New Student Orientation and Parents Preview begins 8/29

Dear Faculty & Staff,

Isn’t it hard to believe that the summer is nearly gone and the beginning of the academic year is just around the corner? I trust you have had an opportunity to relax a bit and get prepared and excited about the promises and possibilities the new academic year brings.

Matthew Tratos, the student director of New Student Orientation, and I have been working hard this summer to put together a great orientation program for our 642 new students and their parents. It is our goal to introduce new students to the academic program of the institution, help acquaint them with the campus environment and many members of the community, as well as provide a variety of social programs for them to meet their classmates. All of these are important components to their success as Lewis & Clark students. Our hope is that during their brief visit here, parents and family members of our incoming students will garner a new understanding of the institution, the opportunities and services available to their sons and daughters and leave campus convinced that this is exactly the right place for their child. As of today, we have 725 parents registered for the program.

On Wednesday, August 29 beginning at 8 a.m., students and parents will begin arriving for New Student Orientation and Parents Preview. Given the healthy number of guests, traffic to Palatine Hill and parking on campus on Wednesday, August 29 and Thursday, August 30 will be very challenging. Please consider alternate transportation on these two busy days. Here are some suggestions:

• Ride the Pioneer Express Shuttle (limited service began 8/20)
• Ride your bike to work
• Carpool
• Have a family member bring you to campus

If you must drive a car to campus, please consider leaving the parking areas near Templeton and around the residence halls open for students and parents. 

NSO Student Leaders will be coming around to offices on Monday and Tuesday, August 27 & 28, to distribute final copies of the Orientation and Parents Preview schedules. However, if you’d like a preview you can view the schedules on the web: New Student Orientation and Parents Preview.

This is always an exciting time at the College and we hope you will join us in enthusiastically welcoming students and parents alike into our community.  Everyone will be busy over the next several days but we would be happy to speak with you if you have specific questions about any of this information. You can reach Matthew at ext. 7182 or me at ext. 7183 or feel free to email us atnso@lclark.edu.

Thank you for your continued support of these important programs. Please don’t forget to wear your gold nametag beginning Wednesday, August 29.

My best to you all for a successful 2012-13 academic year,

Sandi Bottemiller
Director of Housing & Orientation
503-768-7183
sjb@lclark.edu