First-Year Student Orientation

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!

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!

2025 Orientation Dates

  • Monday, June 30 - This session is full and no longer accepting registrations
  • Monday, July 7
  • Wednesday, July 9
  • Honors PPGS Students: Please email orientation@wilkes.edu if you have not registered yet.
  • All other PPGS Students can register for any session.

Register for orientation on the Wilkes Portal. On the left-side navigation, choose Students, then First Year Undergraduate Orientation and choose a session.

Overnight Experience

  • Incoming students will have the opportunity to have an optional overnight experience following the July 7 session!

  • Be sure to choose “YES” for the overnight option when you are registering for the July 7 orientation session if you wish to attend!

  • Check out the overnight experience schedule.

2025 Orientation Schedule

9 a.m.

Registration

1st Floor Concourse, Henry Student Center

Check in to start your Orientation experience! Student guides will be available to lead you over to the McHale Athletic Center, where a continental breakfast and refreshments will be provided.

9:45 a.m.

Welcome Session

McHale Athletic Center (MAC)

Welcome to orientation! Wilkes University President, Dr. Greg Cant will welcome students and guests.

10 A.M.

For Students: Socialize the Wilkes WAE

Marts Gymnasium

Get to know your fellow Colonels and future classmates during this exciting tradition hosted by Wilkes Adventure Education (WAE)!

10 A.M.

Student Dismissal

Our Student Orientation Coordinator will welcome students and guests, introduce the team of 2025 e-mentors and provide instructions to students for the remainder of the day.

10:20 A.M.

For Families: Empower & Support - Striking a Balance for Your Student’s College Success

McHale Athletic Center (MAC)

Learn how to support your students in their newest adventure. Practical advice on the ins and outs of college life, such as support during the transition to college, access to Wilkes news and events, etc. Work as a team to conquer the anxiety of the first semester!

11 A.M.

For Families: Break!

Enjoy a short break with refreshments before the next session. Refreshments will be available in the McHale Athletic Center as well as the Jean and Paul Adams Commons, second floor, Henry Student Center.

11:15 A.M.

FOR FAMILIES: Setting Your Student Up for Success

Jean and Paul Adams Commons (JPAC), 2nd Floor, Henry Student Center

Gain insights from various departments on helping your student transition successfully to life at the University. A panel of staff from Student Development, Campus Counseling, the Office of Academic Success, the Center for Career Development and Internships, and University Police will share strategies for supporting your student in this interactive Q&A session.

11:30 A.M.

FOR Students: Meet Your Academic Advisor - Group Advising Sessions

Assigned Classrooms (see your name tag for location)

Meet your advisor! Hear what your fall semester will look like and schedule your individual appointment with your advisor at this time. Individual Advising Appointments will be scheduled at this time.

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch

3rd Floor, Henry Student Center

Rejoin your family/guests/student for lunch in the Henry’s Dining Hall to enjoy lunch.

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Resource Fair

1st Floor, Henry Student Center

Once you have finished lunch, head downstairs to visit with campus resources that can help you get ready for the fall semester.

1 - 4:30 p.m.

Individual Advising Appointments

Various Campus Locations

Individual appointments will be scheduled during the Meet Your Academic Advisor - Group Advising Session by each academic advisor.

1:45 - 2:15 p.m.

Grow, Connect, Celebrate!

Farley 002, Farley Library

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!

Financial Aid & Bursar Information

SLC 105

Learn valuable details about your tuition bill, payment options, and financial aid.

2:15 - 3 p.m.

Residence Life Info Session OR Commuter Life Info Session

SLC 105 OR Farley 002, Farley Library

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! Every good story needs a setting!

3 p.m.

Closing Celebration

1st floor, 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 (located just steps away from the rear doors of the Henry Student Center. Look for the yellow hand chair!), and get to know some of the other parents and families.

Thank you for joining us for orientation!

We’re thrilled to provide this opportunity to not only get to know your classmates but also immerse yourself in the Wilkes community and its surrounding areas. We can’t wait to see you there!

July 7th: Post-Orientation

3:30 - 5 p.m.

Check-in & Settle Into Assigned Rooms
  • After Orientation programming concludes, check in at the Info Desk in the Henry Student Center.
  • Move into your assigned residence hall and get settled.

5 P.M.

Dinner & Evening Activities
  • Meet back at the Henry Student Center for dinner.
  • Enjoy a mix of on-campus and off-campus programming designed to help you connect with your peers and explore what Wilkes and the local community have to offer.
  • Finalized details about activities will be shared with participants before the event.

10:30 P.M.

Ice Cream Social
  • Unwind with an ice cream social in your assigned residence hall. This is a great chance to relax and reflect on the day with fellow students and E-Mentors.

July 8th: Community Engagement & Farewell

8 - 9 A.M.

Breakfast at the Henry Student Center
  • Join the E-Mentors for breakfast and get ready for a meaningful morning.

9 - 11 A.M.

Community Service with the E-Mentors
  • At Wilkes, we believe in giving back. We’re excited to introduce you to our community-focused mission by engaging in service projects throughout the area.
  • Groups will depart campus with E-Mentors to visit service sites and make a positive impact.

11 a.M. - 12 P.M.

Return to Campus & Check-Out
  • After service, head back to campus, grab some lunch, and pack up your belongings.
  • Check out of your residence hall and wrap up your Overnight Experience!

Explore More About Wilkes

Life at Wilkes

Learn more about life as a Wilkes student, including residence life and housing, dining options and student clubs.

Learn about Life at Wilkes

Our Programs

Learn more about what you can study at Wilkes.

Explore our Programs

Interactive Campus Map

Explore Wilkes University Campus and learn more about academic buildings, residence halls, classrooms and dining locations.

Explore Campus

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.

Hey y'all! My name is Adrianna Aziz and I am a senior (P2) Pharmacy major pursing a minor in chemistry and a concentration in creative writing! The community at Wilkes has always been super important to me, and I couldn't imagine myself at any other place that's as tight knit and personable as we are.

Adrianna Aziz

Hello! My name is Caleb Gibson, but you can call me “Gibby.“ I am a senior majoring in Digital Design & Media Arts (DDMA) with a minor in Marketing. I chose Wilkes University because of the close-knit, family atmosphere it offers, and it's also conveniently located somewhat near my home! In my free time, I enjoy playing hockey, listening to music, and spending time with friends.

Caleb Gibson

Hello! My name is Madison Askew, and I’m a junior Criminology major. I’m a commuter living in West Pittston, so about 20 minutes from Wilkes! I’m a part of the honors and barre scholars program and a member of several clubs. In my free time, I love staying active and stepping out of my comfort zone to try new things.

Madison Askew

Meet the rest of the e-Mentor team

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.

What am I required to complete before the fall semester?

An online orientation first-year student checklist is available on the Wilkes Portal. On the left-side navigation, choose Students, then First Year Undergraduate Orientation to get started.

Depending on your intended major, you may be required to take an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses. Majors that need to take this placement test will be listed on the checklist. 

MORE ABOUT THE ALEKS PPL ASSESSMENT

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.