We are excited to partner with you in your journey as a new student and family member to Occidental College.
College is a new beginning and transition for both students and their family members—one we are excited to help you navigate!
Orientation is designed to create a dynamic, celebratory, and welcoming environment—a space where new students explore how to make informed academic decisions and responsible social choices by tapping into resources and services offered by the College. By building a sense of community that connects students to faculty, staff, administrators, and each other, Orientation also fosters an appreciation of Oxy’s commitment to equity, excellence, and service.
The program begins virtually in July, with in-person events starting on New Student Move-In Day (Monday, August 23rd) and running through the first few weeks of September (September Welcome). We will be closely monitoring the latest health and safety guidelines between now and then. Should future safety regulations prevent us from providing an in-person program, the sessions will be moved to an engaging virtual or hybrid format. For more information, contact Viktor Kerney, SLICE Associate Director of Orientation and Student Success, at vkerney@oxy.edu.
Kickstart Oxy sessions will be recorded and posted the following day on this page. All Kickstart Oxy sessions are mandatory!
Below you will find a tentative schedule of events.
2021 Kickstart Oxy Schedule - July 26-28 (virtual)
Kickstart Oxy Day 1 - July 26
Welcome to Occidental College - 9:00AM-9:20AM
Harry J. Elam, Jr., President of Occidental College
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/89956781429 Passcode: 366812
The Academic and Student Experience - 11:00AM-11:45AM
Wendy Sternberg, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, and Rob Flot, Vice-President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/82714009630 Passcode: 010637
Welcome from the First Gen Coalition - 1:00PM-1:45PM
Erik Quezada '09, Director for Neighborhood Partnership Program
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/89516563138 Passcode: 111522
Transfer Student Welcome - 2:00PM-3:00PM
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/89017992591 Passcode: 996871
Welcome from Campus Safety - 3:15PM-4:00PM
Rick C. Tanksley, Campus Safety Director
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/81165286421 Passcode: 909554
Self-Guided Experience
A Brief History Of L.A.'s Indigenous Tongva People—Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe: We respectfully recognize the traditional territory of the California Indian Tribe historically known as San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. Please take this time to prepare for additional fall programming by engaging with: Tovaangar—the original people of L.A. | LAist article/collected resources | KCET Departures audio series
Occidental's Campus: Beauty, History, and Innovation: Associate VP of Facilities Polansky presents a webinar exploring the architectural foundations of the campus' design, how and where changes were made, and the philosophy Oxy employs to stay true to this historical vision while meeting modern accessibility and sustainability needs. Tom's recorded webinar | Interactive Campus Map | Oxy in the Movies! | Oxy Arts | Student-led Campus Tour
Kickstart Oxy Day 2 - July 27
Services and Support at the Emmons Wellness Center - 10:00AM-10:45AM
Sara Semal, Senior Director of Student Wellness and Special Advisor to the President on Health and Safety
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/81369799908 Passcode: 300271
CORE Program Introduction - 11:00AM-11:30AM
Edmond Johnson, Director of Advising
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/84231288275 Passcode: 989835
Disability Services & Academic Support - 11:30AM-11:45AM
Luci Masredjian, Director of Disability Services and Student Support
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/84231288275 Passcode: 989835
Transfer Student Information Meeting - 1:00PM-1:45PM
James Herr, Registrar, and Edmond Johnson, Director of Advising
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/85059499084 Passcode: 469457
Student-Athlete Information Session - 1:00PM-1:45PM
Shanda Ness, Athletics Director
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/
Sexual Respect and Title IX - 2:00PM-3:00PM
Alexandra Fulcher, Title IX Coordinator
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/87339869166 Passcode: 025214
Kickstart Oxy Day 3 - July 28
Shared Academic Integrity Commitment - 10:00AM-10:45AM
Carolyn Brighouse, Associate Dean for Student Academic Affairs; Professor, Cognitive Science, Philosophy and Isaiah J. Thomas, Ed.D., Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residential Education and Housing Services
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/84728890806 Passcode: 794655
Services and Support at the Hameetman Career Center - 11:00AM-11:45AM
Jamila Chambers, Hameetman Career Center Director
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/89641103807 Passcode: 695954
Career Education, Jobs and Internships - 1:00PM-1:45PM
Jamila Chambers, Hameetman Career Center Director
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/85098057629 Passcode: 053681
Equity and Justice at Occidental College - 2:00PM-2:45PM
Chris Arguedas, Director of the Intercultural Community Center, and Jacob Alden Sargent, Associate Director for Instruction and Research for the Center for Digital Liberal Arts
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/84216887723 Passcode: 667617
Community Engagement | Community-Based Learning - 3:00PM-3:45PM
https://occidental.zoom.us/j/88039864273 Passcode: 229006
New Student Move-In - Monday, August 23
With guidance from our Health and Safety experts, we're committed to offering a memorable experience for students and their families, with in-person activities being scheduled to take place. We recognize that students and families often wish to share this momentous occasion together. Students are welcome to be accompanied by their family members on move-in day as long as all guests are masked and there are no children under the age of twelve. NOTE: Student-Athlete and/or an International Student move-in dates may vary. For more information Click here.
Welcome Center and Check-In on the JSC Walkway
Residential Education & Housing Services, Family Orientation, Emmons Wellness Center, Card Services, and the SLICE Orientation Team
Living on Campus: Expectations and Community Building
Residential Education & Housing Services and SLICE Orientation Team
Welcome to Oxy! A Community Event
Harry J. Elam, Jr., President of Occidental College
First Year Dinner With Your Floor
Residential Education & Housing Services
First Year Residence Hall Outdoor Socials
2021 New Student Orientation Schedule - August 24-29
New Student Orientation Day 1 - Tuesday, August 24
Equity and Justice at the ICC
Chris Arguedas, Director of the Intercultural Community Center
Services and Support offered at Office of Religious & Spiritual Life
The Rev. Dr. Susan Young, Director of the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life
Pre-Law and Pre-Health Department Info Sessions
Learn important information for students interested in attending law school, or healthcare careers.
Theater/ Music Department Info Sessions
Learn important information for students interested in Theater and Music
Navigating the Library: Exploring Space and Resources
Diego Coaguila, First Year Experience & Student Success Librarian
Community Book Program- Small Group Discussions
New Student Orientation Day 2: Pluralism & Equity - Wednesday, August 25
An early exploration of pluralism and equity introduces concepts such as identity, bias, power, privilege, and oppression while also addressing self-care, ally behaviors, and inclusive practices. These sessions are the first in a series of dialogue, discussions, and candid conversations about justice.
Welcome from David T. Carreon Bradley, Vice President for Equity and Justice and Chief Diversity Officer
Dr. Carreon Bradley began his diversity, equity, and inclusion administration work by serving as the Senior Diversity Faculty-Administrator at Vassar College, then moved into a VP/CDO role at Smith College prior to taking the role of the Faculty Diversity Officer at CSU Fullerton. Joining us this summer, Dr. Carreon Bradley brings a deep knowledge of the challenges and barriers to achieving a truly equitable and just experience for all members of our community, and is committed to working with faculty, staff, and students to help Oxy achieve its equity and justice aspirations.
Opening and Survey: Who's In The Room?
Session 1: Power & Intersectionality
In this session, we will provide an introduction to intersectionality, and explore the impact of systems of oppression on mental health and well-being of people of color.
Session 2: Race & Racism
This session will examine how constructions of race were created in historical moments and change over time in response to shifting material circumstances.
Session 3: Religious Pluralism
This session will examine religious pluralism. A common understanding of religious pluralism advanced by the Interfaith Youth Core defines religious pluralism as a shared appreciation for all religious, spiritual, philosophical, and ethical worldviews and a commitment to the right of all people to form, practice or live out these world views freely without fear of prejudice, harassment, or discrimination. During our time together, we will examine how anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Christian hegemony and other social issues are preventing us from achieving religious pluralism.
New Student Orientation Day 3: Academic Fair - Thursday, August 26
Introduction to Project SAFE: Ending Sexual Violence and Building Healthier Relationships
Tirzah Blanche, Program Coordinator & Prevention Education Specialist at Project SAFE
Alcohol and Other Drugs: Abuse Prevention and Support When The $h!t Hits the Fan: Support Systems on Campus
Sara Semal, Senior Director of Student Wellness and Special Advisor to the President on Health and Safety
Academic Fair
Faculty from academic programs will be available to answer your questions about courses and majors.
When The $h!t Hits the Fan: Support Systems on Campus
Vivian Garay Santiago, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Success
Luci Masredjian, Director of Disabilty Services and Student Support
Mariam Ashchyan, Case Manager, Dean of Students
New Student Orientation: Advising - Friday, August 27
Academic Advising (all day)
Meet your advisor in the quad to schedule your individual academic advising
appointment; during which you will discuss your schedule and exploration of intellectual interests.
First Gen Breakfast w/ First Gen Coalition
Oxy is proud to welcome the first-generation college students—any students whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree—to our campus. These first-generation students and
their guests will meet faculty to learn about resources available to them.
Transfer and Exchange Student Course Registration
First-Year Dinner, 5-7:30 p.m., Marketplace
Movie on the Quad, 9 p.m.
New Student Orientation: Course Registration - Saturday, August 28
Course Registration (all day)
Morning Yoga on Stewie Beach and Brunch, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. (Stewie Beach)
Dinner with your RA, 7 p.m.
First-Year Outdoor Residence Hall Socials, 7 p.m.
New Student Orientation - Sunday, August 29
Fiji Hike & Brunch, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. (meet at Solar Array parking lot)
First-Year Lunch, 11:30-1 p.m.
Highland Park Tour, 2 p.m. (meet outside Berkus Hall)
Upper Division Hall Community Meeting with your RA, 4-5 p.m.
Dinner with your RA, 5-7:30 p.m.
Brian Imbus: Mentalist Show, Greek Bowl, 8 p.m.
The September Welcome | Through September
The September Welcome will take place through the first few weeks of September. Anticipated events include, but are not limited to:
Community Book Program Event
Hosted by the CBP Committee and SLICE
Religious & Spiritual Student Social
Hosted by the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life
First-Gen Student Social
Hosted by the First Gen Coalition
MENA Student Social
Hosted by the Intercultural Community Center
Queer Student Social
Hosted by the Intercultural Community Center
Black Student Social
Hosted by the Intercultural Community Center
Latinx Student Social
Hosted by the Intercultural Community Center
Indigenous Student Social
Hosted by the Intercultural Community Center
Asian Pacific Islander Student Social
Hosted by the Intercultural Community Center
Club Sports Social
Hosted by SLICE
Gap Year Student Social
Hosted by SLICE
ASOC Student Leader Social
Hosted by the Associated Students of Occidental College
Art Opening at Oxy Arts on York
Hosted by Oxy Arts
L.A. Engage
Ongoing through September
L.A. Engage was a virtual experience for Fall 2020 students. Although online, L.A. Engage still allowed exploration of the dynamic arts, culture, and history of some of Los Angeles’ neighborhoods, from the trendy to the historic. The Fall 2021 L.A. Engage program will be a post-orientation online/self-guided experience for all students. Stay tuned! To learn more about our community and the Greater Los Angeles Area, contact SLICE Assistant Director Shaneice Warfield at swarfield@oxy.edu.
Follow L.A. Engage on Instagram!
Please note that there will be some combined virtual sessions with The Sophomore Experience. Additionally, those that attended the 2020 New Student Orientation are encouraged to participate in The Sophomore Experience, even if they will not be officially designated as sophomores this fall.
