New Student Fall Athlete Orientation

August 14–24, 2025

First-year and transfer student-athletes playing fall sports should plan to attend these sessions. Schedule is subject to change.

Fall Sports: Men's and Women's Soccer, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Women's Volleyball, Women's Tennis, Field Hockey, and Rugby.

Overview

  • Online Onboarding Course: This is an asynchronous course, meaning it can be completed on your own time, at your own pace! Available beginning July 14, 2025, and due prior to orientation. If you do not have access to this course, please email Nicole Juersivich at njuersi9@naz.edu.
  • New Student Fall Athlete Orientation: Thursday, August 14 - Friday, August 15 and Wednesday, August 20 - Sunday, August 24, 2025. See the full schedule below.

*Orientation Leaders will reach out to students via email at the end of July.

Schedule

Thursday, August 14

Move-In

8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Connect with your coach to find out your assigned move-in time and to pick up your keys at the Residential Life Office.

Family Lunch

Noon – 1 p.m.
Cabaret, Shults Hall

Enjoy one of our indoor locations or one of the beautiful outdoor areas on campus.  Indoor seating available in Forum, Cabaret, and Reading Lounge. Sponsored by Campus Life and Athletics.

Family Farewell

1:00 – 1:15 p.m

This concludes programming for our families and supporters. We look forward to seeing you again at Naz Weekend, September 19-21. Students will report to Peckham Hall for afternoon sessions.

The Student Athlete Experience

1:15 – 2:00 p.m
Peckham Hall 012-014 (basement)

What is it like to be a student-athlete at Naz? Get “in the know” at this important session led by Athletics staff.

Building a Culture of Safety and Respect

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Peckham Hall 012-014

Staff from Residential Life, Title IX, the Community Standards Office and Campus Safety will address policies, procedures, and standards to cultivate an ethical and safe environment for all.

Be Bold. Be G.O.L.D.

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Peckham Hall 012-014

Join leaders in the campus community in prevention and education for the Nazareth Be Bold. Be G.O.L.D. program. As our newest members of the flyer community, we invite you to learn about how we at Nazareth empower, step up and support one another in challenging situations. Be Bold. Be G.O.L.D. will teach you essential steps to intervene safely and effectively when you witness harm or potential harm. Be Bold. Be G.O.L.D. fosters a culture of accountability, care, and courage on campus.

Dinner & Evening Activities

Join us from 7:00–9:00 PM at the Fairport Pickleball Club for a fun and active evening with fellow fall athletes. Whether you're a seasoned pro or trying Pickleball for the first time, this is a great chance to connect, play, and unwind before the season begins. Equipment will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary—just come ready to have fun!

Friday, August 15

Center for Life’s Work and Finding a Job on Campus

9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Peckham Hall 012-014

Meet some of the coaches and CFLW team and learn more about services and opportunities they offer.

 

Strategies for Academic Success

10:15 – 11:00 a.m.
Peckham Hall 012-014

Learn about the importance of connecting and communicating with your advisor(s) regularly, as well as other resources, tools, and strategies to begin the semester with an academically strong start!

 

Wednesday, August 20

Meet the Orientation Group

3:00 – 5:15 p.m., Smyth Hall Lawn

Ready to meet your orientation group and leader? Head to Smyth Lawn and match your number with the corresponding balloons.

Dinner with Orientation Group

5:15 – 6:45 p.m., Dining Commons, Lourdes main entrance

Enjoy dinner with your orientation group and debrief the days’ activities. Make sure you have your ID with you.

New Student Convocation

7:15 – 8:15 p.m., Arts Center, Callahan Theater

Join faculty and staff for this traditional event that celebrates the start of another academic year at Nazareth.

Community & Belonging Candlelight Ceremony

8:15 – 8:45 p.m., Garen Peace Garden (Fountain)

This tradition marks your first night as a Golden Flyer. This ceremony is a time to reflect on your role in living out the legacy of Nazareth’s Founders on our campus and throughout our world.

Flyer Fest (optional)

9 – 11 p.m., Shults, Gym

Join Residential Life and Student Engagement for Flyer Fest, a carnival-style event to jump start your Orientation experience and a great opportunity to get to know your peers, faculty, and staff.

Thursday, August 21

Living on Campus 101

9:15 – 10:15 a.m., Residence Halls

Resident students will meet with their floor Residential Life Student Leaders to learn the “ins and outs” of living on campus.

Commuting 101

9:15 – 10:15 a.m., Shults Center, Commuter Lounge

Commuter students will meet with their Commuter Assistant to learn more about valuable resources

Class Photo

10:15 – 10:45 a.m., Smyth Lawn

Slip on your Naz in Action t-shirt and get ready to create your first memento from your college experience.

Brunch on Your Own (optional)

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Dining Commons

Enjoy brunch on your own, with your roommate or with new friends.

Naz in Action (highly recommended)

12:30 – 4:30 p.m., Arts Center, Callahan Theater

All new Naz students will participate in a community engagement project with their orientation group at a local organization in the Rochester area. Learn from community partners about issues and solutions in the areas of environment, food access, public health, education, and many more. Experience your new community of changemakers and be a part of the action!

Dinner with Orientation Group (optional)

5:00 – 6:45 p.m., Dining Commons

Enjoy dinner with your orientation group and debrief the days’ activities.

Affinity Spaces and Club Fair (optional)

8:15 – 9:15 p.m., Forum

Connect with others over shared identities and interests, while exploring the diverse array of clubs, organizations, and affinity groups at Nazareth.

Night time activity! (optional)

9:30 – 11:00 p.m., Clock Tower Quad

Friday, August 22

School of Education Meeting

10:00 – 10:45 a.m., Golisano Academic Center, Room 221 (INCH majors), Room 235 (ADOL majors)

Students majoring in Inclusive Early Childhood/Childhood Education (INCH) and students pursuing an Adolescence Education certification program (ADOL) will meet with their program directors and education advisors. These students should also attend the meeting with their liberal arts and sciences department/program and major advisor at 11:00 a.m. (NOTE: Art Education and Music Education students do not need to attend this session.)

Pre-Health Minors Meeting

10:00 – 10:45 a.m., Peckham Hall Room 012

Students pursuing Pre-Med, Pre-Vet, or Pre-Dental minors must attend this session to discuss programs and requirements.

Launch Scholars Mindfulness Session

10:00 – 10:45 a.m., Bishops Parlor in Smyth Hall

Launch Scholars will participate in a guided in-service with Mr. John Rigney focused on self-care and mindfulness practices.
 
Meet Your Academic House
 
11:00 – 11:45 a.m., Location listed on your check-in card

Meet the faculty and staff in your academic department/program and your major advisor, learn more about your program, and get to know other first year and transfer students in your program.

Click here to find out who your academic advisor is and the meeting location.

Lunch with Friends (optional)

11:45 – 1:15 p.m., Dining Commons

Enjoy lunch on your own, with your roommate, or with new friends.

What to do when...

1:30 – 2:15 p.m., Location listed on your check-in card

From deciphering the cryptic language of syllabi to mastering Moodle, your Peer Leader will equip you with all the tools you need to navigate the wild terrain of academia

Dinner with Orientation Group (optional)

5:30 – 7 p.m., Dining Commons

Enjoy dinner with your orientation group.

Shabbat Table (optional)

5:30 – 7 p.m., Dining Commons

Join Nazareth Hillel to welcome Shabbat

Casino Night (optional)

8 – 10 p.m., Shults Center, Gym

Be on the lookout for faculty and staff as they serve as dealers. You'll have the opportunity to win college essentials and other fun prizes!

Saturday, August 23

Lunch with Friends (optional)

11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., Dining Commons

Enjoy lunch on your own, with your roommate, or with new friends.

On-Campus and Part-Time Job Fair

2:30 – 3:45 p.m., Shults Center, Gym

There are tons of opportunities to gain experience on campus, make connections, build skills, and get paid (and many jobs are only a few hours a week, so they won't interfere with the rest of your life)! Featuring both on and off-campus employers seeking to hire our students, this job fair offers students a chance to meet several potential employers at one place and time.

Dinner on your own (optional)

5:00– 6:30 p.m., Dining Commons

Enjoy dinner on your own, with your roommate, or with new friends.

Maximize Your Buzz

6:30 – 7:30p.m., Arts Center, Callahan Theater

Through comedy, multimedia, and practical advice, students learn to make values-based choices about alcohol. Students will leave this session equipped with safe practices to make healthier choices and reduce high-risk drinking.

Movie Night on the Lawn (optional)

8 – 10 p.m., Clock Tower Quad

Bring a blanket and join us for snacks and a movie!

Sunday, August 24

Grab and Go Breakfast

8:45 – 9:30 a.m., Dining Commons

Grab a light breakfast before checking in with your Peer Leaders.

Check in with your Orientation Leader

9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Take this time to check-in with your orientation leader.

Off-Campus Excursions (optional)

10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Golisano Training Center

Meet outside Golisano Training Center to take a shuttle to Wegmans, Target, or Walmart!

Brunch with Naz Christian Fellowship (optional)

11:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m., GAC 151

Meet members and student leaders from Naz Christian Fellowship. Learn more about transportation to church services on Sunday mornings and weekly on-campus gatherings and Bible Study.

Lunch with Friends (optional)

1:45– 1:00 p.m., Dining Commons

Enjoy lunch on your own, with your roommate, or with new friends.

Open Gym

1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Outside Golisano Training Center

Ready to bring the energy? It’s time for Floor Olympics — a friendly, high-energy showdown between residence hall floors and our awesome commuter team!

From ridiculous relay races to offbeat challenges and team games, this is all about building community, making memories, and having fun. No athletic skill required — just bring your spirit, your teammates, and your best cheering voice.

Commuters — we’ve got you covered! You’ll be joining forces on your own team to compete and connect with other students.

Find Your Way with a Flyer (Optional)

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Leaving from Shults 100

Not sure where your classes are? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Stop by outside of Shults 100 and connect with our friendly student leaders. They’ll walk with you around campus, help you locate your classrooms, and answer any last-minute questions. Whether you’re a planner or just need a little extra confidence, this is your chance to feel ready for your first day.

Dinner on your own (optional)

4:30– 6:00 p.m., Dining Commons

Enjoy dinner on your own, with your roommate, or with new friends.

Sundae Scaries (optional)

6 – 7 p.m., Shults Center, Forum

Build your own sundae then engage with Health & Counseling to find a great headspace to start your first day of classes! Fight the “Sunday Scaries” with information on sleep hygiene and stress management, then enjoy a guided relaxation exercise to wind down from the excitement of Orientation.

Catholic Mass and Welcome Coffee Hour (optional)

7 – 8 p.m., Linehan Chapel

Join us for the first Catholic Mass of the semester, followed by coffee and cupcakes. Learn about the various activities and offerings of the Nazareth Catholic Community. Choir rehearsal is at 6:00PM, and new members are welcome.

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