New Student Orientation

8 – 11 am
Check-in and Registration
Athletics and Wellness Center Concourse.

All new residential students must first check in at the Athletics and Wellness Center to obtain the New Student Orientation schedule and access the residence halls. Residential students arriving after 11 a.m. should report to the Student Life Office on the main floor of Earlham Hall to begin the registration process.

• Admissions (NSO /Folder and Schedule Pick Up)
• Office of Residence Life
• Information Technology Services
• Language Placement
• International Student Services
• Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity
• Office of Disability and Accessibility
• Health and Counseling Services
• Student Health Insurance/Human Resources
• Wellness
• Public Safety  and ID pick up

Students Move into Residence Halls

 

8:30 am
Campus Tour
Departing from Tyler Hall

 

9 a.m. – 10 p. m.
Runyan Center Desk Open

Stop by if you need help finding your way around, or would like to check out our game room and resources about the Runyan Center.

 

11 am – 5 pm
Folder and Schedule Pick Up
Earlham Hall, First Floor, Student Life Office

 

9 am – 4 pm
Institutional Advancement Refreshment Center
Between Bundy and Barrett Residence Halls

Stop by for refreshments and a warm Earlham welcome! Enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks throughout the day, courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement. First-year students and their families are invited to pick up fun Earlham goodies, connect with alumni, and take part in a special tradition—writing a letter to their future self. Plus, don’t miss the chance to win a welcome basket filled with essentials to help kickstart your Earlham journey!

 

9 am – 3 pm
Campus Bookstore and Post Office Open
Runyan Student Center

Remember to ask for your NSO discount for the campus bookstore (also in your new student folder)

9:30 am
Campus Tour
Departing from Tyler Hall

 

10 – 11:00 pm
Student Services

Open office hours at various office locations

• Dining Services: Earlham Dining Hall
• Financial Aid: Tyler Hall Room 223
• Health and Counseling Services: Earlham Hall First Floor West Wing
• Postal Services: Runyan Center Lower Level
• Public Safety: Public Safety Building
• Registrar: Tyler Hall Room 018
• Student Account and Accounting: Carpenter Hall Lower Level
• Student and Residence Life: Earlham Hall, Floor East Wing
• Title IX Office: Human Resources Offices, 301

 

10:30 am
Campus Tour
Departing from Tyler Hall

 

11:15 am
Welcome and Matriculation Ceremony (Required) Chase Stage, (Rain location: Carpenter Hall, Goddard Auditorium)

Performance by the Japanese Drum Troupe

All students and their families are formally welcomed to the Earlham community. Students are celebrated as they “matriculate” into this outstanding academic learning and intentional living community.

 

12:00 -1:00
Concurrent Lunch Sessions 

• Lunch – Earlham Dining Hall

OR

• Cunningham Cultural Center Luncheon Runyan Student Center, Comstock Room

The Clarence Cunningham Cultural Center serves as host for this luncheon to welcome students and families to Earlham.  The center honors the legacy of Earlham’s first African American graduate, Clarence Cunningham, Class of 1924. Join us and meet returning students, welcome new students and meet faculty across the curriculum.

OR

• Quaker Luncheon Friends Room A&B, Dining Hall

Join us for lunch hosted by our Quaker Fellows. This time over a shared meal is designed for Quaker students, their families, and individuals interested in exploring Quaker-related programs, worship meetings, and other opportunities available at Earlham College and Richmond. This luncheon will provide a platform for engaging in conversations and fostering connections within the Quaker community. Richmond is so lucky to have four Friends meetings and the Office of Religious Life would love to gather old Friends with New Friends for a time of fellowship and introductions. We would be delighted for the Quakers and the Quaker-curious to join us!

 

1:30 – 2:30
Students Only (required)
Living in Community Across Global and Ethnic Lenses
Center for Visual and Performing Arts, Lingle Recital Hall 

Diversity and inclusivity are not just reached by having diverse community members. All members of the Earlham community should expect to feel respected, included, and motivated to contribute to this shared space. Join us for this conversation to learn strategies for increasing positive inclusive communication and cross-cultural engagements to promote active listening, wellness, continuing education, and a healthier shared learning culture for Earlham College.

 

1:30 – 2:30 pm
Family Resources with Campus Collaborators (Families Only)
Goddard Auditorium, Carpenter Hall

Join us to meet various academic and administrative faculty who will assist your students as they successfully transition to college life at Earlham.

 

2:30 – 3:30 pm
Epic for Families
Goddard Auditorium, Carpenter Hall

This session introduces families to the resources Earlham College provides to support students’ career development through the “Epic Journey.”  Families will discover how students explore their passions and build career-ready skills through Epic Centers focused on areas like Environmental Leadership and Entrepreneurship.  We will explain the Epic Advantage, a program that funds students’ experiential learning projects, and how Earlham helps students gain recognition for their abilities with Micro-credentials.  The session will outline the four-year structure of the Epic Journey (Explore, Design, Implement, Realize) and emphasize how it prepares students to successfully transition into meaningful careers. A Q&A session will provide an opportunity for families to engage directly with Earlham staff.

 

2:30 – 3:30 pm
Meet NSO Leaders at The Heart  (required: students only)
(Rain location: Athletics and Wellness Center Trueblood Gym)

NSO Leaders will facilitate introductions with NSO groups as well as share expectations and answer questions about New Student Orientation and what lies ahead!

 

3:30 – 4:15 pm
Resources and opportunities with Health and Counseling Services  Students and Families Wilkinson Hall  For students and families

Join us for an overview of our programs and services from the Health and Counseling department. Learn about exciting initiatives such as our peer programs, counseling services, therapy groups, wellness coaching, sexual health resources, and more. See how we support students both physically and mentally through a holistic approach. 

4:15 – 4:25 pm
Families plan to say “see you later,” to your student.

 

4:30 – 5:30 pm

Students meet your Hallmates

Barrett or Bundy Hall

 

4:30 – 5:30 pm
President’s Reception (Families Only)
Center for Visual and Performing Arts Atrium

 

5:30 – 7 pm
Dinner with NSO Leaders (Students Only)
Dining Hall 

Meet you NSO leader and sit with your group during dinner.  ( Look for their name on the table with balloons)

 

7:15 – 8 pm
Residential Living Expectations Overview (Required)
Landrum Bolling Center 105 (Barrett Hall Residents), Wilkerson Theatre, Runyan Center (Bundy Hall Residents)

As community members, students will learn about residential living expectations with staff from the Office of Residence Life.

(BRING YOUR EARLHAM PILLOW CASE FOR A PHOTO SHOOT)

 

8 –9:30 pm
Ice Cream Social
The Heart (Rain Location: Runyan Center, Comstock Room) 

Join the office of Student Life and your fellow students for an evening of games and ice cream while celebrating your first official night on campus!

8 – 8:50 a.m.

Special NSO Continental Breakfast

Dining Hall 

 

8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Sprintax Tax Software and F-1 Visa regulations 

Required for all international students on F1 student visas

Please bring your laptop if you have one.

 

9 – 11 a.m. 

Language Placement Sessions 

Landrum Bolling Center 

• French: Room 201
• Japanese: Room 224 and 226
• Latin: Room 212
• Spanish: Room 105

 

11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Special NSO Lunch 

Dining Hall 

 

12:45 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Meet with your NSO Leaders on the Heart

 

1:15 – 2:45 p.m. 

Title IX – Required

Wilkerson Theatre

Boundaries and Respect

Getting to know people in a new community sometimes bumps us up against new boundaries, especially in the area of intimacy and sexual interaction. This session will help you understand what behavior can be considered sexual harassment and assault, particularly if both parties do not give clear consent. You will also learn how to access Earlham resources and report an incident of harm.

Through an interactive program called “I Said-You Said,” trained presenters will clarify consent, challenge rape myths, and empower pro-active bystander behavior. After hearing about a case of sexual misconduct, the audience will asks questions of the presenters and vote on the outcome.

Sponsored by the Title IX Office, the Health and Counseling Center, the Wellness Center, and Public Safety.

3:15 – 5:30 p.m.

Free Time 

Unpack, get to know your hallmates, take a walk around campus  

OR 

Explore the Wellness Center: try the climbing wall, swim, work out in the energy center or try a dance class 

 

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Fall Sports Practices

 

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Dinner

Dining Hall

 

7 – 7:30 p.m. 

Public Safety Session – The People You Call for Everything Else (Required)

Center for Visual and Performing Arts, Lingle Recital Hall 

Join the Office of Public Safety, the people you call for everything else, and learn more about their staff, services, and how they can support you during your time at Earlham.

Jason Elliot, Assistant Director of Public Safety will lead session.

 

7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Earlham Principles and Practices (Required)

Center for Visual and Performing Arts, Lingle Recital Hall 

Join us for an engaging and interactive session where new students can explore Earlham’s principles and practices alongside NSO leaders, faculty, and students in the Quaker Fellows program. Gain a comprehensive understanding of these guiding principles, their connection to Earlham’s Quaker identity, and their practical application in everyday life at Earlham. 

 

8:30 p.m.

Community Building: Game Night for NSO

Runyan Center, Student Commons Area

Join the Office of Student Life and NSO leaders for a night of community building and mingling over games and crafts. This is a great time to meet new classmates and friends!

7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Breakfast

Dining Hall

 

9 – 10:45 a.m.

Earlham 101: Meet Your Academic Advisor (Required)

In this session, you’ll meet your academic advisor, who will play a key role in supporting your academic journey at Earlham. You’ll also be introduced to Earlham 101, a course designed to help you navigate college life, explore campus resources, and build essential skills for success. Taught by your advisor, this course is your first step toward a strong start at Earlham—and this session will set the stage.

(Check folder for location and meet NSO leaders on The Heart)

 

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Epic and Career Coaches (Required)

Athletics and Wellness Center Practice Gym 

Kick off your Epic Journey with a fun, hands-on session where you’ll meet your Career Design Coaches—your guides to connecting with valuable experiences across campus, exploring all the places your journey could take you, and building an epic story worth telling.

 

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Lunch

Dining Hall

Transfer Student Lunch: Friends Room A&B

Enjoy lunch with new transfer students, learn more about important campus resources, and meet members of the Registrar’s Office, Academic Affairs, and Doug Harms, the instructor of the Transfer Student Success Seminar and professor of Computer Science.

 

1:15 – 2:15 p.m.

Academic Classroom Exploration

The Heart (Rain location: Earlham Hall lobby) 

Meet NSO Leaders on The Heart to ask questions, get helpful tips, and take a walk around campus to find your classrooms and key campus spaces — don’t forget to bring your class schedule!

 

2:30 – 3:15 p.m.

Lily Library and Academic Enrichment Center Open House

Lilly Library

The Divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Life are pleased to partner in support of the Academic Enrichment Center (AEC). Located on the first floor of Lilly Library, the AEC is a comprehensive student center comprised of three offices designed to support the learning and living of the Earlham student body.

Or

Open House for Commuter Students Lilly Library Student
Lounge

Join us as we share resources and opportunities for students who commute to campus.

 

Or

Meeting for Students Interested in Instrumental Music Ensembles Lingle Hall, CVPA

Instrumental ensembles are available for students interested in learning a new or continuing to hone skills on a musical instrument.  Many ensembles are open to all and require no previous experience. Please attend this session for more information on how to get involved.     

Or

Finding Work-Study and Work Award Employment LBC 105

Do you want to earn money while studying at Earlham? Find the many on-campus job opportunities and learn how to apply for them.  

 

3:00 – 4:45 p.m.

Fall Sports Practices

 

4 – 5 p.m.

Meeting for Students Interested in Choral Music

Center for Visual and Performing Arts, Lingle Recital Hall

Our instrumental music ensembles include Chamber Orchestra (for strings, woodwinds, and brass), Jazz Ensemble (for saxes, brass, and rhythm section players), Hand Drum Ensemble, Rhythm Project (mallet percussion a special feature), Guitar Ensemble, and the unique Javanese Gamelan Ensemble! Come to this meeting to learn how to join any of these groups, and also come to the meeting to find out about private music instruction on piano and all the ensemble instruments. We look forward to meeting you! 

 

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Dinner

Earlham Dining Hall  

 

7– 9 p.m.

#EarlhamExtravaganza

Comstock Field (rain location Athletics and Wellness Center Trueblood Gym)

Join the Office of Student Life and the Office of Admissions for an evening of fun.

7:30 – 9 a.m.

Breakfast 

Dining Hall

 

9:30 – 10 a.m.

New Student Photo

The Heart

(Rain Location: Athletics and Wellness Center Performance Gym)

All incoming first-year students will take their class photo on The Heart. Afterward, students will get a chance to meet their classmates.

10:15 – 11 a.m.

Check-in with your NSO Leader

The Heart

(Rain Location: Athletics and Wellness Center Performance Gym)

Classes begin tomorrow, so let’s take a moment to breathe, check in on how you’re doing, ask any lingering questions, and get ready to start your first day of classes — maybe even have a little fun while you’re at it!

 

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Lunch

Dining Hall

 

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Celebration of The Heart 

The Heart (Rain Location: Athletics and Wellness Center Trueblood Field) 

You won’t want to miss this Earlham tradition to kick off the academic year with the new Earlham President. The entire Earlham community is invited to circle the Heart and greet one another or just walk around and greet someone new. Listen for the music in front of Earlham Hall with DJ Nick Johnson!  

 

1:30 – 3 p.m.

Athletics Orientation

Goddard Auditorium, Carpenter Hall

We will review NCAA compliance, athletic department policies, and how college athletic participation transcends the field of play here at Earlham College.

 

1:45 – 3:30 p.m.

Joseph Moore Museum 

• Mastodon Meet-up – Come by the Joseph Moore Museum, win swag, and learn about on-campus museum jobs!

OR

1:45 – 3:30 p.m.

Free Time for Students

• Wellness Center Open Hours  

• • Explore the Athletics and Wellness Center and its various programs and services!  

• Equestrian Center Open House: Pick up/drop off in CVPA (Center for Visual and Performing Arts) parking lot  

• • Learn more about the Equestrian program!  

• Walmart Shuttles: Pick up/drop off at Public Safety  

• •  We will provide transportation to and from Walmart for students needing supplies to start the year off right.   

 

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Fall Sports Practices

 

4 – 5 p.m.

Theatre Arts Department Open House McDaniel Studio Theatre, 

Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, McDaniel Studio Theatre 

Learn how to get involved with theatre at Earlham during this Theatre Arts Open House co-hosted by the Department of Theatre Arts and the Earlham Theatre Company. This casual gathering provides an opportunity to learn about upcoming field trips, auditions, workshops, short-term student-led projects, main stage performances, theatre classes, and student employment opportunities. No experience is required, and all are welcome to attend.  

 

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Dinner

Dining Hall

8 a.m.
Classes begin

 

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Inspirational Chalkboarding
The Heart (rain location: Runyan Center Hallway)

This is your first day as an official college student. Make sure you get your photo taken with our signature ‘first day of classes’ chalkboards. This tradition will be every year during your four years in college. So make sure you get started on the tradition and leave your mark for your first day of class ! 

 

The Richmond Art Museum and Richmond Symphony Orchestra would like to welcome Earlham College students back to school and to the community with an interactive art opportunity. We have placed (3) large chalkboard panels at The Heart for you to be able to be creative and inspired by collectively adding your own drawings to the panels creating an EC community mural. It is our way of inviting you to two of Richmond’s diverse, cultural organizations. There are a number of ways to participate in both organizations’ events, many of which are free to the community. RAM and RSO are located on the Richmond High School Campus on Hub Etchison Parkway (5 blocks from Earlham’s campus!)  

 

This is now your first day as an official college student – now go study! 

If you plan to send baggage and parcels ahead, please send them directly to Earlham College at the following address, labeled with your name:

Earlham College
801 National Road West
Richmond, IN 47374

 

The package should not weigh more than 70 pounds (or 32 kilograms). Please be sure to include an identification tag on all of your luggage.