Pre-Orientation Programs
Davidson offers an assortment of pre-orientation programs that allow students to immerse themselves in the Davidson community prior to the start of the academic year.
Each of these programs is intentionally designed to help you find optimal success in acclimating to the Davidson community.
Available Pre-Orientation Programs
Bonner Scholars Program
Bonner Scholars apply and are selected in the spring/early summer prior to entering Davidson. Those students will participate in an orientation prior to New Student Orientation. Students, as well as interested family members, participate in activities designed to learn more about the Bonner Scholars Program nationally and at Davidson. Participants also spend time exploring the community, getting to know each other and learning about campus resources.
International Student Pre-Orientation
International Student Pre-Orientation is designed to meet the unique needs of incoming international students. U.S. and dual citizens living outside of the United States and all non-U.S. citizens are invited to participate.
Outdoor Odyssey
The Outdoor Odyssey is open to any first-year or transfer student, and uses outdoor activities such as rock climbing, paddling, backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, and rafting to challenge incoming students and build community before starting classes. Upper class trip leaders coach your group on basic skills as you work together to build relationships and share significant experiences. Participation is open to any skill level.
Service Odyssey
The Service Odyssey is a service-focused experience that reflects and enriches Davidson's commitment to develop the spirit of service within each student. The program is designed to build relationships among participants, increase social awareness and challenge individuals to work constructively within a group.
STRIDE
Students Together Reaching for Individual Development and Education (STRIDE) is a pre-orientation, peer mentorship program designed to help students cultivate a sense of belonging during their time at the college and make the most of their first academic year at Davidson College. The STRIDE Pre-Orientation Program is facilitated by the CSDI staff with support from other campus partners. In this three-day program, students will explore social identities and experiences of marginalized communities. Additionally, students are provided an opportunity to participate in community building activities and discussions that establish a strong foundation for academic and social success on campus. While STRIDE is designed to support the unique lived experiences of students of color, all first-year and transfer students who register for the program are eligible to participate.
Sapere Aude
Start your Davidson College experience with your Humes cohort and the Humanities Fellows and faculty before others get to campus. Sapere Aude ("dare to know") is the required pre-orientation retreat for students enrolled in the Humanities 103 course "Connections and Conflicts in the Humanities." Students take part in four days of community building and close reading and discussion of key texts and artifacts with Humanities faculty, librarians, and fellows. Students can participate in the Humanities program and other pre-orientation programs.
Career Exploration Academy & Resume Workshops
The Matthews Center for Career Development offers virtual summer programming to help set you up for professional success at Davidson and beyond. Contact careers@davidson.edu with any questions.
Career Compass: How to Get Started in Your Career Journey
Join Matthews Center staff members to learn about the career exploration process and enjoy a brief overview of the resources available to Davidson students. Students who complete this session during the summer will have priority access to register for the more advanced in-person Career Compass session offered during the academic year.
- Tuesday, July 15 at Noon EST
- Thursday, August 7 at 9 a.m. EST
From High School to Professional: A Resume Workshop
Learn how to turn your high school resume into your first professional/college resume. We'll go over key components of a resume, how to develop bullet points, and distinguish between necessary and unnecessary resume content. Revamp your resume to prepare for applications for employment, internships, research labs, and competitions. Whether you already have a resume or are starting from scratch, we look forward to sharing in the ins and outs of crafting a resume.
- Tuesday, June 24 at Noon EST
- Thursday, July 10 at 9 a.m. EST
- Monday, July 21 at 8 p.m. EST
- Wednesday, August 6 at 4 p.m. EST