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New Student Orientation

Welcome, New Students!

Thank you for choosing Menlo College to begin your journey to success. In order to fully prepare for your time at Menlo College, all new students are required to attend our New Student Orientation program on campus. Orientation is designed to introduce incoming students to the academic and co-curricular services and programs vital to their successful transition to the Menlo community. Orientation is an important beginning step for students that provides opportunities for personal growth, meaningful connections and future academic success. We can’t wait to see you there!

We look forward to welcoming our incoming students at New Student Orientation, from August 15-17.

RSVP for Orientation

Fall Orientation 2025 Schedule of Events

Friday, August 15EventLocation
8–11:30 AMOrientation Check-In & Move-In 
Check in at the front of campus. You will be directed to various offices to take care of any remaining business items prior to receiving your dorm key so you can move into your residence hall if you are living on campus.		Entrance of Campus
10- 11:30 AMCampus Tours
Get an insider's perspective on campus life by joining one of our friendly Orientation Leaders for a guided tour. These current students will share their first-hand experiences and insights while showing you around our beautiful campus. Tour times will be 10:00, 10:30 and 11:00.		Entrance of Campus
12–1:30 PMWelcome Kickoff + Lunch 
Hear from Menlo College President, Steven Weiner, our Academic Deans and Menlo’s student body president, as we kick off another exciting year! 		Quad
1:30 -2:15 PMStudent Orientation Groups + Class Photo 
Meet our orientation leaders and fellow incoming Oaks for some fun! We will also take a class photo at the big “M.”.		Quad
1:30 -2:15 PMReal Talk: Supporting Your College Student
This Q&A panel-style session for family members and parents will connect families with Menlo students, alumni and staff who can provide valuable perspectives and resources to help navigate this exciting new chapter.		Flo Mo Auditorium 
2:30 -3:30 PMInternational Student Session *required for new INTL students
Get your questions answered about visas, travel, I-20s and health insurance. Our international student services team will walk you through what you need to know!		Flo Mo 316
3:30–4 PM Dash and Discover
You’ll zip through campus departments, learn what resources are here to support you.  It’s your one-stop launch into success at Menlo—no stress, just good info and great people.
Departments that will be visited: 
■ Student Government Association (Student Union)
■ Post Office
■ Bowman Library
■ Tutoring Services/ Writing Center
■ Athletics (Gym)
■ Student Success
■ Career Services 
■ Study Abroad
■ Counseling and Wellness
■ Residential Life/OSA		Student Union Patio
4–5 PM Faculty Connections & Internship Showcase
Connect with Menlo’s outstanding faculty, staff, and students while enjoying light refreshments.

In addition to meeting faculty, you’ll discover what makes Menlo’s internship program such a powerful part of your educational experience.

There will be no formal speeches — instead, feel free to explore, mingle, and learn at your own pace. By combining the reception with the internship showcase, you’ll get the best of both worlds in one engaging opportunity.		President’s House
Say goodbye to guests!!
5–6:30 PMDinnerDining Hall
6:30–7:15 PMOrientation Group: Menlo 411 
Learn from our student leaders what it’s really like to be a student at Menlo. They’ll teach you all the insider tips and tricks to be successful while you’re here. 		Student Union Patio
7:30–8:15 PMHousing and Residence Life Session Mandatory
Led by our Assistant Director of Residence Life and Community Standards, along with the Community Assistants and Resident Fellows you will learn more about the residential experience and our community expectations.		Flo Mo Auditorium
8:30–10 PMPop, Jam and Glow
Unwind under the stars with music, fresh Jiffy Pop popcorn (and toppings!), and the warm glow of a campfire. Vibe with new friends at this cozy night of music, and low-key fun.		Student Union Fire Pits
Saturday, August 16EventLocation
9:30–11 AMYoga on the Quad (10-10:45) am
Join us for a 45-minute yoga class on the Quad. Mats will be provided for the first 40 students to arrive, or feel free to bring your own mat or towel and a water bottle.		Varies
Library Orientation (9:30-11)
Stop by during this casual orientation to get a quick overview of everything the Menlo Library has to offer: research tools, study spaces, free printing, and more. It’s quick, helpful, and you can come and go as you please.

Whether you're a study pro or just need a quiet place to think, the library’s got you covered. See you there!
411 Station (in front of the Dining Hall) 
Student leaders will be available to answer questions, show you where your classes are located, etc. Come say hi!
10:00-3:00Student Success Center
Stop by and chat with the Student Success team! We’re here to help with schedules, study tips, financial aid, billing, accommodations, and anything academic as you get ready for your first week.		Administration 151
11:30–12:30 PMBrunchDining Hall
12:45-1:15 PM#Rooted: Learn what it means to be a part of the Menlo community from our dean of students and how we all can work together to create an inclusive environment conducive to learning and personal growth.Flo Mo Auditorium
1:15-2:15 PMReal Talk: Doing the Right Thing in College
Join us for a session on what academic integrity really means at Menlo. From group projects to late-night essays, we’ll cover how to stay on track, avoid accidental pitfalls, and succeed the right way. Come ready to learn, laugh, and leave with tips you’ll actually use!		Flo Mo Auditorium
2:30–4:30 PMMenlo Olympics
Get to know your peers through a series of fun team-building exercises. Work together with your group to win prizes including Menlo swag and gift cards.		Meet at the Quad
5–6:30 PMDinnerDining Hall
8–9:30 PMSpeed Friending- Find your Social Media Circle 
Make fast friends and real connections—then keep the convo going online! Rotate through 2 minute low-key chats with fellow freshmen, (prompts provided) swap social handles at our “Find Your Circle” wall, and walk away with new faces to follow and friendships to grow. Music and nachos provided.		Student Union
Sunday, August 17EventLocation
9:30–11:30 AMTarget Runs (optional) 
Forgot something at home? Already out of toothpaste? Just want to walk around? Our staff and student leaders will be shuttling students to and from Target in Redwood City. 		Varies
Walk to Santa Cruz Ave (meet at the flagpole)
Explore downtown Menlo Park with some of our student leaders! Leave time 10:00 AM
411 Station (in front of the Dining Hall) 
Student leaders will be available to answer questions, show you where your classes are located, etc. Come say hi!
11–12:30 PMBrunchDining Hall
4:30–5:00 PMNew Student Pinning Ceremony
The ceremony is a symbolic welcome for incoming students into the Menlo community. Students are presented with pins by administrators, faculty, staff, and students. 		Quad
5–8:00 PMBBQ and Welcome Back Block PartyDining Hall and Student Union