Orientation peer mentors

Orientation

Student Engagement

Congratulations on Becoming a Blazer! 

New Student Orientation Information

New Student Orientation (NSO) is a multi-day experience for all new Blazers that takes place Thursday, August 14 through Saturday, August 16. Led by a group of Peer Mentors, NSO is designed to engage you, connect you, and help you to make a smooth transition into Hood College.

Participation in New Student Orientation is REQUIRED for all incoming residential and commuter students.

  • First-year and transfer students with fewer than 15 credits will attend Hood Ready on Thursday, July 10, 17, or 24 and start NSO on Thursday, August 14
  • Transfer students with 15 or more credits will attend Hood Ready on Thursday, July 31 and attend NSO on Saturday, August 16
  • Undergraduate classes begin on Monday, August 18

If you have any questions related to NSO, contact the Office of Student Engagement and Orientation via email at orientation@hood.edu or call us at 301-696-3575.

Orientation in Three Easy Steps

Step One - Register for and Attend Hood Ready

Visit campus for Hood Ready: a one-day, on-campus experience where you'll meet faculty and staff, get to know Peer Mentors, complete next steps for enrollment, get your campus ID, tour campus, and connect with resources across campus. Parent(s) and guest(s) will have a tailored Hood Ready schedule as well.

Step Two - Review and Complete Important Tasks for Deposited Students

This list is designed to help you to complete all of the necessary requirements to have a smooth transition to Hood College. The task list contains links to important forms, IT information, placement test information, housing information, and more.

Step Three - and Attend New Student Orientation (NSO)

As a reminder, all residential and commuter students are required to attend NSO. Parent(s) and guest(s) are welcome to join you on the first day of NSO until we say farewell at the BBQ Send-off. Don’t worry – we’ve got you from there!

Please to complete a brief form to register for NSO.

New Student Orientation Schedule

We're looking forward to seeing you at NSO on August 14, 15, and 16! 

Please note that these activities are subject to change; any changes will be reflected on the schedule below and communicated via email as soon as possible.
 

  • 7-11:30 a.m. | Check-in and Move-in for Residential Students | Various Residential Halls
     
  • 12:30-1 p.m. | Check-in for Commuter Students | Whitaker Campus Center
     
  • 1-3 p.m. | Campus BBQ Send-off | Coblentz Dining Hall
     
  • 3-3:30 p.m. | Meet Your Peer Mentor | Various Locations
     
  • 3:30-4 p.m. | Keeping Our Campus Safe | Coffman Chapel
     
  • 4-4:30 p.m. | Mental Health and Overall Wellness | Coffman Chapel
     
  • 4:30-5 p.m. | Floor Meetings for Residential Students | Various Locations
     
  • 4:30-5 p.m. | General Meeting for Commuter Students | Whitaker Campus Commons
     
  • 5-6 p.m. | Dinner | Coblentz Dining Hall
     
  • 6-7:30 p.m. | Playfair | Hodson Outdoor Theater

Unlocking the Mysteries of NSO | 9 a.m.-noon
Curious about what to expect during NSO? Stop by the Dreiling Seminar Room, located on the ground floor of Coblentz Hall, from 9 a.m.-noon on Friday, August 14 to learn more about what NSO entails. Accessibility Services staff will be available to answer your questions.

Recharge Your Batteries | 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Need to take a break? The Dreiling Seminar Room, located on the ground floor of Coblentz Hall, will be open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during NSO. We'll have charging cables, coloring pages, fidget toys, and a calming space for you to relax and take a break!

  • 10-11 a.m. | Breakfast with Your FYE Class | Coblentz Dining Hall
     
  • 11 a.m.-noon | Party S.M.A.R.T. | Hodson Auditorium in Rosenstock Hall
     
  • Noon-1 p.m. | Lunch | Coblentz Dining Hall
     
  • 1-2 p.m. | Title IX and Sexual Assault Prevention | Hodson Auditorium in Rosenstock Hall
     
  • 2-3 p.m. | Free Money Game Show | Hodson Auditorium in Rosenstock Hall
     
  • 3-5 p.m. | Quad Party | Quad
     
  • 5-6 p.m. | Dinner | Coblentz Dining Hall
     
  • 6-7 p.m. | AEB: Traditions Bingo | Hodson Auditorium in Rosenstock Hall
     
  • 7-8 p.m. | S'mores with Student Leaders (optional) | Blazer Hall Firepit

Recharge Your Batteries | 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Need to take a break? The Dreiling Seminar Room, located on the ground floor of Coblentz Hall, will be open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during NSO. We'll have charging cables, coloring pages, fidget toys, and a calming space for you to relax and take a break!

  • 9-10 a.m. | Breakfast | Coblentz Dining Hall
     
  • 10-10:30 a.m. | Say Cheese! Class of 2029 Photo | Coffman Chapel Steps
     
  • 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Find Your Classroom with Your Peer Mentor | Various Locations
     
  • 11:30 a.m.-noon | Break | Various Locations
     
  • Noon-1 p.m. | Lunch and Check-in for Transfer Students with 15+ Credits | Coblentz Dining Hall
     
  • 1-2 p.m. | Club and Identity Fair | Quad
     
  • 2-3:30 p.m. | Pillar Talks I | Various Locations
     
  • 3:30-4 p.m. | Break and Freeze Pops on the Quad (optional) | Quad
     
  • 4-4:30 p.m. | Dinking Ceremony | Hodson Outdoor Theater
     
  • 4:30-5 p.m. | Line-up and Process to Convocation | Quad
     
  • 5-6 p.m. | Convocation | Coffman Chapel
     
  • 6 p.m. | Dinner | Coblentz Dining Hall

Recharge Your Batteries | 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Need to take a break? The Dreiling Seminar Room, located on the ground floor of Coblentz Hall, will be open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during NSO. We'll have charging cables, coloring pages, fidget toys, and a calming space for you to relax and take a break!

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