One of the best ways of transitioning to college life is to participate in a Pre-Orientation program at Lawrence. 

Whether it's kayaking, visiting the beautiful landscapes in Wisconsin, tapping into your creative juices, or exploring intentional rituals, meet peers with similar interests and goals over 4 days.

About Pre-Orientation 

Pre-Orientation takes place just before the required welcoming activities for all new students. 

Programs provide opportunities to help you learn things about yourself that can be applied to your first year at Lawrence.  The experiences are designed to inspire connection to self, others, nature, and beyond leave students energized, emotionally balanced and mentally focused.  You will be introduced to the campus's physical surroundings and social community, and bear the benefits of what can be gained when those two things are paired together.

To make programs meaningful experiences, registration is capped at 20 students or less.

Explore all programs below. 

Register for a Pre-Orientation Program!

  • Registration Open: May 18, 2024.
  • Applications Close: July 15, 2024.
  • Accepted Applicants Notified: July 19, 2024.
  • Program Dates: September  4-7, 2024.
  • Cost to participate: $150 (Financial assistance is available and can be requested in the application form.)

** Due to overlapping programming, fall athletes, new international students, and students that participate in Summer Institute will NOT be able to participate in a Pre-Orientation Experience.

REGISTER TODAY!

RITU@L Retreat (Roadmap of Intentional practices for Traversing the Unknown @ Lawrence)

ritual circle

The well-established RITU@L program (Roadmap of Intentional Practices for Traversing the Unknown @ Lawrence) provides a space to help your transition to LU feel safe, gentle, and curious. Join us to explore the ways in which simple practices here at Lawrence (like journaling, meditation, cooking, music making, painting, walks in nature, and more) can help you balance your life at Lawrence. Learning to transform ordinary habits and routines into intentional practices will help you to feel in control of your days, minimize stress, and find pockets of peace even in the busiest of times. (All students are welcome.)

Street Art Squad

Wall mural with bee colorful honeycomb and water

Make your mark on campus and paint a mural that overlooks Drew Street! Students will begin brainstorming ideas and collaborating virtually prior to arrival. On campus, you and your peers, along with help from some talented staff members, will design and paint a 104-foot-long mural. All materials will be provided. The group will also have a chance to become more familiar with the community by touring public art on campus and downtown. Evenings will be a time to reflect on the day, relax and connect with some other new Lawrence students. Later in the term, you will be invited to a paint-and-“sip” reunion celebration. (A passion for art & design and some previous art, design, drawing/painting experience is helpful.) 

Land and Sea

Discover the natural beauty of the Sylvania Wilderness while exploring the great outdoors. You’ll travel 3.5 hours North to experience a true wilderness adventure including canoeing, fishing and camping. Evenings will offer the opportunity to meet back at the group campsite on Marion Lake where we can reflect on the day’s events, share a meal around a campfire and engage in other community building activities. (S'mores anyone?) This pre-orientatation program will require students to learn to canoe, be able to hike and be willing to explore the Sylvania Wilderness. Being able to swim is not a requirement, but would be helpful. If a student cannot swim, they should at least be comfortable in the water with a personal flotation device.