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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

New Student Orientation

Cornell Bear with students

Announcement: We will not be hosting New Student Orientation for Spring 2024, as Cornell will not be accepting new students during that semester. Learn more here: https://admissions.cornell.edu/how-to-apply/transfer-applicants

The Tatkon Center for New Students hosts New Student Orientation for incoming students to help build connection and understanding of the campus community and its resources. Our professional and student staff help students begin to build their toolkit to aid in their success in and out of the classroom. New Student Orientation is required for all new undergraduate students starting with the new student to do list. 

Current students play a major role in planning your orientation experience. Hundreds of students serve as Orientation Leaders (OLs) whose role is to serve as your Cornell GPS as you make your way to campus. You will meet your OL at New Student Orientation and will engage with them in a variety of ways, most notably, in small groups. These sessions bring you and a small group of other new students together to engage in conversations about being a Cornellian.  

In addition to your OL, there are several other avenues of support we encourage you to connect and engage with!  

Your resident advisor (RA) or undergraduate resident fellows (URFs) in your residence hall 

  • Your college may offer the chance to connect with a faculty advisor, advising staff, and/or peer mentors/ambassadors.  

  • Tatkon Peer Leaders 

  • Faculty fellows and faculty-in-residence who engage with students and develop programs where they live.