NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
January 9-10, 2026
Welcome to Meredith!
Through New Student Orientation, you鈥檒l find everything you need to start your Meredith journey with confidence. Our program is designed to immerse you in the campus community, connect you with new classmates, and have tons of fun. We look forward to welcoming you to campus鈥攂alloon arches and all!
New Student Move-In and required Orientation programs will occur on Friday, January 9 with optional programming occurring on January 10, 2026
For a full breakdown of what to expect on Move-In Day鈥攊ncluding check-in instructions, parking, and open campus resources鈥攖ake a look at the Move-In Day Information Handout (PDF)
Contact Information
Chrissie Bumgardner
Co-Director, First Year Experience
bumgardner@meredith.edu
Lisa Brown
Co-Director, First Year Experience
lmbrown@meredith.edu
Favorite Orientation Traditions
At Meredith, Orientation is more than schedules and sessions 鈥� it鈥檚 where you begin to belong. Each of these beloved traditions plays a special role in helping you feel connected, grounded, and fully part of our community from day one.
Move-In Day: Your Meredith Welcome Party
Your Meredith journey begins at the front gate 鈥� literally! As you roll onto campus, be prepared for cheers, signs, and maybe even a balloon arch or two. Our OCrew (a high-energy team of student volunteers), along with proud alumnae, our Parent鈥檚 Council, Student Advisors, and Resident Assistants, are spread all over campus to welcome you home through out the day.
Honor Code Ceremony: A promise we make together
At Meredith, integrity is something we pledge publicly and take seriously. During the Honor Code Ceremony, every new student formally recites the Honor Pledge, marking the official beginning of their academic and community life at Meredith. According to tradition, your matriculation as a student officially begins the moment you take the pledge.
Massey House Tour: Your Invite to the President鈥檚 Home
Within your first few days on campus, you鈥檒l have the opportunity to visit the Massey House鈥攈ome of President Aimee Sapp. Since the 1970s, this tradition has marked a meaningful milestone for new students, offering a memorable start to your Meredith experience.
New Student Checkist
- Access and begin using your Meredith Email via the applicant portal.
- Return a signed scholarship acceptance form and financial aid offer via the applicant portal.
- Request official transcripts and any Advanced Placement scores be sent to the Office of Admissions via the applicant portal.
- Complete all modules on the聽聽Brightspace Page.
- Complete a Housing Request Form, if living on campus (form can be found in the Brightspace page. Due June 25).
- Submit all required forms, immunization records, and health insurance information via聽Health Services聽(due July 1).
- Request accommodations聽for a documented disability.
- Complete your CliftonStrengths Assessment (Email will be sent on July 15).
- Purchase and read our聽Summer Reading Program听蝉别濒别肠迟颈辞苍,听Ordinary Light聽by Tracy K. Smith
Orientation FAQs
What programs do I have to attend during New Student Orientation?
New students 鈥� whether you鈥檙e a first-year, transfer, or commuter 鈥� are all part of Orientation and all sessions are required unless otherwise noted on your schedule. We have designed the schedule with you in mind to help you be prepared and successful and strongly encourage you to participate in as much of the program as possible.
What if I am on a fall sports team?
Please attend all mandatory orientation programs. Coaches are aware of the schedule and will work with you to best meet your needs and their requirements.
What is the Fast Track Program and am I eligible?
The Fast Track Program is a condensed and rapid-paced version of orientation intended for our WINGS/Adult students held on Tuesday, August 19th. Transfer students may be eligible to opt into the Fast Track program and can discuss this alternative with your admissions representative.
Is there anything specific I need for New Student Orientation?
All events are casual attire with the exception of the FDOC Eve Events, which includes the Honor Code Ceremony. This is a formal ceremony that requires dressy casual attire (sundresses, daytime dresses, pants with nice tops, etc.)
Important Links
Orientation Schedule
January 9-10, 2026
| Student Orientation Schedule - January 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Items in maroon are required | |||
| Note: Monday, January 12, 10:00- 10:50 am and Friday, January 16, 3:00 - 4:30 pm, New Student Orientation Inclement Weather Dates-- only if January 9 date is cancelled due to winter weather. | |||
| Friday, January 9, 2026 | |||
| Start | End | Event | Location |
| 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM | Resident Student Move-In Plan to arrive on campus during this window of time. Plan to visit the Cate Center (2nd Floor) to receive your key before proceeding to your Residence Hall. | Cate Center/Residence Halls |
| 9:00 AM | 12:30 PM | Campus Errands (optional) Use this time to do any necessary business on campus before Tuesday's program begins | Various Locations |
| 12:30 PM | 1:00 PM | Check in and Resource Fair Get to meet other new students and visit with staff from various departments on campus. During this time make sure to get your CamCard (Student ID), if you have not already. | Cate Center |
| 1:00 PM | 1:20 PM | Welcome Start the day off with an official welcome to campus. | Kresge Auditorium |
| 1:20 PM | 2:20 PM | Strengths 101- An Introduction to Strengths at Meredith Learn more about Meredith's unique advising and personal coaching program, StrongPoints, and how you can identify and build upon your strengths during your time as a student. During this session we will be reiewing your results from the CliftonStrengths assessment. | Kresge Auditorium |
| 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Group Rotations Student groups will rotate between two programs (each 25 minutes in length) | |
| Get to Know the Library Take part in a tour of the Carlyle Campbell Library and learn about the many resources available to you. | Library | ||
| Meredith Traditions & Getting Involved Learn about how you can get involved on campus as well as participate in the various traditions on campus. | Freeman Room | ||
| 3:40 PM | 4:15 PM | Health and Wellness at Meredith Staff will present information and resources related to student health and wellness with an emphasis on healthy relationships and Title IX policies and reporting procedures. | Kresge Auditorium |
| 4:15 PM | 4:30 PM | Honor Code Ceremony This longstanding tradition provides you an opportunity to undetstand and celebrate both the Honor Code and the Honor System at Meredith | Johnson Hall Rotunda |
| 4:30 PM | 5:00 PM | Navigating Campus (optional) Still unsure where your classes meet? Student Advisors will take you around so you feel a bit more familiar with campus. | Walk through your schedule |
| 5:15 PM | 6:30 PM | New Student Meet Up and Dinner (optional)* Connect with others that are starting their Meredith journey and get a jump start on tomorrow's program. Your meal is free if you are a commuter student without a meal plan. | Start inside Johnson Hall Rotunda |
| Saturday, January 10, 2026 | |||
| Start | End | Event | Location |
| 8:00 PM | 10:00 PM | Movie Night in the Oaks (optional) Come hang out over a movie and enjoy some hot chocolate. Our Student Advisor team hopes to see you there. | The Oaks Apartments (common area) |
| Monday, January 12, 2026 | |||
| Start | End | Event | Location |
| First Day of Classes! | |||
| 10:00 AM | 10:50 PM | NSO Make Up Phase 1 if Friday is canceled due to inclement weather. | |
| Friday, January 16, 2026 | |||
| Start | End | Event | Location |
| 10:00 AM | 10:50 AM | Meet Up with your Student Advisor Now that you have a few days under your belt, use this time to check in with your Student Advisor and your Orientation Group. | TBA |
| 3:00 PM | 4:30 PM | NSO Make Up Phase 2 if Friday is canceled due to inclement weather. | |
| * Resident students use their meal plan. Commuter students receive a meal voucher for lunch and dinner. | |||
Move-In Day Arrival Chart
8:00 AM
3rd Poteat
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3rd Faircloth
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3rd Heilman
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8:40 AM
1st Poteat
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1st Faircloth
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1st Heilman
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9:20 AM
2nd Poteat
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2nd Faircloth
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2nd Heilman
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10:00 AM
3rd Poteat
Odd Numbered Rooms
3rd Faircloth
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3rd Heilman
Odd Numbered Rooms
10:40 AM
1st Poteat
Even Numbered Rooms
1st Faircloth
Even Numbered Rooms
1st Heilman
Even Numbered Rooms
11:20 AM
2nd Poteat
Odd Numbered Rooms
2nd Faircloth
Odd Numbered Rooms
2nd Heilman
Odd Numbered Rooms
12:00 PM
Any Floor
Any Room
Any Floor
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