About Arts & Sciences Orientation 2026

Arts & Sciences programming for first-year students will occur during Orientation which takes place on Monday, August 17 - Tuesday, August 18. We will introduce you to the people and groups who will be important to you over the next four years: the College Office, A&S faculty, and advisors. On Sunday, August 16 you will receive an email with event information and personalized links for your small group meetings. Please e-mail the College Office if you didn't receive these instructions or if you have any questions. 

Monday, August 17: Get to Know the College

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.: Starting Your Academic Journey: Deans’ Welcome with Dean Hu and Vice Dean McGlothlin

Join the Richard G. Engelsmann Dean of Arts & Sciences Feng Sheng Hu and Vice Dean of Undergraduate Affairs Erin McGlothlin to begin your academic journey in Arts & Sciences. Students will be split into two groups, with 45-minute presentations beginning at 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Please come only to your assigned session time. To find your specific session time, please refer to your personalized schedule in an email from the College of Arts & Sciences.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Life, Literacies, and the Liberal Arts and Sciences

Begin your Arts & Sciences academic journey by learning how study across the curriculum will equip you with the skills and competencies to be future leaders, innovators, and citizens of the world. For your specific session location, please refer to your personalized schedule in an email from the College of Arts & Sciences.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Four-Year Group Advising Meeting

Meet with your four-year advisor in this group session to review important academic information to start the semester and connect with fellow students in Arts & Sciences. For your specific session location, please refer to your personalized schedule in an email from the College of Arts & Sciences.

Tuesday, August 18: Get to Know the A&S Departments, Programs, and Faculty

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Arts & Sciences Department and Program Open Houses

Visit department and program open houses to explore areas of study in Arts & Sciences. You should visit at least two or three open houses, but you are welcome to attend as many as you would like. At the open houses, you’ll be able to meet department and program faculty and staff, learn more about requirements and academic student organizations, and ask questions about courses. Stop by the College Office in Cupples II, Room 104 for more general information about Arts & Sciences and to enjoy a special treat. For locations and details, browse the full list of department open houses.

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Arts & Sciences Faculty Spotlight Talks

Faculty Spotlights feature faculty presentations on areas of their interest and expertise. These talks showcase a range of ideas and ongoing research in Arts & Sciences and are a great introduction to the breadth and depth of the work of our faculty. Each hour includes Spotlights from faculty in one of the three traditional disciplines: humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Select one spotlight to attend for each hour.

• 2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.: Session 1
• 3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.: Session 2
• 4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.: Session 3