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.
Below you will find a schedule of events that may be subject to change, based on changing health and safety recommendations. NOTE: All virtual session will be recorded and posted on this page for asynchronous viewing
2021 Kickstart Oxy Schedule - July 26-28 (mandatory virtual experience)
Kickstart Oxy Day 1 - July 26
9 am | Welcome to Occidental College
Harry J. Elam, Jr., President of Occidental College
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
Passcode: i2j6K^#T (some techincal issues in the video)
11 am | The Academic and Student Experience
Wendy Sternberg, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, and Rob Flot, Vice-President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/rec/share/kO5pAGaHroSsCpocKLZ-3n_8fkAI7vkrqD8cJ6-3Mid7d9zba6p8ZjzRB7Fi8yBz.MUTOAJAUYa-syt3s
Passcode: B@@Ss9R@
1 pm | Welcome from the First Gen Coalition
Erik Quezada '09, Director for Neighborhood Partnership Program
Video unavailable - Please contact equezada@oxy.edu for more information.
2 pm | Transfer Student Welcome - 2:00PM-3:00PM
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
Passcode: 2quS?z?W
3:15 pm | Welcome from Campus Safety
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
Passcode: Ru5=%UK%
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
Student Club Highlight: 87 organizations remained active throughout this past academic year. While student groups prepare for the upcoming Involvement Fair, we would like to shine the spotlight on a few of our most engaged groups:
- Dance Production Club: A collection of performances
- Oxy Dance Team, Azúcar, and the Folk and Historical Dance Troupe: Oxy Dance Community Showcase 2021
Kickstart Oxy Day 2 - July 27
10 am | Services and Support at the Emmons Wellness Center
Sara Semal, Senior Director of Student Wellness and Special Advisor to the President on Health and Safety
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
Passcode: ah4.HU&#
11 am | CORE Program Introduction
Edmond Johnson, Director of Advising
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
Passcode: .G=aw3y1
11:30 am | Disability Services & Academic Support
Luci Masredjian, Director of Disability Services and Student Support
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
Passcode: .G=aw3y1
1 pm | Transfer Student Information Meeting
James Herr, Registrar, and Edmond Johnson, Director of Advising
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
Passcode: hXH11=eg
1 pm | Student Athlete Information Session
Shanda Ness, Athletics Director
Video unavailable - Please contact sness@oxy.edu for more information
2 pm | Sexual Respect and Title IX - 2:00PM-3:00PM
Alexandra Fulcher, Title IX Coordinator
Watch the Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/rec/share/Smx0rbg6W0vUspy0jz9yOgjwOsm8iTTzhtl... Db4*!HN&
Kickstart Oxy Day 3 - July 28
10 am | Shared Academic Integrity Commitment
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
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
Passcode: ^#E3wv3$
11 am | Services and Support at the Hameetman Career Center
Jamila Chambers, Hameetman Career Center Director
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
Passcode: qTpE7$1^
1 pm | Career Education, Jobs and Internships
Jamila Chambers, Hameetman Career Center Director
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
Passcode: Ze%ibca5
2 pm | Equity and Justice at Occidental College
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
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
Passcode: *2Y@w%M0
3 pm | Community Engagement | Community-Based Learning
Center for Community Based Learning, Urban & Environmental Policy Institute, and Oxy Arts
Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
Passcode: qh2R6M?.
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. Outdoor and indoor events require a mask! 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. View the Fall 2021 Move-in Day Guide.
Open 8 am to 2:00 pm | Welcome Center and Check-In on the JSC Walkway
On Move-In day, please follow the arrows to the parking structures around campus. There will be Campus Safety officers and O-Team members to point you in the right direction.
From there, please come to the JSC Walkway. Our O-Team members will guide you to your destination. You will stop at the following tables in this order: SLICE, Alumni and Parent Engagement (parents/guardians only), Housing, and Card Services. Once you have visited the Card Service, please return to your car to unload and move into your room.
When you arrive at your residence hall, your RA and members from REHS will be there to greet you. You will then need to move your personal belongings into your assigned room. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 protocol, staff will be unable to provide move-in assistance, so please plan accordingly. Additionally, as a reminder, children under the age of 12 are not permitted on campus during move-in.
Please note that it can get a little hot in Los Angeles during the month of August. Some residence halls only have air conditioning in the community lounge on the main floor, so please stay hydrated and plan accordingly. More details provided in the Move-In Guide.
You must be masked during check-in!
Residential Education & Housing Services, Family Orientation, Emmons Wellness Center, Card Services, and the SLICE Orientation Team
8 am to 8pm | Covid Testing for Arriving Students on the second floor of AGC
All students are required to be tested no later than five days after their arrival. Student testing will take place in the Cannon Rotunda on the second floor of AGC. Please refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking at least one hour prior to your test.
2:30 to 3:30 pm | First-Year Floor Meeting with your Resident Advisor
Residential Education & Housing Services
4 to 5 pm | Welcome to Oxy! A Community Event at the Remsen Bird Hillside Theater
Harry J. Elam, Jr., President of Occidental College
5:30 to 7:30 pm | First Year Dinner With Your Resident Advisor
Residential Education & Housing Services
7:30 to 9 pm | First Year Residence Hall Outdoor Socials
2021 New Student Orientation Schedule - August 24-29
Tuesday, August 24 | New Student Orientation Day 1
8 am to 8pm | Covid Testing for Arriving Students on the second floor of AGC
All students are required to be tested no later than five days after their arrival. Student testing will take place in the Cannon Rotunda on the second floor of AGC. Please refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking at least one hour prior to your test.
9:30 to 10:15 am | O-Team New Student Welcome
You will meet your O-Team groups in person. Your O-Team leader will provide more details.
10:30 to 11:30 am | Equity and Justice at the ICC
Chris Arguedas, Director of the Intercultural Community Center
Link https://occidental.zoom.us/j/81742555304 Passcode: 822065
Watch the Recording:
https://occidental.zoom.us/rec/share/7-u9-SAidZj3BwBKbfcHtPLI9ltgZ8exv5_...
Access Passcode: +2s.2=k+
1:45 to 2:30 pm | Services and Support offered at Office of Religious & Spiritual Life
The Rev. Dr. Susan Young, Director of the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life
Link https://occidental.zoom.us/j/89555176315 Passcode: 915808
Watch the Recording:
https://occidental.zoom.us/rec/share/9fwflMA118bSPqSfywCw3Hkj751bBloe7Nb...
Access Passcode: k*u^s12C
Pre-Law and Pre-Health Department Info Sessions
Learn important information for students interested in attending law school, or healthcare careers.
Pre-Health 3pm - 4pm
Link: https://occidental.zoom.us/j/85174625858 | Passcode: 278576
Theater/ Music Department Info Sessions
Learn important information for students interested in Theater and Music
Theater Session at 4pm
Link https://occidental.zoom.us/j/83974188965 | Passcode: 828585
Music Department Information Session at 4:30pm
Link https://occidental.zoom.us/j/
3 to 4:15 pm | Navigating the Library: Exploring Space and Resources
Diego Coaguila, First Year Experience & Student Success Librarian
Link https://occidental.zoom.us/j/85708556559 Passcode: 284633
Watch the Recording:
https://occidental.zoom.us/rec/share/PKJbmDbnoU_SeAIstqFwIO8_wFl6TYiVLo2...
Access Passcode: VyzB2*B!
5 to 6 pm | Community Book Program- Small Group Discussions Outside
6 pm | Dinner
Wednesday, August 25 | New Student Orientation Day 2: Justice & Equity
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.
This link will host all the following sessions https://occidental.zoom.us/j/88482596662 Passcode: 450759
Watch the Recordings:
https://occidental.zoom.us/rec/share/jL5T9GifdnvlA4nCrZC9HCb77YwAubLrC-b...
Access Passcode: @5n6g6l$
Part 2
https://occidental.zoom.us/rec/share/TLpI6COQDLcicmmWI-I9EFYtgq2o2NYdGiy...
Access Passcode: 3L&YyQRH
8 am to 8pm | Covid Testing for Arriving Students on the second floor of AGC
All students are required to be tested no later than five days after their arrival. Student testing will take place in the Cannon Rotunda on the second floor of AGC. Please refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking at least one hour prior to your test.
9 to 9:45 am | 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.
Click here for the slides to Dr. Carreon Bradley's presentation
10 to 10:45 am | 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.
11 to 11:45 am | 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.
12 to 2 pm | Lunch Break and Facilitated Discussion
2:15 to 3 pm | Session 3: Religion, Spirituality and Interfaith Cooperation
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.
3:15 to 4 pm | Small Group Reflections
5 pm | Dinner
Thursday, August 26 | New Student Orientation Day 3: Academic Fair
8 am to 8pm | Covid Testing for Arriving Students on the second floor of AGC
All students are required to be tested no later than five days after their arrival. Student testing will take place in the Cannon Rotunda on the second floor of AGC. Please refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking at least one hour prior to your test.
10 to 11 am | Alcohol and Other Drugs: Abuse Prevention and Support
Emmons Staff
Link https://occidental.zoom.us/j/88505517033 Passcode: 298495
Watch the Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
11 am to 1 pm | Academic Fair
Faculty from academic programs will be available to answer your questions about courses and majors.
Academic Quad - In Person
1 pm to 2 pm | Language Placement & Exemption Exams
Spanish Exemption Exam*: Choi Auditorium (Second floor of Johnson Hall)
French Exemption Exam*: Johnson Hall 105
Japanese Placement Exam: Johnson Hall 106
*Important note: Students are only able to take the Spanish and French Exemption exams if they have already completed the online placement exam and received a placement into a 201- or 202-level course.
12:30 to 2:30 pm | Lunch Break
2:30 to 3:30 pm | 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
Link https://occidental.zoom.us/j/81456557241 Passcode: 936554
Watch the Recording: https://occidental.zoom.us/
3:30 to 6:00 | Introduction to Project SAFE: Ending Sexual Violence and Building Healthier Relationships
Tirzah Blanche, Program Coordinator & Prevention Education Specialist at Project SAFE
New link: https://occidental.zoom.us/j/88431968729 | Passcode: 270644
5:00 to 7:30 pm | Dinner with your Resident Advisor
Residential Education & Housing Services
Friday, August 27 | New Student Orientation: Advising and Transfer/Exchange Registration
8 am to 8pm | Covid Testing for Arriving Students on the second floor of AGC
All students are required to be tested no later than five days after their arrival. Student testing will take place in the Cannon Rotunda on the second floor of AGC. Please refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking at least one hour prior to your test.
9:15 am | Men's Water Polo Practice & Meet the Team
De Mandel Aquatic Center - Enter through Athletics Building & walk around the track
Residential Education & Housing Services
9:45 am | Men's Soccer Practice & Meet the Team
Meet at Patterson Field (enter at the concession stand)
Residential Education & Housing Services
11 am to 6:30 pm | Academic Advising
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.
Academic Quad - In Person - You must wear a mask!
11:30 am to 1 pm | Lunch with your Resident Advisor
Residential Education & Housing Services
4:30 to 6:30 pm | Transfer and Exchange Student Course Registration
5 to 7:30 pm | Dinner with your Resident Advisor
Residential Education & Housing Services
7 pm | Women's Soccer Scrimmage & Meet the Team
Meet on the Soccer Field
Residential Education & Housing Services
8 to 9 pm | Movie Snack Pack Specials
Tiger Cooler - Come and get your snack packs before the movie on the quad begins!
Residential Education & Housing Services
8 pm | Movie on the Quad (adjacent to the Johnson Student Center)
Saturday, August 28 | New Student Orientation: Course Registration
9 am to 3pm | Covid Testing for Arriving Students on the second floor of AGC
All students are required to be tested no later than five days after their arrival. Student testing will take place in the Cannon Rotunda on the second floor of AGC. Please refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking at least one hour prior to your test.
9 am to 6 pm | Course Registration - In Person - You must wear a mask!
10 am and 11 am (2 sessions) | Morning Yoga on Stewie Beach w/ Brunch at the Marketplace
Residential Education & Housing Services
11:30 am and 1 pm | Lunch with your Resident Advisor
Residential Education & Housing Services
5 to 7:30 pm | Dinner with your Resident Advisor
Residential Education & Housing Services
7 pm | First-Year Outdoor Residence Hall Socials
Residential Education & Housing Services
Sunday, August 29 | New Student Orientation
10 am and 11 am (2 sessions) Fiji Hill Hike w/ Brunch at the Marketplace
Meet at the Solar Array parking lot
Residential Education & Housing Services
11:30 am to 1 pm | First-Year Lunch in the Marketplace
Residential Education & Housing Services
1 pm to 6 pm | Lesson Placement and Scholarship Auditions (Bird Studio)
2 pm | Highland Park Tour for First-Years
Meet outside of either Bell Young Hall or Chilcott Hall (ask your RA for more details)
Residential Education & Housing Services
3 to 4:30 pm | First-Year Pool Party
De Mandel Aquatic Center
Residential Education & Housing Services
5 to 7:30 pm | Dinner with your RA
Residential Education & Housing Services
8 pm | Brian Imbus: Mentalist Show in the Remsen Bird Hillside Theater
Residential Education & Housing Services and SLICE
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
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
A Community-Based Innovative and Inclusive Art Experience at Oxy Arts on York
Hosted by Oxy Arts
REHS Connect Programming - Weekly socials in the residence halls
Hosted by the Residential Education & Housing Services
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.
