about diversity efforts at Whittier and engage in inclusive work.
2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Wellness at Whittier • Shannon Center
Join the Counseling Center and our Peer Health Educators as they share resources and tips for staying well in college.
3:35 p.m. - 4:25 p.m. INTD 101 Meeting & Alumni Panel • Location Varies
Students in INTD 101 • Shannon Center
Students enrolled in the INTD 101 course will meet with INTD 101 faculty in the Shannon Center for their first class.
Transfer Students • Hoover 100
Transfer students will join the Faculty & Alumni Panel to hear from outstanding Poets who can share more about the value of their education at Whittier and the advice most helpful for supporting the transition to Whittier.
4:30 p.m. - 5:10 p.m. Dinner • Upper Quad
Poets will have dinner in assigned groups on the Upper Quad.
5:10 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Rock Signing • Lower Quad
This orientation tradition gathers all new students at The Rock (Whittier College landmark). Each member of the incoming class will sign the historic rock and take a class picture.
Tuesday, August 20: Becoming a Poet
8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Continental Breakfast • Campus Inn (CI) (Optional)
An optional breakfast is available at the Campus Inn. Breakfast is free for all new students who check in and wear their wristbands.
9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Orientation Check-In • Shannon Center
Students will check-in for their final day of orientation at the Shannon Center.
9: 30 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. Being in Community • Shannon Center
Poets will get an introduction to Whittier's community standards to better understand the campus regulations and expectations.
10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Shared Values Bingo • Shannon Center
This interactive session will be led by members of the Interfaith American team and our student leaders. Poets will play bingo while getting to know one another.
10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m. Bystander Intervention • Shannon Center
Poets will learn about the importance of Title IX prevention and the Title IX process. Poets will also learn about the different methods of bystander intervention.
12 p.m. - 1:10 p.m. Assigned Group Lunch • Location Varies
Students in INTD 100 • Upper Quad
Students enrolled in the INTD 100 course will grab lunch in the Upper Quad and eat in their assigned INTD 100 groups.
Transfer Students • Villalobos Hall
Transfer students not enrolled in INTD 100 will eat and get together to meet staff facilitators.
1:10 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. INTD 100 Gathering & Career Panel •Location Varies
Students in INTD 100 • Listed INTD Classrooms
Students enrolled in INTD 100 course will meet for a session with their faculty mentor.
*Please be sure to bring your class schedule to refer to the classroom location.
Transfer Students • Villalobos Hall
Transfer students will meet the Career and Professional Development team to learn about navigating their career choices, using their strengths, and developing a plan for their career journey.
2:35 p.m. - 3 p.m. Orientation Closing • Graham Athletic Center (GAC)
Poets will meet at the Graham Athletic Center (GAC) to conclude this year's Fall orientation.
3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Pack the GAC • Graham Athletic Center (GAC)
It's time to let loose and have some fun. Poets can enjoy dancing, night swimming, playing volleyball, dodgeball, basketball, or participating in wellness activities.
2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Dinner • Campus Inn
Poets can show their completed orientation survey to get Poet gear.
Campus Map
For your reference, please download this the Whittier College campus map.