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!
New Student Orientation
The official New Student and Parent & Family Orientations for the 2020-21 school year will begin on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 8:30 a.m. New Student Orientation is required for all new students, and parents and families are invited to attend.
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
Davidson students have until the end of their sophomore year to declare a major. Before a major is declared, students should explore the subjects and courses that interest them, while also fulfilling graduation requirements.
Throughout the month of June, Summer Advisers are available to help new first-year students through the phases of course registration and provide course selection advice. Course preferences should be submitted via WebTree by June 30.
First-year students will meet their holistic academic adviser during Orientation, at which time course schedule adjustments can be made.
If applicable, students should familiarize themselves with the foreign language requirement, the introductory chemistry diagnostic exam, and if their AP, IB or joint-enrollment courses may qualify for pre-college credit. Applicable placement tests must be completed by June 19.
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.
