Pre-Orientation
Jump-start your Cornell career by participating in a pre-orientation opportunity before the University’s formal orientation begins on August 21, 2009. All of these programs have been developed to:
- ease your transition to college life and Cornell through small group activities;
- introduce you to fellow students who share similar interests;
- learn from and be mentored by upperclass students who will lead you through these programs, the majority of whom were former participants themselves; and
- provide an enjoyable and memorable experience.
You can enjoy the outdoors, develop leadership skills, discover academic opportunities, and explore Cornell and the local community. Regardless which pre-orientation opportunity you choose, you will benefit from the experience. Here are comments from previous participants (and their families):
"I met awesome people and am not nervous at all about starting school... I learned a lot. In general, I loved everything!"
"It's an experience you'll come to cherish for the rest of your life, at Cornell and beyond. You don't have to take my word for it, just try it!"
"The experience benefited more than my daughter- it benefited me as a parent because I knew that she would transition to the college experience with a network of friends and support even before the first day or orientation. The piece of mind was priceless."
If you are interested, click on the links below to learn more about each program. Contact them as soon as possible as there are application deadlines for most programs.
Air Force ROTC
Participate in this leadership-focused pre-orientation program/new student orientation to learn more about the Air Force as well as Cornell and the local area (activities include a low-ropes course, GPS challenges, and touring the aviation museum). There is no obligation to join the Air Force. Learn more.
Army ROTC
Army ROTC offers an exciting, leadership-based pre-orientation program to get students excited about ROTC. You will improve your physical fitness, learn teambuilding and participate in leadership development, with no obligation to join the Army.
Environmental Career Skills (ECS)
Spend three days in Cornell's Arnot Forest making strong and lasting connections with peers and faculty who share an interest in the environment. This is an excellent way to have fun while learning methods and principles of conservation ecology, forestry, and stream ecology. Learn more.
Navy ROTC
Are you in interested in pursuing a challenging and rewarding path as an officer in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps? Then you are encouraged to participate in this orientation program. Learn more.
Outdoor Odyssey
Through the outdoor experience of your choice, including climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, backpacking, or day hikes from a base camp, Outdoor Odyssey offers a pre-orientation trip that will serve as a fun and meaningful transition to life at Cornell. Meet new Cornellians, hang out with upperclass Guides in beautiful natural settings, and get the inside scoop on life at Cornell. No experience necessary!
Pre-Orientation Service Trips (POST)
POST, provides an opportunity for you to meet new people and make friends through community service projects at local non-profit organizations. Evenings are spent in social activities that allow you to explore the Ithaca community and Cornell campus. POST is staffed and led by upperclass students, all of whom were previous participants in the program.
PREPARE
PREPARE pre-orientation program assists international students with their adjustment to U.S. culture and Cornell. Sessions on the U.S. academic system, health services and campus safety will prepare you for academic and personal success at Cornell. Many social activities are included on the four-day schedule of events, giving you the opportunity to get acquainted with new classmates and develop friendships with students from all over the world.