Orientation is a vital part of your college experience and prepares you with all the
tools you will need when you set foot on campus for the first time as a Wilkes University
Colonel!
During orientation, there will be opportunities to meet other classmates in small
groups and with your academic advisor, as well as to learn about campus services and
activities. Of course, there will also be a lot of time for fun!
2025 Orientation Dates
2025 dates are Monday, June 30th, Monday, July 7th and Wednesday, July 9th.
Honors PPGS Students: Please only register for the June 30th session.
All other PPGS Students can register for any session.
Register for orientation on the Wilkes Portal. On the left-side navigation, choose Students, then First Year Undergraduate Orientation and choose a session.
Overnight Experience
Incoming students will have the opportunity to have an optional overnight experience following the Monday, July 7th session!
Be sure to choose “YES” for the overnight option when you are registering for the
orientation session on July 7th if you wish to attend!
Check in to start your Orientation experience! Student guides will be available to
lead you over to the McHale Athletic Center, where a continental breakfast and refreshments
will be provided.
9:45 a.m.
Welcome Session
McHale Athletic Center (MAC)
Welcome to orientation! Wilkes University President, Dr. Greg Cant will welcome students
and guests.
10 A.M.
Student Dismissal
Our Student Orientation Coordinator will welcome students and guests, introduce the
team of 2025 e-mentors and provide instructions to students for the remainder of the
day.
10:20 A.M.
For Students: Socialize the Wilkes WAE
Marts Gymnasium
Get to know your fellow Colonels and future classmates during this exciting tradition
hosted by Wilkes Adventure Education (WAE)!
For Families: Empower & Support - Striking a Balance for Your Student’s College Success
McHale Athletic Center (MAC)
Learn how to support your students in their newest adventure. Practical advice on
the ins and outs of college life, such as support during the transition to college,
access to Wilkes news and events, etc. Work as a team to conquer the anxiety of the
first semester!
11 A.M.
For Families: Break!
Enjoy a short break with refreshments before the next session. Refreshments will be
available in the McHale Athletic Center as well as the Jean and Paul Adams Commons,
second floor, Henry Student Center.
11:15 A.M.
FOR FAMILIES: Setting Your Student Up for Success
Jean and Paul Adams Commons (JPAC), 2nd Floor, Henry Student Center
Meet your academic advisor one-on-one to discuss your academic schedule and course
offerings for the fall semester. Meetings are scheduled by your advisor throughout
the remainder of the day.
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch
3rd Floor, Henry Student Center
Rejoin your family/guests/student for lunch in the Henry’s Dining Hall to enjoy lunch.
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Resource Fair
1st Floor, Henry Student Center
Once you have finished lunch, head downstairs to visit with campus resources that
can help you get ready for the fall semester.
1 - 4:30 p.m.
Individual Advising Appointments
Various Campus Locations
Individual appointments will be scheduled during the Meet Your Academic Advisor -
Group Advising Session by each academic advisor.
1:45 - 2:15 p.m.
Grow, Connect, Celebrate!
Farley 002, Farley Library
Join the Office of Diversity Initiatives to learn how our programs and services support
you throughout your Wilkes experience to grow, connect, and celebrate you!
Financial Aid & Bursar Information
SLC 105
Learn valuable details about your tuition bill, payment options, and financial aid.
2:15 - 3 p.m.
Residence Life Info Session OR Commuter Life Info Session
SLC 105 OR Farley 002, Farley Library
Depending on whether you intend to live on campus or commute, you with either hear
from the Office of Residence Life to learn about living on campus and residence hall
expectations, or the Wilkes University Commuter Council leadership and their staff
advisor to learn about commuting to campus, parking, and more! Every good story needs
a setting!
3 p.m.
Closing Celebration
1st floor, Henry Student Center
Coffee and refreshments will be available. Students will be wrapping up the programmed
portion of the day. While you wait for your student, feel free to grab some refreshments,
visit the Colonel’s Corner Bookstore, stop by the Career Center (located just steps
away from the rear doors of the Henry Student Center. Look for the yellow hand chair!),
and get to know some of the other parents and families.
Thank you for joining us for orientation!
We’re thrilled to provide this opportunity to not only get to know your classmates
but also immerse yourself in the Wilkes community and its surrounding areas. We can’t wait to see you there!
July 7th: Post-Orientation
3:30 - 5 p.m.
Check-in & Settle Into Assigned Rooms
After Orientation programming concludes, check in at the Info Desk in the Henry Student
Center.
Move into your assigned residence hall and get settled.
5 P.M.
Dinner & Evening Activities
Meet back at the Henry Student Center for dinner.
Enjoy a mix of on-campus and off-campus programming designed to help you connect with your peers and explore what Wilkes and the local
community have to offer.
Finalized details about activities will be shared with participants before the event.
10:30 P.M.
Ice Cream Social
Unwind with an ice cream social in your assigned residence hall. This is a great chance
to relax and reflect on the day with fellow students and E-Mentors.
July 8th: Community Engagement & Farewell
8 - 9 A.M.
Breakfast at the Henry Student Center
Join the E-Mentors for breakfast and get ready for a meaningful morning.
9 - 11 A.M.
Community Service with the E-Mentors
At Wilkes, we believe in giving back. We’re excited to introduce you to our community-focused mission by engaging in service projects throughout the area.
Groups will depart campus with E-Mentors to visit service sites and make a positive
impact.
11 a.M. - 12 P.M.
Return to Campus & Check-Out
After service, head back to campus, grab some lunch, and pack up your belongings.
Check out of your residence hall and wrap up your Overnight Experience!
Explore More About Wilkes
Life at Wilkes
Learn more about life as a Wilkes student, including residence life and housing, dining
options and student clubs.
The First Year Student e-Mentoring Program eases the transition of new students to
college and provides a supportive environment for academic success and personal growth.
The program helps each new student connect with peers, upperclassmen, and the institution
as a whole.
A First Year Student e-Mentor is a full-time undergraduate student who leads a group
of approximately 15-25 new students throughout the first semester of their career
at Wilkes University, beginning at summer orientation and concluding at the end of
the fall semester.
Hello! I'm Shiv, a chemistry and neuroscience major with a minor in psychology. I've
been living on campus for three years and have a lot of friends on campus. If you
ever see me around campus, please don't hesitate to say hi and give me a fist bump!
Shiv Patel
Hello, my name is Mara Adams and I'm a Mechanical Engineering Major. I'm also on the
Woman's Lacrosse team here at Wilkes! I enjoy reading, running, lifting, and anything
outdoors from camping to hiking! This is my first year as an E-Mentor and I'm so excited
to meet all the new first-year students.
Mara Adams
I'm a Junior Communications and History double major from Perryville, Maryland. This
will be my second year as an E-Mentor and I truly love doing this. The small size
of Wilkes allows there to be a very close community here that really feels like a
family. The transition to college can be a scary time, and having someone you can
come to makes the transition easier!
Are all first-year students required to attend an orientation session?
Orientation is an important part of acclimating to life at Wilkes University. Students
meet with their advisors, learn about being a resident or commuter student, make their
fall schedule and so much more. We host multiple sessions to meet the needs of as
many students as possible, and ask that every effort be made to attend.
If students absolutely are unable to attend any of the summer orientation sessions,
they should contact orientation@wilkes.edu or call 570-408-4014.
What am I required to complete before the fall semester?
An online orientation first-year student checklist is available on the Wilkes Portal. On the left-side navigation, choose Students, then First Year Undergraduate Orientation to get started.
Depending on your intended major, you may be required to take an ALEKS Placement,
Preparation and Learning (PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses.
Majors that need to take this placement test will be listed on the checklist.
Although it is not required, it is strongly suggested that parents or guardians attend
orientation. There is a whole track geared towards the interests of families so they
can support their first year student.
Who should I contact with allergy, physical, or any other accommodations?
