August 06, 2019

New Student Orientation and Parents Preview Begin Aug. 28

Information and traffic alerts to be aware of as our incoming class arrives.

Can you believe that the end of the summer is rapidly approaching 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.

Franchesca Spann, the student director of New Student Orientation, and I have been working hard this summer to put together a great orientation program for our 524 new first-year, 48 transfer, and 7 exchange students. 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 students and leave campus convinced that this is exactly the right place for their child. As of today, we have 480 parents registered for the program. However, we expect that number to climb to near 700.

On Wednesday, August 28 beginning at 8 a.m., students and parents will begin arriving for New Student Orientation and Parents Preview. Given the robust number of guests, traffic to Palatine Hill and parking on campus on Wednesday, August 28 and Thursday, August 29 will be very challenging. Please consider alternate transportation on these two busy days. Here are some suggestions:

  • Ride the Pioneer Express Shuttle                                     
  • Ride your bike to work
  • Carpool
  • Have a family member bring you to campus

If you must drive a car to campus, please consider parking in the more remote areas of campus leaving the parking areas in Griswold, near Templeton and around the residence halls open for students and parents to park. We are awaiting the delivery of our printed programs but provide them here in digital form for your use. 

NSO Schedule for First Year Students

NSO Schedule for Transfer Students

Parents Preview

NEW THIS YEAR! In cooperation with Student Leadership and Service, we are extending an opportunity for faculty, staff and their families to participate in the NSO Service Day on Saturday, August 31 from 1-4pm. If you’re interested in joining with new students to provide service to one of our various community partners, please follow this link

Thank you for your continued support of these important programs. 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. Please don’t forget to wear your L&C name tag beginning Wednesday, August 28. We would be happy to speak with you if you have specific questions about any of this information. You can reach us at ext. 7182 or by email at nso@lclark.edu 

Best,

Sandi Bottemiller for NSO & Parents Preview