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New Student Orientation

Welcome, New Students!

Thank you for choosing Menlo College to begin your journey to success. In order to fully prepare for your time at Menlo College, all new students are required to attend our New Student Orientation program on campus. Orientation is designed to introduce incoming students to the academic and co-curricular services and programs vital to their successful transition to the Menlo community. Orientation is an important beginning step for students that provides opportunities for personal growth, meaningful connections and future academic success. We can’t wait to see you there!

Menlo College will be welcoming Fall 2026 incoming students at New Student Orientation, held from August 14-16.

Fall Orientation 2026 Schedule of Events

Event times and activities are subject to change.

Friday, August 14
Event

Location

8:00-11:30 AMOrientation Check-In & Move-In 
Check in at the front of campus. You will be directed to various offices to take care of any remaining business items prior to receiving your dorm key so you can move into your residence hall if you are living on campus.
Entrance of Campus
10:00-11:30 AMCampus Tours
Get an insider's perspective on campus life by joining one of our friendly Orientation Leaders for a guided tour. These current students will share their first-hand experiences and insights while showing you around our beautiful campus. Tour times will be 10:00, 10:30 and 11:00.
Entrance of Campus
12:00-1:15 PMWelcome Kickoff & Lunch 
Join us as we kick off another exciting year! Talks will begin at 12:30 PM, featuring Menlo College President Steven Weiner, SGA President, and our Keynote Speaker Christoph Burkhardt.
Quad
1:15-1:30 PMClass Photo & Banner
Sign the class banner to leave your mark on campus history, then join your fellow new Oaks for the annual big “M” photo at 1:20 PM.
Quad
1:30-2:15 PMReal Talk: Supporting Your College Student
This Q&A panel-style session for family
members and parents will connect families with Menlo students, alumni and staff who can provide valuable perspectives and resources to help navigate this exciting new chapter.
Flo Mo Auditorium 
1:30-3:00 PMMenlo Olympics
Get ready for friendly competition, teamwork, and fun! Join your fellow new Oaks for Menlo Olympics, where you'll connect with classmates, show off your team spirit, and start building your Menlo community. The first-place team will receive a special Menlo canvas tote.
Quad
Mandatory
3:00-4:00 PMInternational Student Session
*required for new INTL students
Get your questions answered about visas, travel, I-20s, and health insurance. Our international student services team will walk you through what you need to know!
Flo Mo 316
Mandatory
4:00-4:30 PM Dash and Discover
You’ll zip through campus departments and learn what resources are here to support you. It’s your one-stop launch into success at Menlo—no stress, just helpful information and great people.

Departments that will be visited: 
■ Student Government Association (Student Union)
■ Post Office
■ Bowman Library
■ Tutoring Services/ Writing Center
■ Athletics (Gym)
■ Student Success
■ Career Services 
■ Counseling and Wellness
■ Residential Life/OSA
Student Union Patio
4:00-5:00 PM Faculty Connections & Internship Showcase
Connect with Menlo’s outstanding faculty, staff, and students while enjoying light refreshments.

In addition to meeting faculty, you’ll discover what makes Menlo’s internship program such a powerful part of your educational experience.

There will be no formal speeches — instead, feel free to explore, mingle, and learn at your own pace. By combining the reception with the internship showcase, you’ll get the best of both worlds in one engaging opportunity.
President’s House

Say goodbye to guests!!


5:00-6:30 PMDinnerDining Hall
6:30–7:15 PMMenlo 411 
Learn from our student leaders what it’s reallylike to be a student at Menlo. They'll share insider tips and practical advice to help you make the most of your first year.
Student Union Patio
7:30–8:15 PMHousing and Residence Life Session
Led by our Assistant Director of Residence Life and Community Standards, along with our Community Assistants and Resident Fellows, you'll learn more about the residential experience and our community expectations.
Flo Mo Auditorium
Mandatory
8:30-10:00 PMMovie Night Under the Redwoods
Come to the quad under the stars for an outdoor movie night. Free popcorn, snacks, and drinks! Relax, connect with friends, and enjoy the evening. The first 50 students will receive a Menlo-branded picnic blanket.
Quad
Saturday, August 15
Event

Location

9:30-11:00 AMYoga on the Quad (10:00-10:45 AM)
Join us for a 45-minute yoga class on the Quad. Mats will be provided for the first 40 students to arrive, or feel free to bring your own mat or towel and a water bottle.
Varies
Library Orientation (9:30-11:00 AM)
Stop by during this casual orientation to get a quick overview of everything the Menlo Library has to offer: research tools, study spaces, free printing, and more. It’s quick, helpful, and you can come and go as you please.

Whether you're a study pro or just need a quiet place to think, the library has got you covered. See you there!
411 Station (in front of the Dining Hall) 
Student leaders will be available to answer questions, show you where your classes are located, etc. Come say hi!
10:00 AM-3:00 PMStudent Success Center
Stop by and chat with the Student Success team! We’re here to help with schedules, study tips, financial aid, billing, accommodations, and anything academic as you get ready for your first week. Donuts provided!
Administration 151
11:30 AM-12:30 PMBrunchDining Hall
1:00-2:15 PMSex Rules
College is a time to meet new people, build relationships, and create meaningful connections. In this interactive session, we'll talk about healthy relationships, consent, communication, boundaries, and what Title IX means for you as a student.
Flo Mo Auditorium
Mandatory
2:30-3:30 PM

Belong & Thrive: Building Your Menlo Experience
What does it mean to be an Oak? Join the Dean of Students to learn about building an inclusive community, making responsible choices, and succeeding with integrity. You'll leave with practical tips to help you thrive at Menlo and make a positive impact on campus.
Flo Mo Auditorium
Mandatory
5:00-6:30 PMDinnerDining Hall
8:00-9:30 PMSpeed Friending: Find your Social Circle
Make fast friends and real connections, then keep the conversation going online! Rotate through quick, two-minute chats with fellow first-year students using fun conversation prompts. Then stop by our "Find Your Circle" wall to swap social handles, find new friends to follow, and start building your community. Music and nachos provided.
Student Union
Sunday, August 16
Event

Location

9:30-11:30 AMTarget Runs (optional) 
Forgot something at home? Already out of toothpaste? Just want to walk around? Our staff and student leaders will be shuttling students to and from Target in Redwood City. Meet at the Flagpole at 9:30 AM
Varies
Walk to Santa Cruz Ave (meet at the Flagpole)
Explore downtown Menlo Park with some of our student leaders! Leave time 10:00 AM
411 Station (in front of the Dining Hall) 
Student leaders will be available to answer questions, show you where your classes are located, etc. Come say hi!
11:30 AM-12:30 PMBrunchDining Hall
4:30-5:00 PMNew Student Pinning Ceremony
The ceremony is a symbolic welcome for incoming students into the Menlo community. Students are presented with pins by administrators, faculty, staff, and students.
Quad
5:00-8:00 PMWelcome Back Block Party
It's an annual Menlo tradition. Join us for a fun evening welcoming everyone back to campus before the first day of classes.
Quad

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