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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Pre-Orientation Programs

During the week prior to New Student Orientation, you can participate in one of several pre-orientation opportunities all developed to ease your transition to life at Cornell while meeting other new students who share your interests or identities. Involvement is optional and requires an application. These programs are designed to enhance the New Student Orientation experience. 

Pre-Orientation Programs

PREPARE: Pre-Orientation Program for International Students 
Learn more information and register here! 

POST (Pre-Orientation Service Trips) 
Learn more information and register here! 

Hillel First-Year Fest 
Learn more information and register here! 

Outdoor Odyssey 
Learn more information and register here! 

 First at Cornell: First Generation Student Pre-Orientation 
Learn more information and register for First at Cornell here! (by invitation)

 CPoP (Catholic Pre-orientation Program) 
Learn more information and register here! 

Chesterton House's Veritas Academy 
Learn more information and register here! 

Cornell Army ROTC Pre-Orientation 
During this Pre-Orientation program, we cover contract paperwork, scholarship paperwork required to activate scholarships, a fitness test necessary for scholarships, and basic Army and team-building events. For more information please contact armyrotc@cornell.edu. 

American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program (AIISP) Pre-Orientation Program 

This special program offers an opportunity to connect with fellow first-year and transfer students, engage with inspiring speakers, meet AIISP faculty and staff, take part in community-building activities, and explore key spaces across campus, starting at Akwe:kon, the nation's first university residential program house dedicated to Indigenous students. Family members are warmly welcome to attend the Sunday program. Attendees will be invited to move in early, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with fees covered by AIISP. 

Whether you're new to Cornell or new to Indigenous community spaces, the AIISP Pre-Orientation is a great opportunity to start your journey grounded in connection, culture, and community. Register here!