Fall Orientation for First-Year Students
Get started on your college journey
The Fall Orientation program is the second mandatory orientation for all new students. During this program, you will:
- Become more familiar with campus and student support services
- Meet your academic (faculty) advisor
- Connect with other new Hamline students
- Meet and connect with your New Student Mentor (NSM)
- Attend the first class meeting of your first-year seminar
- Learn how to find and join Hamline communities and events
Fall Orientation information
Fall Orientation for 2026 is scheduled for September 6, 7, and 8. Fall Orientation is a mandatory program for new students; all three days are mandatory.
Keep an eye on your Hamline email; you’ll receive a link to confirm your attendance and register any guests you plan to bring for the Kickoff and Parents and Families reception. Please see a sample schedule below; a fully detailed schedule wil be provided on your arrival.
If you have any questions or concerns about Fall Orientation, please contact New Student Programs at newstudentprograms@hamline.edu.
Parents and guests
Parents and guests are welcome to join us for the Orientation Kickoff, and then attend the Parent and Guest Reception immediately following. Please note that aside from the Kickoff and Reception, there is no additional programming for parents and guests — the remainder of Fall Orientation is for students only. If you have any questions or concerns about Fall Orientation, please contact New Student Programs at newstudentprograms@hamline.edu.
Frequently asked questions about Orientation
Sample orientation schedules
Note: A complete and up-to-date schedule will be given to you on your arrival.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. - noon | Residence hall move-in & ID pickup Check your HU email to see what time you can move into your residence hall |
Anderson Center Forum |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Bishops Bistro open for lunch** | Bishop's Bistro |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Commuter student check-in Check in for Orientation, and pick up your ID |
Anderson Center Forum |
| 1 - 1:45 p.m. | Fall Orientation Kickoff Parent & Family Reception immediately following the Kickoff |
Hutton Arena |
| 2 - 2:45 p.m. | FYSem small groups | Check nametag |
| 3 - 4:30 p.m. | Build your Piper nation Meet other new Pipers through a set of interactive activities |
Old Main Lawn |
| 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. | Meet your RA Get close and personal with your RAs! |
Various locations |
| 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. | Commuter student life Learn about life as a commuter with Student Activities |
Sundin Music Hall |
| 5:30 - 7 p.m. | Bishops Bistro open for dinner** | Bishop's Bistro |
| 7 - 10 p.m. | A night at the Speakeasy** Join us for an optional evening of mocktails, karaoke, and crafts while we watch the fireworks from the fair |
Kay Fredericks Room |
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:15 a.m. | Bishops Bistro open for breakfast | Bishop's Bistro |
| 9 a.m. | Locate FYSem and meet with your New Student Mentor (NSM) | Alumni Way |
| 9:15 - 9:45 a.m. | FYSem small groups Get to know your FYSem and NSM |
Across campus |
| 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Program rotations Students will rotate through various sessions and attend lunch (a full schedule will be provided during Orientation) |
Across campus |
| 3:45 - 5 p.m. |
Living on campus |
Anderson Center 111/112 |
| 5:30 - 7 p.m. | Bishops Bistro open for dinner** | Bishop's Bistro |
| 7 - 9 p.m. | Silent Disco** Join the Hamline University Programming Board for an optional evening program as they kick off Welcome Week with Silent Disco |
Anderson Center 111/112 |
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:15 a.m. | Bishops Bistro open for breakfast | Bishop's Bistro |
| 9 a.m. | Locate FYSem and meet with your New Student Mentor (NSM) | Alumni Way |
| 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. | Meet your FYSem trio Get to know your FYSem professor and Campus Colleague |
Across campus |
| 10:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Program rotations Students will rotate through various sessions and attend lunch (a full schedule will be provided during Orientation) |
Across campus |
| 1:45 p.m. |
Line up for Convocation and Matriculation |
Old Main Lawn |
| 2 p.m. | Convocation and Matriculation | Klas Field |
| 3:15 p.m. | Ice cream social Join your new community for some refreshing ice cream treats to celebrate the kick off to the new school year |
Old Main Lawn |
| 5 - 7 p.m. | Dinner: HUSC Welcome Back Barbecue** Open and free for everyone! Sponsored by Hamline University Student Congress (HUSC). |
Anderson Patio |
| 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. | Movie on the Lawn: How to Train Your Dragon (2010)** Join the Hamline University Programming Board for an optional evening movie featuring trivia and prizes |
Drew Science Center Lawn |