Explore More 2023 Programs
REGISTER for the following programs AT HTTP://DICKINSON.UNIVERSITYTICKETS.COM.
PRE-ORIENTATION: CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is all around us, not just in a laboratory, but these are important too, so we will visit a few. Come and interact with other first-year students and faculty who share your curiosity in chemistry. We will explore the process for making soap, visit where local materials are obtained, and then make your own soap in the lab. Together we will prepare and enjoy a meal and of course discuss the science involved. The meal will finish with science-made ice cream and compare it to the local ice cream shops in the area (we have quite a few)! A chemist does more than just work in the lab, they share their love of science with others by showing them how science is part of their everyday life.
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: DICKINSON COLLEGE FARM
Growing, cooking, and eating food connects us to place and to one another. The Pre-Orientation experience at the Dickinson College Farm will immerse students in our local food system. We will explore innovative approaches to farming, creative ways of preserving harvests, and hands-on lessons in the farm-to-table food movement. Students interested in taking a deep dive in the field of food studies will gain new connections to the agricultural landscape of our region plus meet the growers themselves. This overnight Pre-O will be based at the Dickinson College Farm from Sunday afternoon to Monday evening, including primitive camping with limited access to showers.
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: JEWISH LIFE
Find your Jewish community away from home! Meet other Jewish first-years and student leaders and learn what Jewish life at Dickinson has to offer! This preorientation will build a strong community of first-year students interested in connecting with Jewish Life, whether you've been active in a Jewish community your whole life, are looking to get more involved in college, or are just hoping to build a strong friend group that will last throughout your time at Dickinson. Activities may include hiking and games at Opossum Lake, challah making, and a bonfire at the farm. We can't wait to welcome you all to campus!
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: TREAT YO' SHELF
The Pre-Orientation: 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 for an exploration of all that is interesting and unexpected in the Waidner-Spahr Library. Gain insight into Dickinson and Carlisle history through unique objects in the College Archives & Special Collections. 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!
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: MOB
Karaoke. Laser tag. 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 be doing some of what MOB does best—hanging out, making friends, and kicking it back for some fun and inclusive events. From painting pottery 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 your own MOB event for later in the semester! Sign up for a great time!
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: LAW & ORDERING FOOD
Law and Ordering Food Program is perfect for students who are interested in studying law and legal studies, like participating in acting or Mock Trial, or just want a taste of the local Carlisle cuisine. This program provides new students an opportunity 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.
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: SPORTS MEDIA/MARKETING
Do you love sports? Are you interested in a career in sports media, marketing, management, or social media? Have you ever wondered what goes into running a live broadcast or wanted to get on air? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Sports Media/Marketing pre-orientation is for you! From the day you arrive on campus, you'll get the opportunity to be on the sideline, in the press box, in creative meetings, and meet the athletic administration and coaches, while learning the inner workings of the sports industry. The Red Devil Sports Network (RDSN) is Dickinson's student sports network sharing Red Devil student-athlete and community stories since 2013. We cover every Dickinson Athletic team through dynamic live broadcasting, video production, videography and photography. What stands out about RDSN is that it is student-run and student-led. Students get the opportunity to be on the field, in the press box, and behind the scenes in creative meetings from the moment they join!
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: LEADERSHIP AND ADVENTURE
The purpose of this Pre-Orientation program is to introduce first-year students to leadership attributes and competencies while participating in fun team-building events. Our pre-orientation program, Leadership and Adventure, is designed to provide incoming students with a unique experience. The program will take place over the course of three days and will be held at multiple locations in Carlisle and in the surrounding areas. During this time, students will engage in various challenging and fun activities, including hiking, rappelling, and team-building exercises. The focus of the program will be on developing leadership skills and enhancing personal growth. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders, engage in discussions about leadership styles and theories, and practice leading their peers through various activities. Overall, Leadership and Adventure is a unique opportunity for incoming students to develop important leadership skills, make lasting connections with their peers, and explore the beautiful and natural surroundings of our community.
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: SUSTAINABILITY
Take part in this unique local overnight adventure that will explore why place matters, demonstrate what sustainability means at Dickinson, and participate in an overnight experience that allows for 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 together in a group cooking lesson and sharing stories by a bonfire. Come EXPLORE MORE and take a deeper dive into sustainability at Dickinson. Learn what's happening and how to get involved! No previous experience required, materials provided, and dietary restrictions accommodated!
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: FIRST-YEAR STUDENT HEALTH (FYSH)
The FYSH Pre-Orientation Program is designed by the Wellness Center to help ease your transition into college life. As you adjust to living away from home, you will also be making many decisions about your health and wellness for the first time. The Dickinson College Wellness Center is here to help make sure you are on the right path to success.
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: 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 with an interest in music, regardless of performance experience or skill level. Participants will collaborate with each other and with Music Department faculty and students in various musical styles based on the interests and experience of the participants. The program will culminate in a performance of music and sound art that illustrates and celebrates the campus community.
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: WILD BACKPACKING #1 (South Mountain – Shaffer’s Rock)
Explore a portion of the Appalachian trail as you start at South Mountain and end at Shaffer's Rock. Meet and develop friendships with fellow Dickinsonians as you learn the basics of backpacking and overcome any challenges you may meet on the trail.
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: WILD BACKPACKING #2 (Shaffer’s Rock – South Mountain)
Explore a portion of the Appalachian trail as you start at Shaffer's Rock and end at South Mountain. Meet and develop friendships with fellow Dickinsonians as you learn the basics of backpacking and overcome any challenges you may meet on the trail.
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: WILD BACKPACKING #3 (Pine Grove)
Explore a portion of the Appalachian trail as you depart from Pine Grove Furnace State Park, one of PA's nicest state parks. Meet and develop friendships with fellow Dickinsonians as you learn the basics of backpacking and overcome any challenges you may meet on the trail.
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: WILD BASECAMP #1 (Pine Grove)
Explore Pine Grove Furnace State Park and all it has to offer. Potential activities include day hikes around the park, canoeing and kayaking on Lake Laurel, and a sunrise hike at Pole Steeple. Roast marshmallows at the campfire and sleep under a canopy of stars as you bond with your fellow students.
Participation is limited to one program per student.
PRE-ORIENTATION: WILD BASECAMP #2 (Hermitage Cabin)
Spend two nights sleeping in the Hermitage cabin along the Appalachian Trail. Learn the basics of rock climbing from professionals and, time permitting, practice your new skills! Roast marshmallows at the campfire and in a rustic cabin after your day of climbing.
Participation is limited to one program per student.