FALL ORIENTATION PROGRAMS
Fall Orientation begins on Move-In Day (Saturday, August 23, 2008), and continues throughout the first week of classes. This orientation program is in addition to the Summer Orientation sessions. Fall Orientation includes a wide variety of academic and social programming. Among the Fall Orientation events are:

Move-In Day: During the day-long move-in process, the University provides several opportunities for students and families to connect with University faculty, administrators, and staff. President Casteen welcomes students and families in the early afternoon. Deans from the various academic schools offer introductory remarks to their new students and families; there are also welcoming programs & receptions designed specifically for African American, Asian/Asian Pacific American, Hispanic/Latino, International, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender students, friends, and families. Cold drinks are available at the OASIS event held at the Aquatic & Fitness Center.

Opening Convocation and Honor Induction: All new students attend this official welcome to the University community. President Casteen and the Student Council President address the student body. The Chair of the Honor Committee and Honor’s keynote speaker introduce students to the honor code and all students are asked to sign the honor pledge.

Grounds for Discussion: Grounds for Discussion is a student-directed and student-performed theatrical production held every year during Fall Orientation. The eight member casts performs skits focused on the issues and decisions facing first-year students, which include high-risk drinking, the honor code, roommate disagreements, eating disorders, and sexual assault. Follow-up residence hall discussions with resident assistants are an evening complement to the performance.

Different Voices, Common Threads: Different Voices, Common Threads is a required program for all new students. This powerful presentation begins with a narration of the University of Virginia’s history toward integration, and specifically focuses on how students of various races, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, and sexual orientations have experienced life at the University. Current U.Va. students then offer brief monologues to paint a picture of contemporary student experiences.

Project SERVE: Project SERVE is an annual event with a twofold mission: to introduce incoming students to service and service learning opportunities at U.Va. and to familiarize participants with some of the local agencies that rely on the continued dedication and commitment of the University community. Many of our incoming students have been actively engaged in volunteer service during their high school careers and are looking for a way to continue it in college. Project SERVE provides all students with an opportunity to make these connections and form lasting friendships with like-minded volunteers. Project SERVE is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2008.

First Year Outdoor Recreation Program Series: Looking for a unique way to meet your peers at the University of Virginia?  The Outdoor Recreation Program within Department of Intramural-Recreational Sports, is offering a series of outdoor recreation activities specifically for you and your fellow First Year students. Such activities will include paddling, rock climbing, caving, hiking, and fly-fishing. These trips will be offered throughout the semester. In addition to meeting fellow classmates, you will have the opportunity to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley while participating in a variety of outdoor recreation activities. For further information on the variety of trips that will be offered, you may the IM-Rec Sports Web site or call 434-924-3791.

Other Fall Orientation activities include: