Orientation Week 2012
“Explorientation: Around the World in Seven Days”
Aug. 25-31
Saturday | Sunday | Monday |Tuesday |Wednesday |Thursday | Friday | Labor Day Weekend
Saturday, Aug. 25
You packed your bags and made the trek to Alma College, ready for all the adventures your new home has to offer. Now it’s time to settle in and get ready for an incredible journey: exploring Alma College with an international twist!
Welcome to Alma College! Move-In Day is an annual tradition where faculty, staff and students roll up their sleeves and pitch in to help new students move their belongings into their new home away from home. It’s a great opportunity to get to know your new Alma College family and get some help with the heavy stuff while you’re at it! They’re easy to find, too—all will be dressed in Alma College gear.
Please note: Activities marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
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8:30 a.m. – noon | Arrival and Move-In Residence hall lobbies, Refreshments provided |
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Commuter Check-In Reid-Knox, Admissions |
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Lunch
Hamilton Commons |
1:10 p.m. | *Report to McIntyre Mall
Gather with your First Year Seminar classmates for the Welcoming Convocation processional |
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | *Welcoming Convocation Hogan Center, Art Smith Arena |
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | *First Year Seminar Your OC will escort you to your classroom |
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Parent Reception Hogan Center Lobby This concludes the schedule of activities for parents and guests. |
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Welcome Dinner Hamilton Commons |
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | *Playfair Stone Recreation Center It’s the biggest icebreaker you’ll ever experience! |
10 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. |
Capture the Flag Stone Recreation Center Sponsored by the Orientation Committee. Join the OCs for this fast-paced, late-night game! |
Activities marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
Move-in Day Building Hours
For your convenience, the following offices are open on Move-In Day from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.:
- Hamilton Commons, Lower Level
- Business Office
- Registrar’s Office
- Financial Assistance Office
- Library, Lower Level
- Academic & Career Planning Office
- Wilcox Medical Center
- Counseling & Wellness Center
College Corner’s bookstore is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Sunday, Aug. 26
A Day Down Under: G’day, mate! After the excitement of yesterday, it’s time for a more leisurely pace. Enjoy getting to know your new classmates, Aussie-style.
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9 a.m. – noon | Community Religious Services
Lists with locations are available in residence hall lobbies |
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | *Hall meeting and brunch with your RA Hamilton Commons Meet your RA on your floor. You will go to brunch as a group. |
1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | *Class Picture Football Field |
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Ultimate Frisbee Chapel Lawn No experience necessary! Just join the Frisbee Club for this fun, fast-paced game! |
3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Movie in the Pool: Dive into the Imaginarium Hogan Center Grab your swimsuit and join the Philosophy Club for a viewing of “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus.” The movie is set in London, where the sideshow troupe of Dr. Parnassus promises audiences a journey into the “Imaginarium,” an imaginary world where dreams come true. Locker rooms and pool entrance are in the lower level of the Hogan Center. |
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. |
Dinner
Hamilton Commons |
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
Around the World in a Minute
Chapel Lawn Come play “Minute to Win It” games like balancing dice on a Popsicle stick or shaking Ping-Pong balls out of a box, but be warned: they’re not as easy as they sound! Grand prizes include $100 and $50 gift certificates to College Corner. Sponsored by the Chapel and the Student Ministry Coordinators. |
9 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Chapel Service Dunning Memorial Chapel All are welcome to attend this non-denominational, contemporary Christian worship service led by a student band and the Chaplain. You may even hear some of the Orientation Committee sing! Fellowship and refreshments follow the service. |
An asterisk (*) prior to an event indicates a required event throughout the schedule.
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Monday, Aug. 27
The Far East: The Far East isn’t the only place on the map with some mysteries to unlock…Alma College has some of its own and we’re ready to share them with you. Don’t miss “Be a True Scot” and the Hypnotist!
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7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast Hamilton Commons |
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. | *First Year Seminar
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11:10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | *Be a True Scot Heritage Center What does it mean to be a True Scot? You’ll find out! |
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Lunch Hamilton Commons |
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. | *Departmental Presentations Schedules will be distributed at First Year Seminar |
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Choir Placement Auditions
Eddy Music Center, Room 111 No experience necessary! |
3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Various Activities
Open Climbing, Rec Center The Climbing Club invites you to challenge yourself on the climbing wall! No experience necessary—just be ready for a great time!
Ninja, McIntyre Mall In this ancient game of stealth, you must be quick and observant if you want to outsmart your opponents. Will you accept the challenge of being the last one standing?
Slip and Slide, Rec Center Lawn Grab your swimsuit and join the wet and wild ride! |
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5 p.m. – 6 p.m. |
Dinner
Hamilton Commons |
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5 p.m. –6 p.m. |
*President’s Picnic (Mitchell and Newberry residents) President’s Lawn Residents of Mitchell and Newberry are invited to Dr. Jeff Abernathy’s home for a picnic! |
8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. |
Hypnotist
Heritage Center This is not reality TV, but you can still watch total strangers make complete fools out of themselves on stage without realizing it! But before the hilarity ensues, we’ll do the “Be a True Scot” prize drawings! |
An asterisk (*) prior to an event indicates a required event throughout the schedule.
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Tuesday, Aug. 28
South American Celebration: It’s time for some energy! Today’s upbeat and active schedule will have you on the go, so put on comfortable shoes and get ready to have fun!
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7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast Hamilton Commons |
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. | *First Year Seminar
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11:10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | *Student Survey Seminar Classroom |
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Lunch Hamilton Commons |
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. | *Departmental Presentations Schedules will be distributed at First Year Seminar |
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Choir Placement Auditions
Eddy Music Center, Room 111 No experience necessary! |
3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Various Activities
Active Minds presents RECESS, McIntyre Mall School may be in session, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have time for a break! Take a few minutes to go play at RECESS.
Maroon Monsoon Soccer Tournament, Intramural Fields The organizers of the Maroon Monsoon, Alma’s spirited student section, are hosting a soccer tournament! Come with a team or on your own…all abilities welcome! |
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. |
Zumba
Rec Center Join instructor Tincy Goggin for this high-energy, Latin-inspired dance party! |
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5 p.m. – 6 p.m. |
Dinner
Hamilton Commons |
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5 p.m. –6 p.m. |
*President’s Picnic (Gelston and Bruske residents) President’s Lawn Residents of Gelston and Bruske, along with commuting students, are invited to Dr. Jeff Abernathy’s home for a picnic! |
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7 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
Student-Athlete Survival Guide
Heritage Center All Alma College student-athletes are required to attend. |
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7 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
ACOG Video Game Tournament
SAC 110 This event includes something for every nerd! There will be four tournament games (Halo, Super Smash Brothers Brawl, Ms. Pac-Man and Duck Hunt); free-play games for those who do not wish to play competitively; and anime screenings for those who might not enjoy gaming, but would love to get their otaku on. We’ll have gift certificates for the winners and door prizes throughout the evening. |
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Bike with the President
Fred Meijer Heartland Trail GO Bike participants and anyone else with a bike is invited to join Alma’s president, Dr. Jeff Abernathy, for a ride on the Fred Meijer Trail, which runs along the east edge of campus. Meet in McIntyre Mall. |
9 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Multicultural House Meet and Greet
Van Dusen Meet Alma’s various multicultural organizations, then join them for games, crafts, a cooking presentation and more! |
9 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Movie in the Pool: “Rio”
Hogan Center Join the OCs for a pool party, complete with a showing of “Rio”! Locker rooms and pool entrance are in the lower level of the Hogan Center. |
An asterisk (*) prior to an event indicates a required event throughout the schedule.
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Wednesday, Aug. 29
An Adventurous African Safari: Whether you’re staying on campus or traveling with your First Year Seminar class, today is a day for adventure! Get ready to explore and experience something new!
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7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast Hamilton Commons |
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | *First Year Seminar: Project Day Location and schedule to be announced in First Year Seminar |
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Lunch Hamilton Commons |
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. |
Games on the Mall
McIntyre Mall If your FYS remained on campus, join the Orientation Committee for a variety of games, including Twister and other favorites! |
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Choir Placement Auditions
Eddy Music Center, Room 111 No experience necessary! |
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5 p.m. – 6 p.m. |
Dinner
Hamilton Commons |
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6 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
SPARK Ice Cream Social
Alumni House Learn what SPARK is about and how you can join while enjoying delicious ice cream from Stucchi’s! |
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Residence Hall Craft Wars
Stone Center, Multipurpose Room Compete against teams from other residence halls for the chance to win hall and individual prizes! Hosted by the RA staff. |
An asterisk (*) prior to an event indicates a required event throughout the schedule.
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Thursday, Aug. 30
A Caribbean Cruise: Welcome, passengers! Today we’ll enjoy the fun of a Caribbean cruise ship, complete with fun, games and a “captain’s dinner”!
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7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast Hamilton Commons |
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. | *First Year Seminar
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11:10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | *Campus Computing: From Free Speech to Facebook Heritage Center Attorney C.L. Lindsay’s entertaining approach to safeguarding your online life is a must-see for all college students! |
12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch Hamilton Commons |
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Various Activities
Mini Golf, Library Come to Alma College Library to play a quick round of mini golf and meet the librarians and library staff. First 100 NEW students get a gift just for participating! Food, fun and prizes…come and check it out!
Animal Meet and Greet, Dow Lobby Drop by and let the Biology Club introduce you to the animals who call the Dow Science Center “home.”
Vote Heard ’Round the World, Van Dusen (Rotunda) Students from the Center for Responsible Leadership, along with the Alma College Democrats and Republicans, invite you to learn about domestic and international elections, participate in a voter registration drive and find ways to use Alma organizations to be a global leader. |
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Choir Placement Auditions
Eddy Music Center, Room 111 No experience necessary! |
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
*Traditions Dinner
Hogan Center |
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Various Activities
The Orientation Committee Presents: Open Mic Night, Hamilton Commons Patio Enjoy some great talent and share your own!
A Night of Dangerous Writing, Library, Smith Room The staff of See Spot Run, Alma’s monthly literary magazine, are ready to tap into your creative spirit with a series of writing games and prompts. You’ll have the chance to share your own work and hear from other writers, too!
Star Gazing and October Sky, Dow Science Center, Planetarium Come watch October Sky—a movie about school science geeks shooting off rockets—and see projections of stars with the Physics Club and Dr. Steuard Jensen, our very own physics master. |
An asterisk (*) prior to an event indicates a required event throughout the schedule.
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Friday, Aug. 31
A European Tradition: As we wrap up Orientation Week, let’s have a more leisurely day. Be sure to stop by the French Café and dust off your kilt for the Ceilidh!
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7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast Hamilton Commons |
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. | *First Year Seminar
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11:10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | *Sex Signals Heritage Center Explore the world of dating and communication through improvisation and audience interaction. |
12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch Hamilton Commons |
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | A French Café McIntyre Mall The French Club invites you to sample French food at their outdoor café. Stop by for a taste of France! |
3 p.m. – 5 p.m. |
Backyard Olympics
Chapel Lawn Team up with the OCs to represent various countries in contests of strength and skill! |
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. |
Dinner
Hamilton Commons |
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | The Scottish Arts Society’s Ceilidh
Dow Lobby Pronounced “kay-lee,” this fun celebration includes traditional Scottish snacks and entertainment. |
9 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Swing Dancing
McIntyre Mall The Alma College Hepcats are ready to show you some moves with swing dancing lessons and a time of open dance. No experience necessary! |
An asterisk (*) prior to an event indicates a required event throughout the schedule.
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Labor Day Weekend
We hope you’ve enjoyed your whirlwind trip around the world during Explorientation! Take the weekend to hang out with your new friends, put the finishing touches on your room and continue exploring Alma College and the surrounding area. Meal times and other campus events are listed below.
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Saturday, Sept. 1 | |
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Alma Farmer’s Market Downtown Alma Stroll downtown and take a left on Woodworth to find the farmer’s market, where you can buy fresh local produce and other goodies! |
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Brunch Hamilton Commons |
1 p.m. | Alma Football vs. Heidelberg University Bahlke Field It’s your first chance to join the Maroon Monsoon and cheer the Scots to victory! Tickets are free with your Alma College student ID. |
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Dinner
Hamilton Commons |
9 p.m. | Movie: “The Avengers”
Chapel Lawn Grab a blanket and stretch out on the Chapel Lawn for an outdoor movie, brought to you by ACUB. |
Sunday, Sept. 2 |
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Brunch Hamilton Commons |
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Greek Life Cookout
Van Dusen Lawn Join members of Alma’s Greek community for food, games and fun! |
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Dinner
Hamilton Commons |
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Bike with the President
Fred Meijer Heartland Trail GO Bike participants and anyone else with a bike is invited to join Alma’s president, Dr. Jeff Abernathy, for a ride on the Fred Meijer Trail, which runs along the east edge of campus. Meet in McIntyre Mall. |
9 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Chapel Service Dunning Memorial Chapel |
Monday, Sept. 3 | Labor Day |
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Brunch Hamilton Commons |
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Dinner McIntyre Mall |
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Alma Community Carnival Hogan Green Space Come mingle with Alma College, faculty, staff and students at this family-friendly carnival featuring inflatable games, music and food. Food will be provided by Sodexo. |
Tuesday, Sept. 4 |
7 a.m. | Fall semester classes, meal times and building hours begin according to regular schedule. |
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Orientation Week Building Hours
Many buildings and offices are open for special hours during Orientation Week:
Library
Sat. Aug. 25: noon – 5 p.m.
Sun. Aug. 26: 12:30 – 10 p.m.
Mon.–Thurs.: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fri. Aug. 31: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 3 – Mon. Sept. 5: Closed
Alan J. Stone Center for Recreation
Sat. Aug. 25: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun. Aug. 26: 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Mon. – Fri.: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 1: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun. Sept. 2: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Mon. Sept. 3: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.