Orientation is a vital part of your college experience and prepares you with all the tools you will need when you set foot on campus for the first time as a Wilkes University Colonel this July!
During Orientation, there will be opportunities to meet other classmates in small groups and with your academic advisor, as well as to learn about campus services and activities. Of course, there will also be a lot of time for fun!
Last Year's Schedule
The 2024 schedule will be posted as soon as it's available, but feel free to check out last year's to get an idea of your orientation experience!
8 a.m.
1st Floor Concourse, Henry Student Center
Check in at the Henry Student Center to start your Orientation experience! A continental breakfast and refreshments will be provided.
8:45 a.m.
Darling Theater, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center
Welcome to Orientation! Wilkes University President, Dr. Greg Cant and Student Orientation Coordinator, Morgan Steiner, will welcome students and guests. There will be a review of the day’s events before heading off to the first session.
9:15 a.m.
McHale Athletic Center
Your Orientation Leader will provide you some important information that will help you navigate the day's events and offer an opportunity to get to know your fellow Colonels!
10:30 a.m.
Room 105, Stark Learning Center
Staff from the Office of Academic Success will present on what to expect when meeting your academic advisor and how to navigate the transition to academic life at the University.
11:00 a.m.
Assigned Classrooms
Meet your advisor! Hear what your fall semester will look like from your assigned academic advisor. Schedule your individual appointment with your advisor at this time.
12 p.m.
Henry Student Center
Rejoin your family / guests for lunch in Henry's Dining Hall to enjoy lunch! Once you have finished lunch, head downstairs to visit with campus resources that can help you get ready for the fall semester.
12:45 p.m.
Assigned Classrooms
Meet your academic advisor one-on-one to discuss your academic schedule and course offerings for the fall semester. Meetings are scheduled by your advisor throughout the remainder of the day.
1 P.m.
JPAC, 2nd floor, Henry Student Center
Join the Office of Diversity Initiatives to learn how our programs and services support you throughout your Wilkes experience to grow, connect, and celebrate you!
1:30 p.m.
Room 105, Breiseth Hall
Math placement tests will be available to retake at this time. If you are unsure about your math placement test status, please ask your academic advisor or any of the Orientation staff.
2 p.m.
Room 105/B05, Stark Learning Center
Depending on whether you intend to live on campus or commute, you with either hear from the Office of Residence Life to learn about living on campus and residence hall expectations, or the Wilkes University Commuter Council leadership and their staff advisor to learn about commuting to campus, parking, and more!
3 p.m.
Location to be determined by your e-Mentor
Join the e-Mentors for ice cream and social activities. e-Mentors will be available to answer any remaining questions, provide campus tours highlighting academic buildings and residence halls, and show you just how much fun you can have at Wilkes. Welcome to the neighborhood!
8 a.m.
1st Floor Concourse, Henry Student Center
Check in at the Henry Student Center to start your Orientation experience! A continental breakfast and refreshments will be provided.
8:45 a.m.
Darling Theater, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center
Welcome to Orientation! Wilkes University President, Dr. Greg Cant and Student Orientation Coordinator, Morgan Steiner, will welcome students and guests. There will be a review of the day’s events before heading off to the first session.
9:15 a.m.
Darling Theater, Dororthy Dickson Darte Center
Staff from the Office of Academic Success will present on what to expect when meeting your academic advisor and how to navigate the transition to academic life at the University.
10:15 a.m.
Darling Theater, Dorothy Dickson Darte Center
Presented by Campus Counseling, hear about the resources available to you and your student through Health and Wellness, Student Affairs, and more.
11:00 a.m.
Assigned Classrooms
Meet your student’s advisor! Hear what the fall semester will look like from your student’s assigned academic advisor.
12 p.m.
Henry Student Center
Rejoin your family / guests for lunch in Henry's Dining Hall to enjoy lunch! Once you have finished lunch, head downstairs to visit with campus resources that can help you get ready for the fall semester.
1:15 p.m.
Room 105/B05, Stark Learning Center
Depending on whether you intend to live on campus or commute, you with either hear from the Office of Residence Life to learn about living on campus and residence hall expectations, or the Wilkes University Commuter Council leadership and their staff advisor to learn about commuting to campus, parking, and more!
2 p.m.
JPAC, 2nd floor, Henry Student Center
Presented by the Wilkes University Police Department, learn more about the services offered and how to stay informed about safety measures on campus.
2:30 p.m.
JPAC, 2nd floor, Henry Student Center
Presented by the Office of Student Development.
3 p.m.
1st floor Concourse, Henry Student Center
Coffee and refreshments will be available. Students will be wrapping up the programmed portion of the day. While you wait for your student, feel free to grab some refreshments, visit the Colonel’s Corner Bookstore, stop by the Career Center, and get to know some of the other parents and families. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Meet the e-Mentors
The First Year Student e-Mentoring Program eases the transition of new students to college and provides a supportive environment for academic success and personal growth. The program helps each new student connect with peers, upperclassmen, and the institution as a whole.
A First Year Student e-Mentor is a full-time undergraduate student who leads a group of approximately 15-25 new students throughout the first semester of their career at Wilkes University, beginning at summer Orientation and concluding at the end of the fall semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all first-year students required to attend an Orientation session?
Orientation is an important part of acclimating to life at Wilkes University. Students meet with their advisors, learn about being a resident or commuter student, make their fall schedule and so much more. We host multiple sessions to meet the needs of as many students as possible, and ask that every effort be made to attend.
If students absolutely are unable to attend any of the summer Orientation sessions, they should contact orientation@wilkes.edu or call 570-408-4014.
Do families have to attend Orientation?
Although it is not required, it is strongly suggested that parents or guardians attend Orientation. There is a whole track geared towards the interests of families so they can support their first year student.
Who should I contact with allergy, physical, or any other accommodations?
Please contact orientation@wilkes.edu or call 570-408-4014 as soon as possible with any accommodations that will be needed.
When will I get my Wilkes ID?
You will upload your ID picture through your Orientation to do list on the student portal, but you will not receive your ID until Welcome Weekend.