Pre-Orientation Programs

Get started making friends and establishing yourself in the Colgate community, even before your orientation! Colgate offers six different optional pre-orientation programs during the summer weeks leading up to your first semester.

There are programs in everything from outdoor adventures, to volunteer work, so there is something for everyone! Students can also connect with the Colgate community by attending a Summer Send-Off event with Colgate alumni and current students in their region (more information in June).

If you're interested in learning more about your new home before you arrive, check out the campus map.

Wilderness Adventure

Spend 4-6 full days in the Adirondack wilderness with trained student leaders, learning about Colgate and getting to know 6-8 of your fellow first-years. WA is a great way to develop a network of friends and start learning about campus before school starts. Wilderness trip options include: hiking, backpacking, canoeing, sea kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, caving, and tree climbing,. Shorter trips include a local adventure sampler (12 people) and a sailing trip aboard the Clearwater on the Hudson (up to 22 people). No experience necessary – Just a sense of adventure.

Learn more about Wilderness Adventure

Session I: Wednesday, August 7* – Monday, August 12
(6-day trip with 4-day wilderness component)

Session II: Saturday, August 17* – Saturday August 24
(8-day trip with 6-day wilderness component)

Clearwater Sailing Trip: Wednesday, August 7 – Saturday, August 10

Application & information: Wilderness Adventure website, registration form (PDF) or contact Roxanne Benson at 315-228-7972.

*Arrangements for early arrivals on August 6 and 16

A student smiles as she speaks with local senior citizens as part of the Outreach program

Outreach Community Service

A three-day service experience for first-years, Outreach immerses students in the greater Hamilton and Utica areas through work with community organizations and agencies. Evening opportunities extend the interactions students have with area residents. Drawing on the Max Shacknai COVE’s relationships with community development agencies and local activists in Hamilton and Utica, students find the work challenging and eye-opening.

Learn more about Outreach

Session: Wednesday, August 21 – Friday, August 23

Application & information: Outreach website, registration form, or contact Krista Saleet, Director, at 315-228-6879

Maroon-News

Join the staff of the oldest college weekly newspaper in America to put together a special issue just for your incoming class! We welcome anyone with an interest in writing, editing, layout, photography, business, online design, or videography. Prior experience is helpful, but not necessary. APPLY HERE

Learn more about the Maroon-News

Session: Wednesday, August 21 – Friday, August 23

Application & Information: Contact Nate Lynch '14 or Jordan Plaut '14

WRCU

Spend three days with WRCU, Colgate's own non-commercial, class-C licensed radio station. Learn all things radio, from how to be a DJ to the behind-the-scenes operations of the station. No prior radio experience required.

Learn more about WRCU

Session: Wednesday, August 21 – Friday, August 23

Application & Information: WRCU website coming soon, contact Brandon Fiegoli '14

The Colgate pep band fires up the crowd at a football game

Raider Pep Band – Band Camp

Become acquainted with the Raider Pep Band as you get to know Colgate. Students spend the days working on new music, getting oriented to the Colgate campus, and forming lasting friendships. All levels of musical experience are welcome.

Learn more about Raider Pep Band

Session: Wednesday, August 21 – Friday, August 23

Application & Information: Contact Michelle Sagalchik '15

Student members of the Masque and Triangle Student Theater Society

Masque and Triangle Student Theatre Society – New Expressions Camp

Want to indulge your theatrical side? Play with scenes and monologues? This “camp-like” experience offers workshops in stage movement, dance, improvisational comedy, technical theater, and more! Whether theater is your thing, or you are game for trying something new, Masque & Triangle’s program is for you!