New Student Orientation
WELCOME TO MEREDITH!
Immerse yourself in the campus community, connect with new classmates and upperclass Student Advisors, explore academic and campus resources, and have tons of fun!
Through New Student Orientation you will find everything you need to get off on the right foot at Meredith. We look forward to welcoming you to campus, balloon arches and all.
Contact Information
Chrissie Bumgardner
Co-Director, First Year Experience
bumgardner@meredith.edu
Lisa Brown
Co-Director, First Year Experience
lmbrown@meredith.edu
New Student Orientation - August 17-20, 2024
Fast Track Option (August 20, 2024)
In August you can find the complete schedule here.
Which orientation program is right for me?
At Meredith, we know that every student is unique, which is why we have several options available for our students to best serve your needs.
New Student Orientation is required for all incoming students who are new to life at Meredith. This includes first-year students, transfer students, Wings students, and international students – regardless of whether you are living on or off campus.
See which program is right for you →
You are a first-year student if you have recently graduated high school and are new to the college experience. Even if you have taken dual credit courses or will be bringing in college credits through some other methods, you are still considered a first-year student. Essentially, first-year students have not taken college-level classes after high school graduation.
First-Year Students are expected to attend our four-day New Student Orientation program in its entirety (August 17-20, 2024). Trust us, you will be glad you did!
You are a transfer student if you have taken college-level classes following graduation from high school. This could be taking a couple of classes from a community college between graduation and now or completing a whole year (or two) at another college/university.
Transfer Students are encouraged to participate in our four-day New Student Orientation program from August 17-20, as there is so much to learn about life at Meredith. Throughout the four days, you will be grouped with other transfer students, allowing you to make connections with others who share your experience, while also allowing plenty of opportunities to build connections with all incoming Meredith students.
However, as a transfer student, you may be eligible to opt into our Fast Track Program alongside our Wings students. Our Fast Track Program occurs on Tuesday, August 20. For more information and to see if you are eligible, please contact Jill Hilliard at jshilliard@meredith.edu
You are a Wings student if you are 23 or older, regardless of whether you have taken college-level classes after high school graduation. You could be bringing in transfer credits or seeking a second degree.
Wings Students are required to participate in our one-day Fast Track program on Tuesday, August 20. We also encourage our adult learners to attend several key programs during the four-day program if your schedule allows. These include the Welcome Session for New Students. The Campus Life Skit, the Massey House Tour, the Celebratory Dinner, and the Honor Code Ceremony. A detailed schedule will be available in early August.
As an international student, you’ll attend a pre-orientation designed specifically for you as well as the New Student Orientation that all new undergraduate students at Meredith attend.
- International Student Orientation, August 14-16, 2024
- Undergraduate New Student Orientation, August 17-20, 2024
Our Fast Track Orientation Program has boiled down the essential activities into one, jam-packed day. This express program is intended for select Transfer and Wings students only. For more information or to see if you are eligible, please contact Jill Hilliard at jshilliard@meredith.edu.
YES! Commuter students participate in orientation just as residential students do. The orientation program is no different for commuter students and we group activities together so there is not a lot of down time for those who do not live on campus. We invite commuter students to visit the library during these infrequent down-times as the staff has set up a “commuter student lounge” to make you feel welcome while you wait. Also be on the lookout for a special Commuter Student Information Session during orientation just for you.
More information
Move-In Day
New students and their families receive a fun-filled arrival on campus starting at the front gate! Our boisterous team of students (known as the OCrew) pay forward the welcome shown to them while alumnae, members of our Parent’s Council, and upperclass Student Advisors and Resident Assistants are on hand all day to extend the welcome.
Honor Code Ceremony
During this long-held tradition, new students recite the honor pledge and agree to “faithfully uphold the principles of the Honor Code.” According to the Student Handbook, a student’s enrollment is not considered complete until the pledge has been made.
Tour of the Massey House
Since the 1970s, it’s been a tradition for new students to visit the President’s home during their very first few days on campus. The President hosts tours of the lovely residence, more formally known as the Massey House, and personally greets each student upon arrival.
Resident students are assigned parking permits, which allow them to park in designated residential parking areas. Commuter students must park in designated commuter parking lots between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Between 4 p.m. and 7 a.m. during the week and throughout the weekend, all students may park in the following areas: Alumnae Parking Lot, Chapel Parking Lot, Cate Center Parking Lot, and the small parking lot behind Martin Hall. If students plan to bring their car to campus, they must purchase a parking permit from the Campus Police Building during their first week on campus.
The Campus Police Building is located behind Poteat Residence Hall and is open from 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Students may also visit Campus Police to have their CamCards created during Orientation. Campus Police can be reached at (919) 760-8888.
Meredith College is pleased to provide support during New Student Orientation for students or family members with disabilities or other special needs. If you need accomodations for a disability, please contact Disability Services at (919) 760-8427 or disabilityservices@meredith.edu to inquire about available services and to make the appropriate arrangements.
Greetings!
Welcome to Meredith College and the Meredith College family. The strength of Meredith is in its people – the students, the faculty, the staff, and…the parents and families of our students. We are proud and very excited that you and your family have chosen Meredith for your student’s higher education. We understand that so much of the success that she has attained so far has resulted from your support and encouragement.
Your continued support will be critical to your student’s success at Meredith. Families are invited to the first day of New Student Orientation, and we have provided information below that may assist you in supporting your Meredith student during the course of the year. Additionally, we want you to contact us if you have questions and concerns. We look forward to seeing you in August! Welcome to the MC family!
Ann Gleason, Dean of Students
(919) 760-8521 | deanofstudents@meredith.edu
Stay Involved With Your Student’s Meredith Experience!
See these tips for being an involved and supportive parent:
- DO Share in your student’s enthusiasm and excitement.
- DO Expect homesickness (if your student lives on campus) and times when college life seems overwhelming.
- DO Encourage your student to accept responsibility and become her own problem-solver.
- DO Expect change and give her space to grow.
- DO Listen, write, call, and send care packages – discuss what would work best in keeping the communication lines open.
- DO Find new interests to help you let go.
- DO Encourage your student to get involved on campus and to participate in weekend programs, traditions and events.
- DON’T rush to the rescue. Encourage and support, but let her handle concerns and issues. If she needs additional support, remind her of on-campus resources and offices available to her.
- DON’T Encourage coming home often. Students make smoother transitions and are happier if they stay on campus long enough to make friends and get involved.
- DON’T Expect many letters or phone calls. Sometimes students get caught up in a whirlwind of activity and forget to stay in touch.
- DON’T be surprised if she changes her mind on her major and career interests.
Important campus offices and resources.
Meredith College has a strong history of parent and family programming and philanthropy. For more information, click here.
Join the Meredith Parents and Families Facebook Page! 
Raleigh is often cited as one of the best places to live and work in America. We’re proud to call it home.
Find more information at https://www.visitraleigh.com/ to plan your stay while attending New Student Orientation.
Please email deanofstudents@meredith.edu if you have any questions.
Important Reminders for New Students
Academic and Medical Records
Acceptance for admission to Meredith College is contingent upon the receipt of a satisfactory final academic record and a completed medical form.
Students must submit their completed medical forms promptly. The Health Center staff will advise students if any required health information was omitted. Both medical and academic records must be complete and submitted to the Office of Admissions before attending classes.
Questions? Contact the Office of Admissions at (919) 760-8581.
