Fall Orientation

Important Changes to your Fall Orientation Schedule

President's Reception. The President's Reception has been moved from Monday, August 24 to Sunday, August 23, 7:30pm – 9:00pm.

Follow-up Discussions for “Different Voices, Common Threads” and “Grounds for Disucussion.” The follow-up discussions on Monday, August 24 have moved from
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm to 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm.

Second Residence Hall Meetings. The Second Residence Hall Meetings have been moved from Sunday, August 23 to Monday, August 24, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm.

Download the complete Fall Orientation Schedule (.pdf)
Please note the important changes detailed above and on page 1 of the schedule pdf.

Move-In Day · Check-In

Saturday Check-In

Check-in on Saturday is 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at each residence hall. Late check-in is at the Echols Key Room in the McCormick Road Housing Area from 5:00 pm – 12:00 am. (There is no check-in from 4:00 pm – 5:00pm, as the keys are being transported to the Echols Key Room.)

Sunday Check-In

First-Year Housing Areas. Check-in on Sunday will take place from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Accommodations Office in Page House of the McCormick Road Housing Area. From 1:00 pm until 12:00 am, keys will be available in the Echols Key Room.

Brown, Hereford, IRC. Check-in on Sunday is 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at each residential college. Late check-in is at the Echols Key Room in the McCormick Road Housing Area from 5:00 pm – 12:00 am. (There is no check-in from 4:00 pm – 5:00pm, as the keys are being transported to the Echols Key Room.)

Parking and Moving Tips

  • Avoid the rush hours 8:00 am – 11:00 am
  • Short-term, 30 minute parking is available in front of your residence hall.
  • Free long-term parking is available all day in the Scott Stadium lots.
  • Police and Parking and Transportation officers will direct you to your parking areas.
  • No University Transportation System (UTS) buses will be running on August 23.
  • If you have questions about parking email parking@virginia.edu
  • Need help? Ask a Greeter. Student volunteer Greeters will aid students in their move into the residence halls from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the First-Year Housing Areas, Hereford College, International Residential College (IRC), and Gooch/Dillard. Look for students in bright-colored Greeters T-shirts!
  • Only students may pick up their room keys. Photo ID required
  • Get directions to your dorm (.pdf) pg 21–23.
  • Consider bringing a handcart or dolly to transport belongings to your room.
  • Find your room before you unload the car and carry everything inside.
  • Housing Division offices are open 8:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday and 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. on Sunday. The offices are located on the lower level of Page House.

Computing help

A handout explaining how to get connected to the UVa network will be waiting for you when you arrive in your dorm room on Move-In Saturday. Representatives from the Dept. of Information Technology and Communication (ITC) and student Computing Advisors (CAs) will also be floating around the first-year residence hall housing areas if you have questions. You can get help in person from 9:00 am –4:00 pm on Move-In Saturday, or you may call (434) 924-HELP for computing assistance anytime.

Fall Orientation Programming and Events

Fall Orientation begins on Move-In Day, 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 Schedule · Saturday, August 22, 2009

For All Students

8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Move into Residence Halls
First-Year and Transfer Students: Check in with Resident Staff for information about mandatory meetings and welcome events.
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Greeters Available
Student volunteers will be available in the first-year residential areas to assist new students with their move · Sponsored by the University Programs Council
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Move-In Day “OASIS” Fair for Parents and New Students
Aquatic & Fitness Center
Visit your very own air-conditioned “oasis.” Enjoy complimentary drinks and ice cream. See available recreational facilities and programs. Learn how the University supports Jefferson’s maxim: “A strong body makes the mind strong.”
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Say CHEESE! Student IDs prepared and distributed
O'Hill Dining Hall
Students who did not have their ID photos taken during Summer Orientation will have the opportunity to complete this important step.
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
President’s Welcome Address
Old Cabell Hall Auditorium
2:15 pm – 3:00 pm
College of Arts and Sciences Welcome Address
Old Cabell Hall Auditorium
2:15pm – 3:00pm
School of Engineering and Applied Science Welcoming Event
Darden Court ( Rain site: Arcade / A Wing )

Welcoming Programs and Receptions

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
African-American Students and Families
Newcomb Ballroom
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Asian/Asian Pacific American Students and Families
Newcomb South Meeting Room
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Latino/Hispanic Students and Families
Newcomb Main Lounge & Art Gallery
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Middle Eastern Students & Families
Newcomb Commonwealth Room
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
International Students and Families
Lobby of Minor Hall
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
American Indian Students and Families
Newcomb 389
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual Transgender Students and Families
Newcomb Kaleidoscope-Center for Cultural Fluency
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Welcome Meeting and Dinner with Resident Advisors: First Year and Transfer Students
Residence Halls
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Welcome Back Block Party featuring Girl Talk
John Paul Jones Arena
Sponsored by the University Programs Council

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 required for all First Years and 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.

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.

Other Fall Orientation activities include:

  • Academic Programming by School
  • Additional Academic Advising Meetings
  • Special Lectures
  • Information Sessions for Pre-Professional, Teaching and Commerce Programs
  • Placement Testing
  • Residential Community Building Activities
  • Important Safety Information Sessions
  • Diversity Programming
  • The Student Activities Fair
  • Social Programming
  • Performing Arts Auditions
  • Outdoor Recreation Programs