New Students
Welcome New Wildcats!
We understand you will have many questions as you prepare for Davidson. We're here to help. We've compiled important resources to ensure a smooth transition into your college experience. A warm welcome from your new Wildcat family. We can't wait to see you on campus!
Plans for the Fall Semester
The fall semester will begin an academic year like none before at Davidson College. We have been working to make sure we are ready to return to campus with safety as our foundational priority. Specific information about preparations and how this semester will be different, is aggregated in the Fall 2020 section of our website.
New Student Orientation
The official New Student and Parent & Family Orientations for the 2020-21 school year will begin online prior to the on-campus portion. For those who will join us on campus, we plan for Orientation to begin the afternoon of Sunday, Aug. 16. New Student Orientation is required for all new students.
Please note that pre-orientation programs begin before Aug. 16.
Pre-Orientation Programs
Designed to provide a unique, challenging, and fun transition to life at Davidson, students can select from an assortment of pre-orientation programs that run June–August. These allow students to immerse themselves in the Davidson community prior to the start of the academic year. Pre-orientation programs happen before the mandatory New Student Orientation.
Common Reading Book
Davidson College is devoted to the life of the mind and the development of the whole person. One of the best ways to begin your journey here is to read a common book during the summer, discuss it during Orientation, and apply what you learn to your life at Davidson and beyond.
This year's Common Reading Book is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. The common reading book will be mailed to all new students during the summer.
Academics & Initial Course Registration
In early June, spend some time exploring the liberal arts curriculum at Davidson College. Check out the various subjects available and specific courses being offered in the fall. Foreign language placement tests, if you are not starting a new language, must be completed by June 19.
Once you have specific course preferences in mind, you will complete initial course registration, called WebTree, by June 30. Throughout the month of June, summer advisers are available to help new students with course selection advice.
New students will meet their holistic adviser during Orientation, after which course schedule adjustments can be made.
Health & Counseling
Davidson's Center for Student Health and Well-Being is dedicated to the physical, emotional and mental well being of every student.
The medical history and physical exam form must be completed and submitted by all incoming Davidson students by June 30.
Each student must have medical insurance, either through a private insurance company plan or the insurance package offered through the college's Academic Health Plan. The deadline to opt out of College Health Insurance Plan is July 25.
Student Athletes
Students who intend to participate on a Davidson Varsity Athletic Team need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This NCAA-driven process must be completed before a student-athlete reports to campus.
New student athletes must complete sports medical forms, independent of the college's Health Center medical forms. June 1 is the deadline for football and basketball athletes to submit medical forms; July 1 is the deadline for all other athletes.
In mid-July each known Davidson student-athlete will receive an email containing links and instructions for completing all necessary NCAA and Davidson compliance forms.
