Approximately 800 new students and their families are joining the Catholic University family starting Thursday, Aug. 25, during Orientation 2016 — a four-day program meant to help incoming freshmen and transfer students make the adjustment to college life.
Over the course of four days, the new students and their families will have opportunities to meet academic advisors, get to know classmates, and become more familiar with Catholic University and Washington, D.C.
“The biggest overall goal is for students and their families to feel comfortable here and make their transition to the CUA family,” said Ana Lincoln, assistant director of campus activities. “We want families to feel confident leaving their student here and knowing that their student is going to feel comfortable and have resources to help them along the way.”
On Thursday, new students will move into their residence halls in the morning. At check-in, each student will receive a customized Catholic University academic planner, with information about academic schedules, offices, and facilities around the campus, as well as suggestions for making the most of University resources.
Later that afternoon, Catholic University President John Garvey will address the students and their families during three 45-minute sessions at the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m.
Additional events throughout the weekend will include sessions for Spanish-speaking families, transfer and commuter students, and international students as well as workshops on topics like study abroad, work-study, cross-cultural programs, financial aid, and campus safety.
On Saturday afternoon, students and their families will attend information sessions related to their academic schools, followed by a Mass in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at 4:30 p.m.
Additional social events throughout the weekend will include a comedic hypnotist, a casino night, and trips to various D.C. locales, including Nationals Park, Georgetown, the National Zoo, and the Smithsonian museums.
To keep up to date on orientation events, students are invited to download the Catholic University Orientation App to their phones or mobile devices. The app, which is available through the iTunes store, will include personalized schedules, as well as links to social media, photo galleries, and frequently asked questions.
For more information about orientation, visit orientation.cua.edu.