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

Outdoor Odyssey 

Outdoor Odyssey is a pre-orientation program for incoming Cornell students that offers outdoor experiences designed to help participants build connections, develop confidence, and begin their Cornell journey before the semester starts.

Learn more information and register here!

First at Cornell: First Generation Student Pre-Orientation 

The First-Generation Pre-Orientation Program supports incoming first-generation students as they transition to Cornell by building community, strengthening self-advocacy, and helping students navigate campus resources and opportunities with confidence.

Learn more information and register for First at Cornell here!

PREPARE: Pre-Orientation Program for International Students 

Prepare is a pre-orientation program that helps incoming international students begin their Cornell experience by connecting them with key resources, building community, and supporting a smooth transition before the semester begins.

Learn more information and register here! 

POST (Pre-Orientation Service Trips) 

POST is a pre-orientation program that helps incoming students connect with the local community through service, shared experiences, and relationship-building while supporting a meaningful transition to Cornell.

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. 

Chesterton House's Veritas Academy 

Chesterton House’s Veritas Academy is a pre-orientation program that helps incoming students build community, explore faith, purpose, and intellectual life, and begin their Cornell experience with connection and support before the semester starts.

Learn more information and register here! 

Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell First Year Fest

Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell’s First Year Fest is a pre-orientation program that helps incoming students build friendships, connect with Jewish life at Cornell, and begin their college experience through community-building and shared experiences before the semester starts.

Learn more information and register here! 

CPoP (Catholic Pre-orientation Program) 

The Cornell Catholic Community is excited to welcome you to life on the hill! Get settled early, reflect about your transition to college, pray, learn, hang out, and make new friends.

Learn more here!