Aug. 26, 2015
Approximately 1,000 new students and their families will come to campus on Thursday, Aug. 27, for the start of Orientation 2015 - a four-day program that is meant to help incoming freshmen and transfer students become more comfortable with college life before beginning classes on Aug. 31.
Over the course of four days, the new students and their families will have opportunities to meet their academic advisors, get to know their classmates, and become more familiar with the campus and Washington, D.C.
"Orientation is our opportunity to welcome new students and their families to the CUA community," said Ana Lincoln, assistant director of campus activities. "The program provides students with all of the information and resources they need to be successful here at Catholic University, as well as helping them to feel comfortable in their new home."Eighty CUA student volunteers will serve as orientation advisors during the program. Dressed in red polo shirts, they will be available to answer questions and give directions around campus. On Aug. 27, Catholic University President John Garvey will address new students and their families at the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center during three 30-minute sessions at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m. An information session will be available for Spanish-speaking families in Hannan Hall Room 106 at 6 p.m. Additional events that day include sessions for commuters, varsity athletes, transfer students, and members of the University Honors Program. Parents can learn about empowering their students to be successful self-advocates during a "Letting Go" workshop while students will meet their resident assistants and get to know their fellow classmates at Playfair, an interactive program on the Pryzbyla Center's West Lawn.Orientation events on Aug. 28 begin with a required session for students: "The 'Naked' Truth about Life in College" with best-selling author Harlan Cohen. Additional workshops throughout the morning will cover topics like financial aid, work-study, Campus Ministry, and public safety. In the afternoon, students and their families will attend information sessions related to their academic school and a Mass in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at 4:30 p.m. Additional events for students during Orientation include a casino night, an outdoor movie, and excursions to various Washington, D.C. locales, including Nationals Park, Georgetown, the National Zoo, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information about Orientation, visit orientation.cua.edu .