Explore More 2024 Programs
Registration will open on June 3, 2024. Students can register through University Tickets. Students may only register for one program.
Music Unleashed
Do you play an instrument? Do you sing? Do you compose or improvise? Do you enjoy listening to music of all types? This musical adventure is open to all incoming students interested in music, regardless of performance experience or skill level. Participants will collaborate with Music Department faculty and students in various musical styles based on the interests and expertise of the participants. The program will culminate in music and sound art performances that illustrate and celebrate the campus community.
MOB
Crafts, Laser tag, Movie Nights, Food. What do all these things have in common? Hi, we're MOB, Dickinsonʼs 100% student-run event planning board, and we are so excited to be hosting a Pre-O this year! During this program, we'll do some of what MOB does best—hanging out, making friends, and kicking it back for fun and inclusive events. From painting pottery to exploring the Carlisle Sports Emporium to reserving an auditorium to watch a movie at our local theater, join us for an unforgettable time, all while learning about what MOB is and how we plan events—you'll even have the chance to plan a MOB event for later in the semester! Sign up for a great time!
Service and Community
Join the Center for Civic Learning and Action team and the Dialogues Across Differences Program for Pre-Orientation Community & Dialogue! This is your opportunity to get to know Carlisle, your new home, engage in meaningful community service projects and participate in insightful dialogues with student and community leaders. Together, we'll explore the essence of community membership and discover how to maximize your time, leadership, and energy during your tenure at Dickinson.
LAW & ORDERing Food
Law and Ordering Food Program is perfect for students interested in studying law and legal studies, participating in Mock Trial, acting, or those who want a taste of the local Carlisle cuisine. This program allows new students to get to know one another better by simulating a real trial in the Cumberland County Courthouse. Students will participate in various fun activities that build social bonds and strengthen their understanding of the law and their ability to act, all while enjoying food from Carlisle's best restaurants.
Carlisle Community Connect: Wellness, Wanderlust & Welcome
Carlisle Community Connect: Wellness, Wanderlust & Welcome is an immersive program tailored to introduce new first-year college students and transfer students to the vibrant Carlisle community, emphasizing their well-being, exploration, and integration. For 2.5 days, participants will embark on an enriching journey that blends outdoor adventures, culinary experiences, and artistic expression. From invigorating outdoor pursuits like guided walks, scavenger hunts, and rejuvenating yoga sessions to hands-on cooking classes, students will delve into the essence of Carlisle's welcoming community. Moreover, the program integrates artistic endeavors, offering engaging workshops where students can unleash their creativity through art and music. These sessions serve as platforms for self-discovery and mindfulness, encouraging participants to connect with their inner artist and embrace the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression. Through these diverse experiences, Carlisle Community Connect cultivates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students, fostering meaningful connections within the community while promoting holistic well-being. Whether seeking outdoor adventure, culinary delight, or artistic inspiration, participants are invited to embark on a transformative journey that sets the stage for a fulfilling college experience.
Treat Yo' Shelf
The Treat Yoʼ Shelf program is an exciting opportunity for lovers of books and libraries to explore the Dickinson campus and Carlisle community and connect with other bibliophiles. Join us to explore all that is interesting and unexpected in the Waidner-Spahr Library. Gain insight into Dickinson and Carlisle's history through unique College Archives & Special Collections objects. Make your own book, showcase your cleverest literary puns in an “edible book” competition, and visit our local public library and independent bookstore. This program is bound to be an intriguing prologue to your Dickinson story!
Jewish Community
Come and discover your home away from home with Jewish Life on Campus! This pre-orientation is for you if you're excited to explore everything Jewish Life offers, want to make Jewish friends or want a strong community of support. Whether you identify as culturally Jewish, half-Jewish, secular Jewish, or Jew-ish. Or, if you've never done youth group, Hebrew school, or camp, but you're curious to learn more! You must know how to get good challah and bagels in Carlisle, PA.
Dickinson Christian Fellowship: Welcome to the Neighborhood!
We are so excited to welcome you to the Dickinson and Carlisle neighborhood! Explore how your faith impacts your life at Dickinson. Engage in discussions about being a good neighbor by loving God and loving people on campus and in the surrounding community. Meet Christian faculty and staff, get to know some Christian upperclassmen, do community service at a local church, and learn new spiritual practices to help you navigate your first year. Don’t just learn about the community; experience it with Dickinson Christian Fellowship during this pre-orientation.
Sustainability
Take part in this unique local overnight adventure to explore why place matters, demonstrate what sustainability means at Dickinson, and participate in an overnight experience that allows personal reflection and goal setting in Michaux State Forest. We will sleep indoors at the all-equipped Ironmasterʼs Mansion nestled in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park, swim in local lakes, hike to a rocky summit vista, kayak on Laurel Lake, and explore the rich history of the Pine Grove Iron Works. Spend time cooking local, vegan foods in a group cooking lesson and sharing stories by a bonfire. EXPLORE MORE and take a deeper dive into sustainability at Dickinson. Learn what's happening and how to get involved! No previous experiences are required, materials are provided, and dietary restrictions are accommodated!
WILD Backpacking 1
Experience a Wilderness Introduction to Life at Dickinson (WILD) on a backpacking adventure as we embark on a beginner-friendly backpacking trip from South Mountain to Shaffer's Rock. No prior experience is necessary – bring your sense of adventure and a willingness to explore! Hiking southbound on the Appalachian Trail over 3 days and 2 nights, you'll immerse in nature while having the opportunity to ask upperclassmen what to expect as incoming first-years. WFA-certified and leadership-trained WILD leaders will aid in essential backpacking skills, from packing your bag to setting up camp safely. Enjoy the camaraderie of cooking over a campfire, marvel at sunset views from Shaffer's Rock, and connect with fellow Dickinson students.
WILD Backpacking 2
Experience a Wilderness Introduction to Life at Dickinson (WILD) on a backpacking adventure as we embark on a beginner-friendly backpacking trip from South Mountain to Shaffer's Rock. No prior experience is necessary – bring your sense of adventure and a willingness to explore! Hiking southbound on the Appalachian Trail over 3 days and 2 nights, you'll immerse in nature while having the opportunity to ask upperclassmen what to expect as incoming first-years. WFA-certified and leadership-trained WILD leaders will aid in essential backpacking skills, from packing your bag to setting up camp safely. Enjoy the camaraderie of cooking over a campfire, marvel at sunset views from Shaffer's Rock, and connect with fellow Dickinson students.
WILD Cabin Camping
Experience the opportunity to engage with both upperclassmen and the outdoors during a three-day, two-night stay at Hermitage Cabin! This immersive experience offers the opportunity to try beginner rock climbing and embark on scenic hikes through the surrounding wilderness. While at the cabin, engage in various activities designed to foster a chance to bond with fellow Dickinson College peers before the academic year begins. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime at Hermitage Cabin!
WILD Basecamping
Embark on an unforgettable journey on a beginner-based camping trip at Pine Grove Furnace! Potential activities include picnicking at Laurel Lake, exploring nearby historic furnaces, and walking around the Appalachian Trail Museum. At basecamp, engage with upperclassmen and other incoming students in various group activities to build teamwork and camaraderie. Our experienced guides will be on hand to ensure your safety and provide guidance as you navigate this exciting new terrain. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to outdoor adventures, this trip promises an immersive introduction to the outdoors of Cumberland County and life at Dickinson College.
Do you play an instrument? Do you sing? Do you compose or improvise? Do you enjoy listening to music of all types? This musical adventure is open to all incoming students interested in music, regardless of performance experience or skill level. Participants will collaborate with Music Department faculty and students in various musical styles based on the interests and expertise of the participants. The program will culminate in music and sound art performances that illustrate and celebrate the campus community.
MOB
Crafts, Laser tag, Movie Nights, Food. What do all these things have in common? Hi, we're MOB, Dickinsonʼs 100% student-run event planning board, and we are so excited to be hosting a Pre-O this year! During this program, we'll do some of what MOB does best—hanging out, making friends, and kicking it back for fun and inclusive events. From painting pottery to exploring the Carlisle Sports Emporium to reserving an auditorium to watch a movie at our local theater, join us for an unforgettable time, all while learning about what MOB is and how we plan events—you'll even have the chance to plan a MOB event for later in the semester! Sign up for a great time!
Service and Community
Join the Center for Civic Learning and Action team and the Dialogues Across Differences Program for Pre-Orientation Community & Dialogue! This is your opportunity to get to know Carlisle, your new home, engage in meaningful community service projects and participate in insightful dialogues with student and community leaders. Together, we'll explore the essence of community membership and discover how to maximize your time, leadership, and energy during your tenure at Dickinson.
LAW & ORDERing Food
Law and Ordering Food Program is perfect for students interested in studying law and legal studies, participating in Mock Trial, acting, or those who want a taste of the local Carlisle cuisine. This program allows new students to get to know one another better by simulating a real trial in the Cumberland County Courthouse. Students will participate in various fun activities that build social bonds and strengthen their understanding of the law and their ability to act, all while enjoying food from Carlisle's best restaurants.
Carlisle Community Connect: Wellness, Wanderlust & Welcome
Carlisle Community Connect: Wellness, Wanderlust & Welcome is an immersive program tailored to introduce new first-year college students and transfer students to the vibrant Carlisle community, emphasizing their well-being, exploration, and integration. For 2.5 days, participants will embark on an enriching journey that blends outdoor adventures, culinary experiences, and artistic expression. From invigorating outdoor pursuits like guided walks, scavenger hunts, and rejuvenating yoga sessions to hands-on cooking classes, students will delve into the essence of Carlisle's welcoming community. Moreover, the program integrates artistic endeavors, offering engaging workshops where students can unleash their creativity through art and music. These sessions serve as platforms for self-discovery and mindfulness, encouraging participants to connect with their inner artist and embrace the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression. Through these diverse experiences, Carlisle Community Connect cultivates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students, fostering meaningful connections within the community while promoting holistic well-being. Whether seeking outdoor adventure, culinary delight, or artistic inspiration, participants are invited to embark on a transformative journey that sets the stage for a fulfilling college experience.
Treat Yo' Shelf
The Treat Yoʼ Shelf program is an exciting opportunity for lovers of books and libraries to explore the Dickinson campus and Carlisle community and connect with other bibliophiles. Join us to explore all that is interesting and unexpected in the Waidner-Spahr Library. Gain insight into Dickinson and Carlisle's history through unique College Archives & Special Collections objects. Make your own book, showcase your cleverest literary puns in an “edible book” competition, and visit our local public library and independent bookstore. This program is bound to be an intriguing prologue to your Dickinson story!
Jewish Community
Come and discover your home away from home with Jewish Life on Campus! This pre-orientation is for you if you're excited to explore everything Jewish Life offers, want to make Jewish friends or want a strong community of support. Whether you identify as culturally Jewish, half-Jewish, secular Jewish, or Jew-ish. Or, if you've never done youth group, Hebrew school, or camp, but you're curious to learn more! You must know how to get good challah and bagels in Carlisle, PA.
Dickinson Christian Fellowship: Welcome to the Neighborhood!
We are so excited to welcome you to the Dickinson and Carlisle neighborhood! Explore how your faith impacts your life at Dickinson. Engage in discussions about being a good neighbor by loving God and loving people on campus and in the surrounding community. Meet Christian faculty and staff, get to know some Christian upperclassmen, do community service at a local church, and learn new spiritual practices to help you navigate your first year. Don’t just learn about the community; experience it with Dickinson Christian Fellowship during this pre-orientation.
Sustainability
Take part in this unique local overnight adventure to explore why place matters, demonstrate what sustainability means at Dickinson, and participate in an overnight experience that allows personal reflection and goal setting in Michaux State Forest. We will sleep indoors at the all-equipped Ironmasterʼs Mansion nestled in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park, swim in local lakes, hike to a rocky summit vista, kayak on Laurel Lake, and explore the rich history of the Pine Grove Iron Works. Spend time cooking local, vegan foods in a group cooking lesson and sharing stories by a bonfire. EXPLORE MORE and take a deeper dive into sustainability at Dickinson. Learn what's happening and how to get involved! No previous experiences are required, materials are provided, and dietary restrictions are accommodated!
WILD Backpacking 1
Experience a Wilderness Introduction to Life at Dickinson (WILD) on a backpacking adventure as we embark on a beginner-friendly backpacking trip from South Mountain to Shaffer's Rock. No prior experience is necessary – bring your sense of adventure and a willingness to explore! Hiking southbound on the Appalachian Trail over 3 days and 2 nights, you'll immerse in nature while having the opportunity to ask upperclassmen what to expect as incoming first-years. WFA-certified and leadership-trained WILD leaders will aid in essential backpacking skills, from packing your bag to setting up camp safely. Enjoy the camaraderie of cooking over a campfire, marvel at sunset views from Shaffer's Rock, and connect with fellow Dickinson students.
WILD Backpacking 2
Experience a Wilderness Introduction to Life at Dickinson (WILD) on a backpacking adventure as we embark on a beginner-friendly backpacking trip from South Mountain to Shaffer's Rock. No prior experience is necessary – bring your sense of adventure and a willingness to explore! Hiking southbound on the Appalachian Trail over 3 days and 2 nights, you'll immerse in nature while having the opportunity to ask upperclassmen what to expect as incoming first-years. WFA-certified and leadership-trained WILD leaders will aid in essential backpacking skills, from packing your bag to setting up camp safely. Enjoy the camaraderie of cooking over a campfire, marvel at sunset views from Shaffer's Rock, and connect with fellow Dickinson students.
WILD Cabin Camping
Experience the opportunity to engage with both upperclassmen and the outdoors during a three-day, two-night stay at Hermitage Cabin! This immersive experience offers the opportunity to try beginner rock climbing and embark on scenic hikes through the surrounding wilderness. While at the cabin, engage in various activities designed to foster a chance to bond with fellow Dickinson College peers before the academic year begins. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime at Hermitage Cabin!
WILD Basecamping
Embark on an unforgettable journey on a beginner-based camping trip at Pine Grove Furnace! Potential activities include picnicking at Laurel Lake, exploring nearby historic furnaces, and walking around the Appalachian Trail Museum. At basecamp, engage with upperclassmen and other incoming students in various group activities to build teamwork and camaraderie. Our experienced guides will be on hand to ensure your safety and provide guidance as you navigate this exciting new terrain. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to outdoor adventures, this trip promises an immersive introduction to the outdoors of Cumberland County and life at Dickinson College.