First-Year & Transfer Orientation Schedule

Orientation is a comprehensive program that assists new students, their parents, and families in making successful transitions into the Whittier College community. 

Sunday, August 17 — Welcome to Whittier, Poets! 

Audience: New students & up to two guests

2:30 – 3:00 PM - North Lawn

Orientation Check-In @ North Lawn

3:00 – 3:45 PM - North Lawn

Opening Remarks by Campus Leaders @ North Lawn

Separate Tracks

Parents & Guardians (English-Speaking session at Shannon Center & Spanish-Speaking session at Memorial Chapel):

  • Welcome keynote by Dean of Students
  • Support Your Poet (resources & transition tips)
  • Career Services Presentation (Whittier Works)
  • Parent Mixer & Bingo

New Students (North Lawn):

  • Circles for New Students 

Evening Events

5:25 – 6:15 PM - North Lawn

Community Dinner @ North Lawn (includes trivia, prizes, photobooth)

6:15 – 7:30 PM - Harris Amphitheater

Light of Learning Ceremony & President’s Convocation @ Harris Amphitheater (concludes day 1)

8:30 – 10:00 PM - Turner & Stauffer Hall (Optional)

Outdoor Movie Night with Housing Team @ Turner & Stauffer Hall

Monday, August 18 — Beginning the POET Experience

Audience: New students only

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM - Campus Inn (Optional)

Optional Breakfast @ Campus Inn

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM - Shannon Center

  • Orientation Sessions @ Shannon Center
    • Check-In & Group Photos
    • Wellness & Mental Health Resources
    • Title IX and Bystander Intervention
    • Student Leader Panel (thriving academically and socially)

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM - North Lawn

Lunch & Lawn Games @ North Lawn

1:10 PM – 5:00 PM - North Lawn & Upper Quad

Community Expectations, Academic Sessions & Faculty Mentor Meet-Ups

POET 101 / FWPB 100 sessions or alternative career-focused workshops for transfer students

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM - North Lawn & Upper Quad

Dinner, Group Competitions & Field Games @ North Lawn & Upper Quad

Tuesday, August 19 — Becoming a POET

Audience: New students only

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM - Campus Inn (Optional)

Optional Breakfast @ Campus Inn

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Morning Activities

  • Check-In & Rock Signing 
  • Shared Values Bingo 
  • Leadership & Involvement Opportunities
  • Final Group Gathering
  • Lunch & Orientation Closing

Afternoon/Evening Events

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM - GAC (Optional)

Fun @ the GAC (swimming, sports, music) 

12:30 PM – 5:00 PM - Hoover 100

International Student Transition Support @ Hoover 100

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Optional)

Open Office Hours (Financial Aid, Registration, etc.) 

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM - Campus Inn (Optional)

Optional Dinner @ Campus Inn

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM - North Lawn (Optional)

Yoga Session @ North Lawn

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Dorm Floor Meetings (mandatory for residential students)

Campus Map

For your reference, please download the Whittier College campus map.