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. 

Orientation for students starting at Meredith College for the Spring Semester will occur on January 6 & 7. View the complete schedule.

Contact Information  
Chrissie Bumgardner
Co-Director, First Year Experience
bumgardner@meredith.edu

Lisa Brown
Co-Director, First Year Experience
lmbrown@meredith.edu

Important Reminders for New Students

Academic & Medical Records

Acceptance for admission to Meredith College is contingent upon the receipt of a satisfactory final academic record.

Students must submit their completed medical forms through the Student Wellness Portal. Both medical and academic records must be complete before attending classes.

See the “Required Health Information” page for details: https://www.meredith.edu/required-health-information.

Questions? Contact the Office of Admissions at (919) 760-8581.

Health Insurance

All required* students must enroll in Meredith’s BCBS insurance or opt out by completing a waiver with your personal insurance information in the Meredith BCBS insurance portal. 

*Required students include all full-time undergraduates, licensure only, pre-health, I-O Psych, international, study abroad, and dietetic interns.

Access the Meredith BCBS insurance portal

What can I bring to campus?

Student Orientation Schedule - January 2025
Items in maroon are required
Note: Friday, January 10, 3:00 - 5:00 pm, New Student Orientation Inclement Weather Date- only if January 7 date is cancelled due to winter weather.
Monday, January 6, 2025
StartEndEventLocation
9:00 AM12:00 PMResident Student Move-In
Plan to arrive on campus during this window of time. Plan to visit the Cate Center (2nd Floor) to receive your key before proceeding to your Residence Hall.
Cate Center/Residence Halls
9:00 AM5:00 PMCampus Errands (optional)
Use this time to do any necessary business on campus before Tuesday's program begins
Various Locations
5:30 PM7:00 PMNew Student Meet Up and Dinner (optional)*

Connect with others that are starting their Meredith journey and get a jump start on tomorrow's program. Your meal is free if you are a commuter student without a meal plan.
Start inside Johnson Hall Rotunda
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
StartEndEventLocation
9:30 AM10:20 AMCheck in and Resource Fair
Get to meet other new students and visit with staff from various departments on campus. During this time make sure to get your CamCard (Student ID), if you have not already.
Cate Center
10:20 AM10:45 AMWelcome
Start the day off with an official welcome to campus.
Kresge Auditorium
10:45 AM11:20 AMAcademic Success at Meredith
Learn what it takes to be successful at Meredith, the resources at your disposal, and how to take ownership of your academic endevours.
Kresge Auditorium
11:30 AM1:00 PMLunch with Orientation Groups* and tour
Get to know your Student Advisor along with other students in your Orientation Group over lunch and while navigating campus.
Belk Dining Hall
1:00 PM1:30 PMGet to Know the Library
Take part in a tour of the Carlyle Campbell Library and learn about the many resources available to you.
Library
1:45 PM2:30 PMStrengths 101- An Introduction to Strengths at Meredith
Learn more about Meredith's unique advising and personal coaching program, StrongPoints, and how you can identify and build upon your strengths during your time as a student. During this session we will be reiewing your results from the CliftonStrengths assessment.
Harris 214 & 202
2:40 PM3:30 PMHealth and Wellness at Meredith
Staff will present information and resources related to student health and wellness with an emphasis on healthy relationships and Title IX policies and reporting procedures
Harris 214
3:40 PM4:20 PMGetting Involved @ Meredith
Staff from the Office of Student Leadership and Service will share information about important traditions at Meredith and how to get involved.
Harris 214
4:20 PM4:40 PMWhat's Next
Debrief the day with your Student Advisor and ask unanswered questions as we wrap up Orientation and get ready for the days to come.
Harris 214
4:40 PM5:00 PMHonor Code Ceremony
This longstanding tradition provides you an opportunity to undetstand and celebrate both the Honor Code and the Honor System at Meredith
Johnson Hall Rotunda
5:00 PM5:30 PMNavigating Campus (Optional)
Still unsure where your classes meet? Student Advisors will take you around so you feel a bit more familiar with campus.
Walk through your schedule
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
StartEndEventLocation
First Day of Classes!
Friday, January 10, 2025
StartEndEventLocation
10:00 AM10:50 PMStudent Organization Fair**
Get involved at MC! The Spring Student Organization Fair is a showcase of Meredith's 100+ student organizations on campus and a chance for you to connect with student leaders to learn about what each group does throughout the year. Whatever you may be passionate about, these groups are eager to meet you and help you get involved! Can't make it? Check out our student involvement software: MC Connect
Cate Center
Monday, January 13, 2025
StartEndEventLocation
10:00 AM10:50 AMStudent Advisor Meet Up
Now that you have a few days under your belt, use this time to check in with your Student Advisor and your Orientation Group.
TBA
* Resident students use their meal plan. Commuter students receive a meal voucher for lunch and dinner.

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.

New Student Checklist