New Student Orientation

Professor Gretchen North and students talking together

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!

New Student Orientation is meant to create a dynamic, celebratory, and welcoming environment—a space where you can 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 you to faculty, staff, administrators and fellow Oxy students, New Student Orientation is representative of our commitment to equity, excellence, and service.

Starting this July, you are invited to join virtual peer-to-peer engagements hosted by our Orientation Team. These sessions will serve as your introduction to pre-recorded videos and live Zoom sessions offered by Oxy's student support and service areas. In August, all new students will be required to participate in a shared orientation experience that will take place virtually over three days. In preparation, we ask that you review the New Student Guide. The following information will be updated soon with additional directives provided via email.

All sessions and speakers for Kickstart Oxy and Orientation will be presented virtually via Zoom. Please be sure to activate and become familiar with how to use your Oxy Zoom account via our Zoom guide from ITS.

Welcome Week

The Welcome Week will take place on September 1st through the 4th. Anticipated events include Implicit Bias training, an introduction to Restorative Justice, and the Intercultural Community Center hosting First-Gen, Queer, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian Pacific Islander student gatherings throughout the week.

Tuesday, Sept 1

4:00PM-4:45PM        Multi Student Social | https://occidental.zoom.us/j/93396620560 | Passcode: 645676

5:00PM-5:45PM        ORSL presents: Religious & Spiritual Student Social | https://occidental.zoom.us/j/91902240722 | Passcode: 418806

 

Wednesday, Sept 2

2:00PM-3:00PM      L.A.'s Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe (self-directed independent learning)

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 Indigenous Peoples' Day programming by engaging with the following. For more information, email mrodriguez6@oxy.edu

4:00PM-4:45PM      First-Gen Student Social  | https://occidental.zoom.us/j/95841859949 | Passcode: 930305

5:00PM-05:45PM    MENA Social | https://occidental.zoom.us/j/92971588610 | Passcode: 919646

 

Thursday, Sept 3

4:00PM-4:45PM    Queer Student Social | https://occidental.zoom.us/j/92987523736 | Passcode: 758947

5:00PM-5:45PM    Black Student Social | https://occidental.zoom.us/j/95779387224 | Passcode: 056304

 

Friday, Sept 4

4:00PM-4:45PM     Latinx Student Social | https://occidental.zoom.us/j/93008659635 | Passcode: 366014

5:00PM-5:45PM    Asian Pacific Islander Student Social | https://occidental.zoom.us/j/98877150666 | Passcode: 707420

 

Past Events

July 27 through 29 - Join us for Kickstart Oxy!

Students will be welcomed by Senior Administration as they relay their own expectations of, and role in, student success at Oxy. There will be an introduction to the Community Book Program and the Division of Academic Affairs will host an online academic fair. During this time, students will also complete their placement tests and engage with campus resource centers including The Hameetman Career Center and Emmons Wellness Center. Special sessions will be held for First Gen and Transfer Students.

View the Full Kickstart Oxy Schedule

July 30 - Transfer Students Information Session

Students will learn more about transferring credits, academic advisement, and class registration.

Hosted by Registrar J. Herr and Director of Academic Advising and Core Program Coordinator E. Johnson

View the session recording

August 3 through 5 - Individual Advising Sessions

Students will explore the value of an Oxy education, review the services and policies of the institution, discuss educational and career plans, and make appropriate course selections.

Students should coordinate their advising appointments directly with their faculty advisors. For questions and additional support, please contact the Advising Center at: advisingcenter@oxy.edu

August 8 - Oxy Summer Community Celebration

The Offices of Admission and Alumni & Parent Engagement are virtually hosting regional summer celebrations for new Oxy students and their families on Saturday, August 8 and you are invited!

President Elam will do a kickoff with all students and parents at 1 pm (PDT). Smaller geographic-based virtual meetups, determined by time-zone feasibility and student volume, will occur either before or after this kickoff. Find your student grouping and see what time your virtual gathering will be held.

August 10 - Re-Orientation for Students Living on Campus

Engage with recorded and live sessions with the managers and directors of Campus Safety, Disability Services, Project S.A.F.E. Emmons Wellness Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Dean of Students Office, and the Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement (SLICE) office.

August 21 - Orientation Day 1

Academic program sessions will include presentations curated by the Assoc Dean for Curricular Affairs R. Buckmire and an overview of the virtual Library space and resources with First Year Experience & Student Success Librarian D. Coaguila. The day will conclude with Orientation Team breakouts and a large-scale online community-building activity/celebration.

August 22 - Orientation Day 2

Students will engage in peer-to-peer Oxy culture and experience conversations with returning students and hear an introduction to the Community Book Program. Sessions will also feature the Intercultural Community Center, the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life, First Gen Coalition, and POC student leaders presenting on equity, inclusion, and affinity/identity programming.

August 23 - Orientation Day 3

Students will participate in Title IX, Project S.A.F.E., and Code of Conduct training. After these sessions, students will have the opportunity to process the information in peer-to-peer virtual dialogue circles or with professional staff and counselors.

August 25 & 26 - Meet Your ASOC Reps

The mission of the Associated Students of Occidental College (ASOC) is to advocate on behalf of the student body, to promote discussions about how Occidental College can evolve to better serve the students, and to support and organize activities that enhance the educational, recreational, and social experience of students. Join us for a presentation from the ASOC Senate and ASOC Diversity and Equity Board.

August 27 - Virtual Involvement Fair

The Involvement Fair is a long-standing tradition at Oxy. This fall, we're going virtual on Thursday, August 27 from 11 am to 2 pm at oxy.edu/student-life/clubs-organizations/involvement-fair

This event is an opportunity for clubs, organizations, and departments to share information and engage with students who are interested in getting involved. Visit the different Zoom rooms, meet new people, or reconnect with folks you haven't seen all summer.

NOTE: Only Orientation updates will be provided on this page. Find information related to COVID-19 and Occidental College’s institutional planning for the coming academic year on our COVID-19 webpage.