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Pre-Orientation Programs

Get to know your new home before the semester begins!

Pre-Orientation Programs

Pre-orientation programs support yourÌýtransition to college by fostering early connections, engagement, and a sense of belonging.ÌýThese programs provide opportunities provide you with the opportunity to gain exclusive access to university and DC leadership, immerse yourself inÌýa key focus area of your choice, and make friends with fellow first-year student who shareÌýa common interest.Ìý

At ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ University, pre-orientation programs will take place before New Student Orientation from August 16–18, 2025. These programs require a small participation fee and offer an enriching experience in various thematic areas.

Perks

  • early move-in for the Fall semester
  • exposure to DC area leaders
  • early bonding with friends of shared common interest
  • meals and exclusive swag are included!

Ìý

Want to receive updates and more information on pre-orientation programs? Complete this form!

ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ Outdoors

ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ Outdoors is a pre-orientation program for incoming first-year students that gives youÌýthe chance to connect with the local natural landscape. The trip is planned to accommodate a variety of skill and outdoor experience levels, including those new to outdoor activities. This pre-orientation program provides you the opportunity to meet new friends, enhance leadership skills, and appreciate the local landscape. A hiking trip through Shenandoah National Park will be included as part of the program.Ìý

Sustain ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ

ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ is proud to be the first US university to achieve carbon neutrality, as well as eliminate all public fossil fuel investments from its endowment. Are you passionate about the environment and sustainability? Sustain ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ offers an engaging and informative experience for you!ÌýDiscover eco-friendly initiatives, both on-campus and in the DC metro area, through this pre-orientation program. Sustain ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµÌýprovides a unique blend of educational activities, hands-on projects, and exploration of key sustainability initiatives. This pre-orientation program includes an excursion to ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ's Airlie Farm, where students will learn about sustainability efforts in the DMV region.Ìý

Civics in Action

Civics in Action connectsÌýstudents to the heart of Civic Life in DC and beyond. This program brings students of diverse experiences to engage in dialogue across differences, building strong social bonds and appreciation of diverse perspectives. Students will have exposure to all levels of civic engagement, at the university, city, and national level through meaningful excursions, allowing youÌýtoÌýfeel comfortable integrating into the civic community in Washington, DC.Ìý

Venture to Volunteer (V2V)

Venture to Volunteer (V2V) isÌýa multi-day experience for first-year and transfer students that blends non-profit service with exploration of DC neighborhoods, history and culture. This event has previously been known as Explore DC (EDC).

It's a chance to get to know your new city -Ìýfrom learning the logistical ropes (like transportation and food), to engaging with issues faced by community members (and the ways they're making a difference), to first-hand experience of DC'sÌýrich cultural, historical and community resources. A long-time ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ tradition, it's part of ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ All ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ Welcome andÌýsponsored by CLCE. There's no better way to start life at ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ!

Questions?

Send us an email at orientation@american.edu.

Students smile at the camera from a table set up in Bender Arena.

All-ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ Welcome

All-ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ Welcome encompasses all the activites happening during move-in, Orientation, andÌýWelcome Week. Check out all the events happening on campus!

Explore Events

An Orientation Leader speaks to new ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ students at a New Eagle Stop.

New Student Checklist

Track your ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ journey with the New Student Checklist. You can also find a with your own progress!Ìý

New Student Checklist

Students and families moving into Anderson-Centennial Hall at ÓñÃ×ÊÓÆµ.

Housing & Residence Life

Find your home on campus! Learn more about the residence halls and residence life for incoming students.

Learn More