New Student Orientation
WELCOME TO MEREDITH!
Immerse yourself in the campus community, connect with new classmates and upperclass Student Advisors, explore academic and campus resources, and have tons of fun!
Through New Student Orientation you will find everything you need to get off on the right foot at Meredith. We look forward to welcoming you to campus, balloon arches and all.
Fall Semester Orientation is mandatory for all incoming students that are new to life at Meredith—this includes first-year students, transfer students, and Wings students—regardless of where a student elects to live (on or off campus).
Contact Information
Chrissie Bumgardner
Co-Director, First Year Experience
bumgardner@meredith.edu
Lisa Brown
Co-Director, First Year Experience
lmbrown@meredith.edu
New Student Orientation
August 17-20, 2024
At Meredith, we know that every student is unique, which is why we have various options for our new students when it comes to New Student Orientation.
First-Year and Transfer Student Orientation (August 17-20, 2024)
All first-year students are expected to attend out four-day New Student Orientation program in its entirety. We also strongly encourage transfer students to do the same. Trust us, you will be glad you did!
Fast Track Option (August 20, 2024)
Our Fast Track Orientation Program has boiled down the essential activities into one jammed-packed day. This express program is intended for select Transfer and Wings students only. For more information and/or to see if you are eligible, please contact Jill Hilliard at jshilliard@meredith.edu
What if I live off campus? Do I need to attend New Student Orientation?
Yes! New Student Orientation is for all new students– even those who are commuting. Please note that there are several programs targeted especially for commuter students. Be sure to consult your schedule for those activities you will not want to miss.
In August you can find the complete schedule here.
More Information:
Move-In Day
New students and their families receive a fun-filled arrival on campus starting at the front gate! Our boisterous team of students (known as the OCrew) pay forward the welcome shown to them while alumnae, members of our Parent’s Council, and upperclass Student Advisors are on hand all day to extend the welcome.
Honor Code Ceremony
During this long-held tradition, new students recite the honor pledge and sign pledge cards to “faithfully uphold the principles of the Honor Code.” According to the Student Handbook, a student’s enrollment is not considered complete until the Honor Pledge has been signed.
Tour of the Massey House
Since the 1970s, it’s been a tradition for new students to visit the President’s home during their very first few days on campus. President Jo Allen hosts tours of the lovely residence, more formally known as the Massey House, and personally greets each student upon arrival.
As an international student, you will need to familiarize yourself with so much more beyond Meredith College. To help you in your transition to the states, be sure to visit our page for International Students.
We recognize that you have been to college before and may have different needs than our first-year students do. Therefore, our orientation for transfer students is designed to help distinguish Meredith from your previous institution, while not to devalue your growth that has occurred along the way.
Transfer students will be placed into groups with other transfers to foster an environment for you to meet and get to know other students like you. These groups will be led by our Wings and Transfer Advisors (WTAs) who are upper-class students, many of which were transfer students too.
We recognize that as an adult student, you have different needs as well as unique time constraints compared to other new students. Therefore, we have condensed New Student Orientation into a one-day Fast Track Program to be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
Resident students are assigned parking permits, which allow them to park in designated residential parking areas. Commuter students must park in designated commuter parking lots between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Between 4 p.m. and 7 a.m. during the week and throughout the weekend, all students may park in the following areas: Alumnae Parking Lot, Chapel Parking Lot, Cate Center Parking Lot, and the small parking lot behind Martin Hall. If students plan to bring their car to campus, they must purchase a parking permit from the Campus Police Building during their first week on campus.
The Campus Police Building is located behind Poteat Residence Hall and is open from 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Students may also visit Campus Police to have their CamCards created during Orientation. Campus Police can be reached at (919) 760-8888.
Greetings!
Welcome to Meredith College and the Meredith College family. The strength of Meredith is in its people – the students, the faculty, the staff, and…the parents and families of our students. We are proud and very excited that you and your family have chosen Meredith for your student’s higher education. We understand that so much of the success that she has attained so far has resulted from your support and encouragement.
Your continued support will be critical to your student’s success at Meredith. Families are invited to the first day of New Student Orientation, and we have provided information below that may assist you in supporting your Meredith student during the course of the year. Additionally, we want you to contact us if you have questions and concerns. We look forward to seeing you in August! Welcome to the MC family!
Ann Gleason, Dean of Students
(919) 760-8521 | deanofstudents@meredith.edu
Stay Involved With Your Student’s Meredith Experience!
See these tips for being an involved and supportive parent:
- DO Share in your student’s enthusiasm and excitement.
- DO Expect homesickness (if your student lives on campus) and times when college life seems overwhelming.
- DO Encourage your student to accept responsibility and become her own problem-solver.
- DO Expect change and give her space to grow.
- DO Listen, write, call, and send care packages – discuss what would work best in keeping the communication lines open.
- DO Find new interests to help you let go.
- DO Encourage your student to get involved on campus and to participate in weekend programs, traditions and events.
- DON’T rush to the rescue. Encourage and support, but let her handle concerns and issues. If she needs additional support, remind her of on-campus resources and offices available to her.
- DON’T Encourage coming home often. Students make smoother transitions and are happier if they stay on campus long enough to make friends and get involved.
- DON’T Expect many letters or phone calls. Sometimes students get caught up in a whirlwind of activity and forget to stay in touch.
- DON’T be surprised if she changes her mind on her major and career interests.
Important campus offices and resources.
Meredith College has a strong history of parent and family programming and philanthropy. For more information, click here.
Join the Meredith Parents and Families Facebook Page! 
Raleigh is often cited as one of the best places to live and work in America. We’re proud to call it home.
Find more information at https://www.visitraleigh.com/ to plan your stay while attending New Student Orientation.
Please email deanofstudents@meredith.edu if you have any questions.
Important Reminders for New Students
Academic and Medical Records
Acceptance for admission to Meredith College is contingent upon the receipt of a satisfactory final academic record and a completed medical form.
Students must submit their completed medical forms promptly. The Health Center staff will advise students if any required health information was omitted. Both medical and academic records must be complete and submitted to the Office of Admissions before attending classes.
Questions? Contact the Office of Admissions at (919) 760-8581.
