2025 Pre-Orientation Programs
Community Connections
Join the team at the Center for Civic Learning & Action for the Pre-Orientation “Community Connections” where you’ll get a chance to explore your new home, Carlisle! Participate in outdoor and hands-on service projects with the Red Tomato Farm, engage in discussions about what it means to be a member of a community, and learn how to make an impact during your time at Dickinson! Get involved with the Dickinson and Carlisle community through programs like volunteering with fellow community members, paid internships with local organizations, and dialogues about important topics and issues!
Indigenous Perspectives, Storytelling, and Finding Your Place in Carlisle and Beyond
This three-day immersive program introduces students to Dickinson College and the Carlisle community through an Indigenous perspective, deepening their understanding of local living histories and their connections to broader Indigenous Communities and Peoples.
Jewish Community
Come and discover your home away from home with Jewish Life on Campus! This Pre-Orientation for you if: You're excited to explore everything Jewish Life has to offer! You're looking to make Jewish friends and have a strong community of support! You identify as: culturally Jewish, half-Jewish, secular Jewish, or Jew-ish. You've never done youth group, Hebrew school, or camp: but you're curious to learn more! You need to know how to get good challah and bagels in Carlisle, PA.
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 some of Carlisle's best restaurants.
MOB
Laser tag. Movie Nights. Crafts. And of course, food. What do all these things have in common? Hey, we're MOB, Dickinson's 100% student-run event planning board, and we are thrilled to host our annual Pre-Orientation again 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 downtown, to exploring the arcade games and go-karting at the Carlisle Sports Emporium, to reserving an entire auditorium to watch a movie at our local theater, join us for an unforgettable time! During your time with us, you will learn about what MOB is, what we do, and how we plan events for the student body - you'll even have the chance to plan your own MOB event for later in the semester! Who knows, maybe you’ll even learn what “MOB” really stands for. Sign up for a great time, you won’t want to miss out!
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.
Religious & Spiritual Life
Religion can play an important role in the lives of students and their families – so get to know the religious and spiritual communities on and around Dickinson’s campus! Our goal is to help you feel spiritually connected and supported as you transition to college life. We will visit churches, mosques, and temples that are either walking distance or short drives from campus. We will also meet with leaders of on-campus religious groups. Find a new space to worship, develop religious or spiritual community, and learn about dfferent traditions practicing all around you.
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!
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!
WDCV
Step into the world of college radio with WDCV 88.3 FM! This hands-on pre-orientation experience invites incoming students to explore broadcasting, learn the ins and outs of radio production, and even host their own show. Whether you're into music, talk shows, or audio storytelling, WDCV is your backstage pass to creativity, community, and campus culture. No experience needed—just bring your voice and your passion!
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!
WILD: Intro to Camping at the College Farm
New to the outdoors? This beginner-friendly WILD trip is the perfect way to ease into college life while discovering nature and exploring the College Farm, just 7 miles from campus! Enjoy gentle hikes, basic camping, and of course, some evenings filled with campfires and s’mores! No experience required. Just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure!
WILD: Intermediate Outdoor Experience
Ready for more than a walk in the woods? The intermediate WILD trip is ideal for students with some outdoor experience. Expect moderate hikes, backcountry camping, and exploration of the local wilderness on the Appalachian Trail! Activities include hiking, outdoor games, exploring nearby trails, and staying overnight in cabin-style camping.
WILD: Experienced Backpacking
For seasoned adventurers, the advanced WILD trip offers a more challenging, immersive wilderness experience. Tackle rugged terrain while hiking on the Appalachian Trail and Shaffer’s Rock, engage in lessons on filtering watering and setting up camp and cooking your own food. Some degree of backpacking & hiking is recommended!