Pre-Orientation: Program Offerings
Pre-Orientation programs are dynamic, interactive experiences for small groups of incoming first year and transfer students hosted by campus departments and student groups. Please note that these programs are optional and are not required to attend as part of Orientation. Participants will arrive early for this three-day experience.
Registration for the 2026 programs will open starting on June 1, 2026, at 9 a.m. EST on Dickinson's University Tickets site. Students may only register for one program, and programs will be offered on a first-come first-served basis:
Community Connections
Join the team at the Center for Civic Learning and Action for the Community Connections Pre-Orientation. Get a chance to get to know your new home: Carlisle! Meet new friends across campus while participating in service projects and exploring Carlisle. We’ll explore what it means to be a member of a community, both in Carlisle and at Dickinson. Beyond service, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your values, while also spending time cooking together and enjoying time outside. Get a jump start on involvement within our center by learning about our exciting programs including nonprofit-based internships, service trips, and opportunities for social change and civic leadership.
LAW & ORDERing Food
LAW AND ORDERing Food is the perfect program for students who are interested in studying the law, would enjoy participating in a mock trial, and want a taste of the local Carlisle cuisine! This program provides new students an opportunity to get to know fellow first-years and the Mock Trial team better by simulating a real trial in a courtroom environment. They will participate in skill building exercises to strengthen their understanding of the law and enhance their acting abilities, as well as other fun activities to build social bonds, all while enjoying food from Carlisle's best restaurants.
MOB
Welcome to MOB Pre-Orientation 2026! MOB is Dickinson's student run activities board. We organize free events for all students during the academic year, including hosting concerts, a drag show, other larger events, and small events like free catered food and crafts almost every Friday and Saturday. Join us to begin your first year experience by getting an introduction to some of the events MOB creates! Meet new friends and experience Dickinson by playing laser tag, having a baking competition, a movie night, going to eat in downtown Carlisle, and more! We hope to see you there!
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.
Peaceful Welcome
This program offers students an immersive, multi-day experience focused on mindfulness and healthy living. This program combines meditation, yoga, nature exploration, and intentional conversations about well-being. Throughout the program, students will explore campus spaces that promote calm and focus, learning practical tools - such as meditation, yoga, and journaling - that can support them during stressful times, making for a smooth transition into their first-year at the College.
Sustainability: Place Matters
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 experiences required, materials provided and dietary restrictions accommodated!
The Story of Your Life - Music Edition
Join WDCV for a fast-paced introduction to broadcasting with The Voice of Dickinson College - over the course of Pre-O, students will become familiar with WDCV's community, history, and technology. Learn how to produce shows for live airplay, and then finish the time out with your very own show! Students will also receive a copy of their finished show to save as a memento.
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 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 a book-themed craft competition, and visit our local public library and independent bookstore. This program is bound to be an intriguing prologue to your Dickinson story!
Welcome to the Neighborhood
We are so excited to welcome you to the neighborhood at Dickinson and in Carlisle! 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 community, experience it together with Dickinson Christian Fellowship during this Pre-Orientation!
Wellness World Tour
Explore the local world and some of the international flavors that Carlisle has to offer. Participants will enjoy a scavenger hunt around downtown Carlisle and sample food from local restaurant favorites with flavors from Italy, the Philippines, and the Caribbean. We will also enjoy physical activities, including Zumba, yoga, and a bicycle ride through the local neighborhood. Focus on your mental well-being with meditation and engage your artistic side with pottery-making and exploring Dickinson’s own art gallery.
WILD Introduction to Camping (Beginner)
Experience beginner camping at the Dickinson College Farm! This WILD trip is geared towards first years with limited to no camping experience interested in exploring outdoor opportunities in the surrounding area. Activities include day hikes on the Appalachian trail, visits to nearby parks, water activities, and volunteering on the farm. Students will learn basic outdoor skills with the company of other new students. Experience the outdoors while also getting to know the wonderful Dickinson College Farm!
WILD Cabin Camping (Intermediate)
Cabin camping is specialized for intermediate campers with some level of previous outdoor experience. This trip involves cabin camping at a nearby hike-in PATC Cabin along the Appalachian trail. A short distance from surrounding small towns, this trip provides a retreat into the wilderness with access to amenities as needed. Activities will include day hikes to surrounding trails, group bonding activities, and practicing cooking outdoors. Get to know the surrounding natural world in this WILD experience!
WILD Tent Camping (Intermediate)
Tent camping is designed to allow students to experience the state park closest to Dickinson College campus, Pine Grove Furnace. On this trip, students will stay in a group tent site while checking out all the park has to offer, including water activities at Fuller Lake and Appalachian Trail access. This trip is perfect for those who want to explore and learn more about the wilderness in the surrounding Carlisle area!
WILD Backpacking (Experienced)
WILD Backpacking is geared toward skilled and experienced hikers looking to get their foot in on backpacking the Appalachian Trail. Within just 20 minutes from Dickinson’s Campus, the AT offers incredible access for students to go backpacking through the Outing Club and other organizations while at Dickinson. This trip gives First-Years 3 days and 2 nights to experience and contemplate what it is like traveling on the AT while getting to know the surrounding Carlisle area!
WILD Climbing (Experienced)
For more experienced outdoors people, WILD Climbing offers an opportunity to cabin camp and go climbing with an experienced Dickinson Professor. Stay in a PATC cabin and check out the surrounding natural world. Activities include, climbing at Schaffer Rocks, hiking nearby trails, and outdoor games. Due to the physical demands of the program, climbing experience is preffered!