New students arrive next week! Here is what you need to know to help make New Student Orientation 2023 a success.  

We are looking forward to greeting the entire Class of 2027 and incoming transfer students, on Monday, Aug. 21, for the first day of New Student Orientation (NSO)! While we have already welcomed some new students to campus, including Fall athletes and Bridge Scholars, many additional students will arrive in Colorado Springs early and may choose to stop by various campus offices to take care of outstanding business; we thank you in advance for welcoming these new CC community members when you see them on campus.

Detailed arrival instructions and directions, including a parking map, can be found on the NSO webpage. On Monday, we encourage staff members on campus to be aware of increased traffic in the C1 (Tutt Library) Lot and the Robson Parking Garage; these will be used as unloading zones for residence halls and the mailroom, as well as visitor parking.

Students and their guests should report to the NSO Check-in Tent on Tava Quad prior to moving into their residence hall. At check-in, we will confirm that immunization and vaccination forms have been submitted (a requirement for on-campus living) and give students their NSO nametag and CC Gold Card.

Parents, family members, and other guests will be given a CC wristband at check-in. During move-in, RAs, volunteers, and staff will be available to answer questions, lend a hand, and provide directions.

After the Welcome Luncheon on Tava Quad, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Mon., Aug. 21, the New Student Orientation Program kicks off in Ed Robson Arena with welcoming remarks from Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Lacy Carpillo, CCSGA President Vicente Blas-Taijeron ’24, and Vice President for Enrollment Mark Hatch. This is mandatory for all new students.

Family and Guest Orientation also begins with the 2023 College Welcome in Robson Arena and continues from 2-5 p.m. with a Resource Fair on the concourse in Robson and a variety of information sessions in Cornerstone Arts Center. 

Students and their guests are welcome to enjoy a free dinner at Rastall Dining Hall or check out a downtown restaurant before enjoying Sweet Send-Offs at the NSO Tent on Tava Quad from 7-8:45 p.m. Family and Guest Orientation concludes at 8:45 p.m.

The NSO schedule takes inspiration from the Block Plan and gives students a taste of a "typical" class day: required sessions are offered each morning and the afternoon is open for them to create their own CC adventure — attend sessions, explore campus, get to know resources, and prepare for the semester ahead. Students are required to attend at least two conference-style sessions throughout NSO; thanks to the many departments and individuals who are hosting these sessions!

This year, all Priddy activities will happen on campus in Priddy Rotations. There are five Priddy Rotations: Thursday afternoon, Friday morning and afternoon, and Saturday morning and afternoon, and are comprised of service, outdoor, and local activities.

The Office of Campus Activities is hosting an outdoor movie night, screening The Little Mermaid, on Tava Quad, Sat. Aug. 26, for all new and returning students.

The entire NSO schedule, which includes a brief overview of Family Orientation, is available on our website.

Please feel free to refer students, families, or others looking for general assistance to the Office of Campus Activities, (719) 389-6800 or the Worner Desk, (719) 389-6000 to have their questions answered, or point them to the Questions and Contacts section of CC Bound for more specific help. Students should connect with staff at the residence halls for all questions pertaining to housing.

This is an especially busy, and sometimes stressful, time for many new students and their families. It is also one of the most exciting times of the year as we meet our future advisees, campus leaders, and alumni. On behalf of the NSO and Priddy planning teams, thanks to each of you in advance for your contributions toward making 2023 New Student Orientation a success!