Orientation Schedule

• 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. — Check-In (RESIDENTIAL and COMMUTER Students), & Breakfast
  Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center
  We will have coffee and a continental breakfast waiting for you!
  
  
• 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. — Excelling as a Student-Athlete at Catawba 
  Hedrick Little Theatre
  Transitioning to a collegiate athlete can be both exhilarating and challenging, and it is essential to understand the expectations for what lies ahead. We invite all new student-athletes to attend an informative session to help you and your family. This session will cover important topics and required paperwork for your success and well-being as a student-athlete. 
  
  
• 10:00 - 10:25 a.m. — Welcome 
  Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center
  President David P. Nelson, SGA Executive President Jadan Martin and Dean of Students Dr. Justin Tyler Owens will welcome the 174th entering class at Catawba College.
  
  
• 10:25 a.m. — Discovering Your Success at Catawba College
  Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center  
  Join Success Coaches Eric Kidd and Kira Harwood for an enlightening session designed to empower future students with essential skills and offer families invaluable insights to support their students’ success at Catawba College. Our Success Coaches understand that the student journey is filled with both excitement and challenges. That’s why we prioritize the crucial role of success coaches in unlocking your potential and helping you achieve your academic and personal goals. 
  
  
• 11:00 – 11:55 a.m. — Guided for Greatness: Meet Your Success Coach
  Shuford Science Building / Center for the Environment
  Join your assigned Student Success Coach for an interactive session designed to set you up for a successful first year! Learn about how your Success Coach provides personalized support, offers guidance on academic planning, time management, and connects you with campus resources. This session is also a great chance to meet fellow First-Year Seminar (FYS) classmates and start building connections that will enhance your college experience.
  
  
• 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. — Lunch & Resource Fair
  Leonard Lounge, Cannon Student Center
  Enjoy lunch in the dining hall, where a variety of delicious food options await you! While you're there, be sure to stop by the Resource Fair to connect with helpful campus departments and organizations. Passport to Prizes inside your folder, you’ll find a Resource Fair Passport, visit different tables, collect stamps and turn in your completed passport for a chance to win a $50 Campus Bookstore gift card! 
  
  
• 1:30 - 2:25 p.m. — Getting Connected to Campus
  Hedrick Little Theatre, Robertson College-Community Center
  Dive into campus life with the Office of Campus Life and explore exciting opportunities including our immersive student experience and esports initiatives, a wide array of campus programming and student activities to get involved, and comprehensive campus recreation and wellness resources to support your well-being; we'll also guide you through the platforms we use to keep you informed about events, highlight potential work-study positions within our office, and show you how to connect with us on social media to stay engaged with everything happening on campus. 
  
  
• 2:30 – 3:20 p.m. — First-Year Seminar: The Key Course to Your College Success
  Shuford Science Building / Center for the Environment
  Our students say that First Year Seminar (FYS) is the most important class that they take in their first year.  Find out what happens in FYS, how FYS sections are alike and different, and learn how FYS will help you navigate a rigorous course schedule in a supportive environment. A veteran FYS instructor will lead you through what happens in FYS and its auxiliary components, such as the Common Summer Reading, scheduling, academic advising, and academic expectations in your courses. This is a good time to get your class-related questions answered!
  
  
• 3:20 – 4:20 p.m. — Serving the Salisbury Community 
  Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center 
  Service is a core value at Catawba College. Join your fellow students in making a meaningful impact through a service project supporting local elementary, middle, and high school students in the Salisbury area. 
  
  
• 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. — Finding Friends, Touring Campus & Making Lasting Connections
  Abernethy Quad Lawn / Stanback Plaza, Cannon Student Center
  Presented by Student Affairs, this session is designed to help you unlock the keys to success at Catawba. Learn about the wide range of campus resources available to support your academic, personal, and professional growth. From tutoring and success coaching to wellness services and involvement opportunities, we'll share the essential tools and strategies to help you thrive throughout your college journey.
  Students going on the retreat should eat dinner at this time.
  
  
• 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. — Student and Family Goodbye
  
  
• 6:00 - 6:15 p.m. — Students Depart for Retreat
  Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
  New students registered for the First-Year/Transfer Retreat will leave for one of the most fun parts of Orientation. Meet in front of the Chapel for departure.

• 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. — Check-In (RESIDENTIAL and COMMUTER Students), & Breakfast
  Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center
  We will have coffee and a continental breakfast waiting for you!
  
  
• 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. — Excelling as a Student-Athlete at Catawba 
  Hedrick Little Theatre, Robertson College-Community Center
  Transitioning to a collegiate athlete can be both exhilarating and challenging, and it is essential to understand the expectations for what lies ahead. We invite all new student-athletes to attend an informative session to help you and your family. This session will cover important topics and required paperwork for your success and well-being as a student-athlete. 
  
  
• 10:00 - 10:25 a.m. — Welcome 
  Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center
  President David P. Nelson, SGA Executive President Jadan Martin and Dean of Students Dr. Justin Tyler Owens will welcome the 174th entering class at Catawba College.
  
  
• 10:25 a.m. — Discovering Your Success at Catawba College
  Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center  
  Join Success Coaches Eric Kidd and Kira Harwood for an enlightening session designed to empower future students with essential skills and offer families invaluable insights to support their students’ success at Catawba College. Our Success Coaches understand that the student journey is filled with both excitement and challenges. That’s why we prioritize the crucial role of success coaches in unlocking your potential and helping you achieve your academic and personal goals. 
  
  
• 11:00 – 11:55 a.m. — Transfer Toolkit: The Journey towards Graduation
  Room 216, Center for Environment
  In this session, you’ll learn about the resources, support systems, and opportunities available to help you thrive in your new academic home. We’ll also highlight how our campus culture, communication partnership, and student life may differ from your previous institution. You'll also have the opportunity to meet your assigned success coach. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, connected, and confident as you begin this exciting new chapter.
  
  
• 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. — Lunch & Resource Fair
  Leonard Lounge, Cannon Student Center
  Enjoy lunch in the dining hall, where a variety of delicious food options await you! While you're there, be sure to stop by the Resource Fair to connect with helpful campus departments and organizations. Passport to Prizes inside your folder, you’ll find a Resource Fair Passport, visit different tables, collect stamps and turn in your completed passport for a chance to win a $50 Campus Bookstore gift card!
  
  
• 1:30 – 2:25 p.m. — Getting Connected to Campus
  Hedrick Little Theatre, Robertson College-Community Center
  Dive into campus life with the Office of Campus Life and explore exciting opportunities including our immersive student experience and esports initiatives, a wide array of campus programming and student activities to get involved, and comprehensive campus recreation and wellness resources to support your well-being; we'll also guide you through the platforms we use to keep you informed about events, highlight potential work-study positions within our office, and show you how to connect with us on social media to stay engaged with everything happening on campus.
  
  
• 2:30 – 3:20 p.m. — Transfer Toolkit: Mastering MyCatawba & Planning Your Path
  Room 216, Center for Environment
  Technology tools differ at each institution. Learn about Catawba's technology that will help you navigate your way to graduation. 
  
  
• 3:30 – 4:20 p.m. — Serving the Salisbury Community
  Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center
  Service is a core value at Catawba College. Join your fellow students in making a meaningful impact through a service project supporting local elementary, middle, and high school students in the Salisbury area.
  
  
• 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. — Finding Friends, Touring Campus & Making Lasting Connections
  Abernethy Quad Lawn/Stanback Plaza, Cannon Student Center
  Presented by Student Affairs, this session is designed to help you unlock the keys to success at Catawba. Learn about the wide range of campus resources available to support your academic, personal, and professional growth. From tutoring and success coaching to wellness services and involvement opportunities, we'll share the essential tools and strategies to help you thrive throughout your college journey.
  Students going on the Retreat should eat dinner at this time.
  
  
• 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. — Student and Family Goodbye
  
  
• 6:00 - 6:15 p.m. — Students Depart for Retreat
  Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
  New students registered for the First-Year/Transfer Retreat will leave for one of the most fun parts of Orientation. Meet in front of the Chapel for departure.

• 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. — Check-In, Move-In (RESIDENTIAL and COMMUTER Students), & Breakfast
  Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center
  We will have coffee and a continental breakfast waiting for you!
  
  
• 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. — Excelling as a Student-Athlete at Catawba 
  Hedrick Little Theatre, Robertson College-Community Center
  Transitioning to a collegiate athlete can be both exhilarating and challenging, and it is essential to understand the expectations for what lies ahead. We invite all new student-athletes to attend an informative session to help you and your family. This session will cover important topics and required paperwork for your success and well-being as a student-athlete. 
  
  
• 10:00 - 10:25 a.m. — Welcome 
  Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center
  President David P. Nelson, SGA Executive President Jadan Martin and Dean of Students Dr. Justin Tyler Owens will welcome the 174th entering class at Catawba College.
  
  
• 10:25 a.m. — Discovering Your Success at Catawba College
  Keppel Auditorium, Robertson College-Community Center  
  Join Success Coaches Eric Kidd and Kira Harwood for an enlightening session designed to empower future students with essential skills and offer families invaluable insights to support their students’ success at Catawba College. Our Success Coaches understand that the student journey is filled with both excitement and challenges. That’s why we prioritize the crucial role of success coaches in unlocking your potential and helping you achieve your academic and personal goals. 
  
  
• 11:00 a.m. — From Catawba to Career
  Hedrick Little Theatre, Robertson College-Community Center
  Join us for a dynamic parent panel where staff members share insights on what it’s really like for students living on campus, finding internship opportunities, and navigating college academics. You’ll hear firsthand tips on helping your student make the most of their residential experience, stay on track in the classroom, and prepare for career success — all while adjusting to life away from home. Whether you're wondering how to support healthy habits, encourage involvement, or guide your student toward professional opportunities, this session is designed to answer your questions and ease the transition for family and friends of new students.
  
  
• 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. — Lunch & Resource Fair
  Leonard Lounge, Cannon Student Center
  Enjoy lunch in the dining hall, where a variety of delicious food options await you! While you're there, be sure to stop by the Resource Fair to connect with helpful campus departments and organizations. Passport to Prizes inside your folder, you’ll find a Resource Fair Passport, visit different tables, collect stamps and turn in your completed passport for a chance to win a $50 Campus Bookstore gift card! 
  
  
• 1:30 – 2:25 p.m.  — Navigating the Transition: Letting Go But Staying Connected
  Hedrick Little Theatre, Robertson College-Community Center
  As your student embarks on their college journey, you may be feeling a mix of emotions—pride, excitement, and perhaps a little uncertainty. This session is designed to support friends and family members as you navigate the transition of letting go while staying connected with your student. Learn how to strike the right balance between offering support and giving them the space they need to grow and thrive independently.
  
  
• 2:30 – 3:20 p.m.  — Meet the Academic Deans
  Peeler Crystal Lounge, Robertson College-Community Center
  Join us for a unique opportunity to meet the academic deans of Catawba College. This session allows parents and families to connect directly with academic leadership and learn more about each college and school’s vision, programs, and support systems. Gain insight into the academic experience your student will have throughout their time at Catawba.
  
  
• 3:30 – 4:20 p.m. — Choose Your Own Academic Adventure
  Shuford Science Building + Center for the Environment
  Sample a college class experience from one of our teaching faculty members. Faculty have designed class content to help you understand what your students will encounter in the classroom and how academic majors will lead to future career opportunities. Find detailed descriptions of course offerings and their specific locations are on the insert called “Choose Your Own Academic Adventure.”
  
  
• 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. — Parent and Family Reception Hosted by President Nelson
  Center for the Environment
  Join President David Nelson, Kimberly Nelson, and the Executive Cabinet for an engaging evening of conversation and connection. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and beverages while learning about the college’s vision, current initiatives, and future plans. This is a great opportunity for parents and families to hear firsthand about Catawba's leadership and direction. You’ll also hear about our Parents' Council and how to get involved in your Catawba experience.
  
  
• 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. — Student and Family Goodbye
  
  
• 6:00 - 6:15 p.m. — Students Depart for Retreat
  Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
  New students registered for the First-Year/Transfer Retreat will leave for one of the most fun parts of Orientation. Meet in front of the Chapel for departure.

Saturday, August 16th

• First-Year Student Move-In
  8:30 a.m. - 5:00p.m.
  Various Locations
  The Catawba Family is here to welcome your student to campus! We will have an engaging, fun-filled day for you all including Kona Ice to cool down, a photobooth to remember the day, snacks, and more!
• Welcome Assembly
  3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
  Keppel Auditorium
  Students and their friends and families are invited to the Fall 2025 Welcome Assembly. The event will include remarks from President Nelson, Dean Owens, and SGA President Jadan Martin.

• President's Cookout
  4:00 p.m. Immediately following this assembly
  President's House Lawn
  Following the Welcome Assembly, President Nelson will be hosting his annual President's Cookout - a fun event for parents and students!

Sunday, August 17th

• "Bridge to Catawba"
  3:00 p.m.
  Leonard Lounge / Beach Volleyball Court
  Housing and Residence Life will be hosting "Bridge to Catawba," an event where you will have the opportunity to spend your first Sunday on campus and find your new Catawba classmates. This event will have outdoor volleyball, movie showings, billiards, board games, snacks and so much more.

Monday, August 18th

• New Student Commissioning
  7:00 p.m.
  Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
  Join the institution as we celebrate you!  We will celebrate and commission all our new students as you begin this journey of your higher education journey.

• Wipeout
  8:00 p.m.
  Abernethy Lawn
  The Office of Campus Life and Campus Programming will be hosting "Wipeout" bringing the world renowned TV to YOUR campus for some fun thrilling entertainment and excitement. 

Tuesday, August 19th

• Opening Convocation
  4:00 p.m.
  Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
  Students, faculty, and staff gather at this special ceremony to mark the official opening of the 2025-2026 academic year.

• Club and Organization Fair
  5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
  Abernethy Lawn
  The Office of Campus Life will host the annual Fall Club and Organization Fair but this year with an added twist of involving the Rowan Cabarrus County community organizations as well! Student organizations are actively seeking new members and are very eager to explain their activities and purpose. Ask questions and step outside of your comfort zone but remember that you do not need to join every organization that matches your interests and goals. Focus on a few organizations (something connected to your possible major, something fun, something new) and reevaluate your involvement after your first six weeks on campus.

Wednesday, August 20th

• Comedy Hypnotist Show
  8:00 p.m. start, Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
  Keppel Auditorium
  Join The Office of Campus Life and Campus Programming for a captivating Hypnotist Show during Catawba College's Welcome Week. This isn't your average performance – our talented hypnotist will take volunteers on a hilarious and mind-bending journey, leading them through a series of amusing scenarios and unexpected antics. David Anthony graced your stage back in the Spring Semester and he's here to do it again but on a BIGGER stage. He is taking up to 25 volunteers so you want to get there early.

Thursday, August 21st

• Sideline Mascot Launch
  11:00 a.m.
  Stanback Plaza 
  

• Late Night with Lerner
  8:00 p.m.
  Abernethy Lawn
  The Offices of Campus Life and Campus Recreation and Wellness invite you to Late Night at Lerner: Glow Golf, an electrifying twist on a classic game, exclusively for Catawba students during Welcome Week. This event will have glow golf, glow volleyball, glow tetherball, with glow swag given all night with DJ Tremon Jamal.

Friday, August 22nd

• Game Truck and Good Eats
  8:00 - 9:30 p.m.
  Stanback Plaza
  The Office of Campus Life and Esports gaming are collaborating to bring a food truck (free servings so long as you follow both esports and campus life) and a mobile video game truck that will have every game from the newest PlayStation and Xbox to the oldest version of the Wii on their truck for you all to play one another.

Saturday, August 23rd

• Foam Party
  9:00  p.m. - 11:00  p.m.
  The Office of Campus Life and Campus Programming are celebrating the culmination of Welcome Week by providing you an opportunity to cool off and let loose at a foam party featuring DJ Miss Mia Macc.

Monday, August 18 

• FYS Group Meetings (Required)
  9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
  (View Classroom Locations)
• Spanish (and French) Placement 
  11:00 a.m.
  Hedrick Building, Rooms 2407 (A-D), 2410 (E-M), 2414 (N-Z)
  For *any* student wishing to place credit for Spanish.
• Lunch
  11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  Dining Commons, Cannon Student Center
  FYS Commuters may eat lunch (and dinner on Monday) in the dining hall, courtesy Student Affairs.  Also, the Lilly Center is open during for coffee, snacks, and a place to relax for all students, especially commuters.
• FYS Group Meeting (Required)
  12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  (View Classroom Locations)
  Students meet with FYS professors and groups
• Transfer Students
  12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  Meet with advisors in offices to discuss schedule mitigation (optional and as necessary) 
• “Meet your Major” Information Essentials
  2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  (View Session Locations)
  
• Athletics Compliance Meeting (Required for All Student-Athletes)
  3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
  Keppel Auditorium 
  Mandatory for all student athletes
• Title IX (Required for Non-Athletes) 
  3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
  Peeler Crystal Lounge 
  Mandatory Title IX training for all non-athletes.  
• International Students (Required)
  4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  Peeler Crystal Lounge
  F1 Student Orientation 
• FYS Gatherings (Required)
  6:35 p.m.
  Gather as groups to go to the Commissioning Ceremony as a class. 
• Commissioning Ceremony (Required for FYS Faculty and Students)
  7:00 p.m.
  Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
  Faculty should robe and FYS students should sit with their groups. 

Tuesday, August 19 

• FYS Group and Individual Advising Meetings (Required)
  9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
  (View Classroom Locations)
  Meet in FYS classrooms for schedule adjustment, pre-class launch activities, Catawba Mental Health Counseling center visits, and completion of surveys. 
• Lunch (Commuters Eat Free) 
  11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  Dining Commons, Cannon Student Center
  
• Know Before You Go!  OPTIONAL
  10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 noon
  Meet at the Welcome Center in Hedrick Building
  Follow Admissions personnel to campus buildings to find your classrooms.  Bring your class schedule.
• FYS Group Meeting (Required)
  12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  (View Classroom Locations)
  Meet in designated campus classroom locations for individual Blackboard module training, scheduling, surveys, Catawba Mental health Counseling center visits, pre-class launch activities, and preparation for the Common Summer Reading Discussion. 
• Common Summer Reading Discussion
  1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
  (View Classroom Locations) 
• Convocation Gathering
  3:30 p.m.
  FYS group photos in campus locales .
• Opening Convocation
  4:00 p.m.
  Omwake-Dearborn Chapel
  FYS groups attend together.

Designated Classrooms

Meet your Major Information Session Locations

Welcome to Salisbury! If you need a cup of coffee before arriving on campus, you can visit the drive-through at Mean Mug Coffee, located at 1621 W. Innes Street, just a short drive from campus. Be sure to mention that you are here for Catawba College orientation to receive a discount. We have over 50 community partners where a Catawba student ID can save money!

Thinking ahead to dinner options while your student is on campus? We love our barbeque in North Carolina, and we have great places to try, such as The Smoke Pit, Hendrix BBQ, and College Barbeque, but if BBQ isn't your thing, check our many places to dine in Rowan County below:

View Restaurants