We Can’t Wait to Welcome you to Vermont State University!
Our staff are here to help you discover all the resources available to support your success at VTSU.
Jump to: Summer Orientation | Fall Orientation
We’re excited to offer two essential events to kick-start your VTSU experience: Summer and Fall Orientation! Please RSVP for both events so you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. We can’t wait to see you at both orientations!
Students who study in-person at VTSU Learning sites are invited to attend orientation at any of our campus-based events listed below. This does not replace any program-specific orientation activities that may be required for select learning sites.
Summer Orientation
Summer Orientation is all about getting you ready for the year ahead. You’ll learn about campus resources, connect with key departments, and meet fellow students. It’s designed to help you take care of all the important business so you can be clear and confident about what’s next.
If you’re unable to attend in person because you’re not within traveling distance of a campus, or for another reason, don’t worry! Your Student Success Advisor will review important information with you during your on-boarding meeting, and you can always reach out to them with questions. You can also email VTSU Student Activities with any questions specific to orientation at StudentActivities@VermontState.edu
Summer Orientation Events
Castleton
Monday, July 20, 2026
Friday, July 31, 2026
Johnson
Friday, July 17, 2026
Lyndon
Friday, July 24, 2026
Randolph
Friday, July 31, 2026
Williston
Friday, June 26, 2026
Please take a moment to complete this form to let us know if you’ll be joining us or not: Summer Orientation RSVP Form.
Even if you don’t register in advance, or if your plans change, you’re always welcome to drop by and join us, whether you’ve signed up or not. We’d love to see you there!
Fall Orientation
Fall Orientation is your official kickoff to an exciting new semester! This is your chance to meet your fellow incoming students, connect with VTSU faculty, staff, and student leaders, and participate in fun, interactive activities that will help you feel at home on campus.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to start your journey at VTSU with the right connections and a strong sense of community. We can’t wait to see you there!
All new undergraduate students (commuter and residential) are expected to attend Fall Orientation as it’s a fantastic way to get to know VTSU, meet new people, and set yourself up for a successful semester ahead. Students who participate in orientation programs tend to have better academic and social transitions, and we want you to start strong!
That said, we understand that sometimes things come up. If you’re unable to attend, it is important that you let us know on the RSVP form below so we can make sure to provide you with details about how to access the information and SWAG from the event. You can always reach out to your Student Success Advisor with any questions. We’re all here to support you.
The Fall Orientation Event Schedule will be published in early July. In the meantime, hold the dates:
Castleton, Johnson, Lyndon and Randolph
Move-in is Thursday, August 20 (for those who will be living on campus) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Orientation for all incoming students: Friday, August 21 – Sunday, August 23
First day of classes: Monday, August 24
Williston
Move-in is Friday, August 21 (for those who will be living on campus) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Orientation for all incoming students: Friday, August 21 – Sunday August 23
First day of classes: Monday, August 24
Please take a moment to complete this form to let us know if you’ll be joining us or not: Fall Orientation RSVP Form
Even if you don’t register in advance, or if your plans change, you’re always welcome to drop by and join us, whether you’ve signed up or not. We’d love to see you there!
Jump to: | August 2026 Online Orientation | October 2026 Online Orientation
Online Orientation for Students Starting Your Program in August 2026
We invite you to join us for a live online orientation session on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 7:00pm – 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This event is hosted specifically for fully online students starting in the fall semester!
Representatives from key areas across the university will be there to share helpful information and tips to support you as you prepare for the fall semester. There will also be plenty of time for questions, so you can start the term feeling confident and connected.
We’re excited to welcome you to VTSU and help you start the fall semester off strong. Please take a moment to complete this form to let us know if you’ll be joining us or not: Online Orientation RSVP Form
Even if you don’t register in advance, or if your plans change, you’re always welcome to drop in and join us, whether you’ve signed up or not. We’d love to see you there!
If you can’t join us, the information we review will be available to you in the New Student On-boarding Canvas Class.
Meeting Info:
- Time: Aug 18, 2026 7:00pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
- Join Zoom Meeting
- https://vsc.zoom.us/j/93630354508
- Meeting ID: 936 3035 4508
Online Orientation for Students Starting Your Program in October 2026
We invite you to join us for a live online orientation session on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This event is hosted specifically for fully online students who are starting with VTSU in October.
Students planning an October start who are ready to complete orientation before August 18 may attend the August 18 Orientation listed above instead of the October session, or attend both (we’d be happy to see you again!). Program content will be the same.
Representatives from key areas across the university will be there to share helpful information and tips to support you as you prepare for the fall semester. There will also be plenty of time for questions, so you can start the term feeling confident and connected.
We’re excited to welcome you to VTSU and help you start the fall semester off strong. Please take a moment to complete this form to let us know if you’ll be joining us or not: Online Orientation RSVP Form
Even if you don’t register in advance, or if your plans change, you’re always welcome to drop in and join us, whether you’ve signed up or not. We’d love to see you there!
If you can’t join us, the information we review will be available to you in the New Student On-boarding Canvas Class.
Meeting Info:
- Time: Oct 13, 2026 7:00pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
- Join Zoom Meeting
- https://vsc.zoom.us/j/99071374000
- Meeting ID: 990 7137 4000
Orientation Schedules
Event schedules are subject to change. Need help getting around? View our online maps to get walking directions once you arrive on campus.
| Time | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Check – In: Check-in with Admissions and Student Orientation Staff (SOS) leaders. The Student Services Fair: Staff members are here to answer questions or offer help! | Castleton Pavilion |
| 10:00 a.m. | Welcome Remarks: Welcome to the VTSU Community on the Castleton campus | Castleton Pavilion |
| 10:15 a.m. | Living on / Getting to – Campus Life: Residential Students: Hear from ResLife staff about what to expect living on campus, and get answers to move-in questions. Commuting Students: Learn about life in the community, where to hang out on campus, and getting involved | Residential: Stafford Herrick Auditorium 146 Commuter: Jeffords Auditorium 122 |
| 11:00 a.m. | Campus Tours with SOS Leaders: An opportunity for new students to get to know the Student Orientation Staff Leaders, learn about campus life and see campus from a current student’s perspective | Follow an SOS Leader |
| Noon | Lunch: Take a break and join us for a free lunch | July 20: Castleton Pavilion July 31: Huden Dining Hall |
| 12:45 p.m. | Student Program Students Success Advisors Present: Meet your SSA! Get to know the staff member who can connect you to resources on campus and help you get off to a successful start Parent Program Q&A with Staff Members: An opportunity for guests to ask questions from various staff members across campus | Students: Stafford Herrick Auditorium 146 Families: Jeffords Auditorium 122 |
| 1:15 p.m. | Financial Aid and Paying for College: A presentation from the Financial Aid and Student Billing departments about paying the tuition bill | Casella Theater, Fine Arts Center |
| 1:45 p.m. | Academic Expectations: Meet with faculty members to discuss VTSU’s Connections Seminar program; designed to help first-year students understand and practice their academic responsibilities as new college students, as well as their role as active citizens in the University community | Casella Theater, Fine Arts Center |
| 2:15 p.m. | First Year Fears and Cheers: Meet with staff to understand the new student experience and the supports available on campus and online to help easy any concerns | Casella Theater, Fine Arts Center |
| 2:45 p.m. | Closing Remarks: Thank you so much for joining us, see you soon! | Casella Theater, Fine Arts Center |
| 3:00 p.m. | Open House: Departments are available in their offices to answer questions and offer help. Office Locations: Academic Support Center & Disability Services, Bottom Floor Babcock Hall Admissions, Wright House Athletics, Spartan Athletic Complex / Glenbrook Gymnasium Financial Aid Office, Bottom Floor Woodruff IT Services, Stafford Academic Center Library Services, Calvin Coolidge Library National Guard Recruiter, Bottom Floor Woodruff Multilingual Students Services, Moriarty House Registrar, Bottom Floor Woodruff Student Government Association, Campus Center Student and Residential Life, Campus Center Student Success Advisors, Bottom Floor Woodruff Wellness Center, Campus Center | Various Locations: use our online campus map to help find your way around! |
| Time | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 a.m. | Check-In: Check-in with orientation staff and meet with some our departments from campus | Stearns Fireplace Lounge |
| 10:00 a.m. | Welcome Remarks: Student affairs staff and student orientation staff extend their welcome to our VTSU community! | Stearns Performance Space |
| 10:15 a.m. | Student and Family Program Living on Campus: Meet with a member of the Resident Life team to get a better idea of what to bring, what not bring, Res Life safety, support, and programming Commuting to Campus: Meet with commuter students to learn about university life as a commuter and where to go when you are on campus | Residents: Stearns Performance Space Commuters: Dewey Hall, 1867 Room |
| 11:00 a.m. | Student Program Meet with Advising: Meet with members of the Advising department to learn how they can help you, as well as how to navigate the VSC portal Family Program Department Q&A Session: Meet members from various departments around campus and get your questions answered | Students: Dewey Hall, 132 Families: Stearns Performance Space |
| 11:45 a.m. | Student and Family Program First Year Fears: An opportunity for guests to ask questions still needed from various staff members across campus | Stearns Performance Space |
| 12:05 p.m. | Lunch (lunch tickets in your folder): Enjoy lunch in the Performance Space and share a table with another student or with a member of the Johnson campus community. WE will also be going over the results of the First-year fears survey | Stearns Dining Hall |
| 12:45 p.m. | Student and Family Program Billing, Student Accounts, and Work-Study: Meet staff from Student Administrative Services who will provide you with payment plan options, financial aid tips, and work-study options | Stearns Performance Space |
| 1:30 p.m. | Student and Family Program Academic Expectations: Meet with faculty members to learn about academic expectations and what course loads might look like | Stearns Performance Space |
| 2:15 p.m. | Student and Family Program Campus Tours and Goodbye: Take a tour of campus and get a sneak peak of the classrooms and facilities on campus | Various Locations |
| Time | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Check-In: Check-in with staff and Orientation Leaders (OL) – iPad check-in Student Services Fair: Staff members are here to answer questions or offer help. Please make sure to fill out a first-year fear’s questionnaire! | Moore Community Room Lobby |
| 10:00 a.m. | Welcome Remarks: Student Life staff and Orientation leader’s extend their welcome to the VTSU community | Moore Community Room |
| 10:15 a.m. | Living on / Getting to Campus Residential Students: Hear from ResLife Staff about what to expect living on campus, and answer questions about move-in! Commuting Students: Learn about life in the community, where to hang out on campus, and getting involved! | Residential: Moore Community Room Commuter: ASAC 106 |
| 10:45 a.m. | Academic Expectations – Faculty Session: Learn more about academic expectations and what course loads might look like | Moore Community Room |
| 11:15 a.m. | Campus Tour Scavenger Hunt: An opportunity for new students to get to know the Student Orientation Leaders, learn about campus life and see campus from a current student’s perspective | Depart from Moore Community Room |
| Noon | Lunch: Take a break and join us for lunch! Talk about dining options on campus and how to access them | Moore Community Room/Stevens Dining Hall |
| 12:45 p.m. | Financial Aid and Paying for College: A session for student and families to learn more about financial aid and the cost of college, with time for questions and answers. We’ll also address common questions collected during check0in to make sure everyone has the information they need. | Moore Community Room |
| 1:15 p.m. | Student Program Meet your Student Success Advisor & First Year Cheers & Fears: Meet your SSA and get to know the staff member who will connect you to campus resources and help you start strong, with quick one-on-one check-ins to confirm your registration is complete. You’ll also hear about the first-year experience, available support services, and get answers to common questions collected at check-in | ASAC 106 |
| 1:15 p.m. | Family Program Q&A with Staff Members: An opportunity for guests to ask questions still needed from various staff members across campus | Moore Community Room |
| 2:00 p.m. | Hornet Hangout: A fun rotation of activities to help Hornets meet people, relax, and get comfortable on campus. Students can play kickball, participate in an egg relay relay race, try tarot readings, write a time capsule letter, or connect with the Wellness Center | Skip Pound Complex |
| 3:00 p.m. | Closing Remarks: Thank you so much for joining us! We’ll see you soon! | Moore Community Room |
| Time | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Meet & Greet Coffee Hour: Arrive and enjoy coffee and pastries while visiting with staff and faculty from various departments. Check-in: Check in with admissions staff and orientation leaders. Students can fill out the First Year Cheers & Fears survey, which will be used later in the day. | Campus Center |
| 10:00 a.m. | Welcome Address: Dean of Students and Interim Director of Student Success Jamia Danzy will welcome students to the VTSU community. Additional remarks from Ernie Fernandez, Director of Institutional Advancement. | Campus Center |
| 10:15 a.m. | Student and Family Program: Attendees will be divided into two groups. One group will meet with your Student Success team for a fun activity to get to know staff and services that are available on campus. The other group will hear from our Student Government President, the Director of Athletics, and Public Safety. Groups will rotate sessions at 10:50. | Conant Upstairs Conant 102 |
| 11:25 a.m. | Student Panel Discussion: Orientation leaders will address student concerns expressed in the First Year Cheers & Fears surveys, followed by a Q&A of what to expect in your first year at college. Family Panel Discussion: Families will meet with Student Success staff to discuss the results of the First Year Cheers & Fears survey and have their questions answered. | Student Panel: Campus Center Family Panel: Hartness Library |
| Noon | Lunch: Talk about dining options on campus and how to access them. | Morey Dining Hall |
| 12:45 p.m. | Campus Life: Students who will be living on campus will meet with Siobhan Anderson-Judkins, the Assistant Director of Residence Life, for information on residence hall living. Students who will be commuting will learn more about services available to commuter students, how to get involved in campus clubs and activities, and great places to hang out on campus. | Residential Students: Campus Center Commuter Students: Hartness Library |
| 1:25 p.m. | Financial Aid: Learn more about paying for college. | Campus Center |
| 2:00 p.m. | Academic Experience: Learn more about VTSU’s Connections Seminar program, designed to help first-year students understand and practice their academic responsibilities as new college students, as well as their role as active citizens in the University community. | Campus Center |
| 2:30 p.m. | Tour and Goodbye: Orientation leaders will conduct tours around campus. Stick around for prizes! Thank you so much for joining us, we’ll see you again soon! | Leaving from the Campus Center |
Thursday, September 10, 2026
New Student Check-in
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. / The Lodge (63 Weathervane Rd., Killington, VT)
You will receive the following at check-in
- Class schedule & rosters
- Orientation schedule
- Name tags
- Room checklist (assistant manager will go over this with you)
- VTSU ID (needed to enter The Lodge)
- Supplies for your room to include:
- Small Trash Can
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Cleaning supplies
- Shower curtain and rings
- Toilet brush, sponges and gloves
Each student will have an Assistant Manager as their main point of contact throughout the weekend. These will be assigned at arrival.
Your Assistant Manager will escort you over to the classrooms Thursday afternoon as well as help lead you on the RHM tour on Friday.
Lunch
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch buffet at The Lodge
At your leisure, you and your family are welcome to have lunch in the dining room.
Orientation
2:15 p.m. Meet in lobby to caravan over to classrooms
Meet your Assistant Manager in the dining room. The Assistant Manager will escort your group
over to the Route 4 classrooms for the RHM program orientation. Parking is in the rear of the
building.
PLEASE – WEAR YOUR NAME TAG TO THE CLASSROOM
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Killington Sports Classrooms (2326 US-4, Killington, VT)
Introductions from:
Dean – VTSU
- Cathy Kozlik
RHM faculty and staff
- Kristel Killary, Faculty & Program Coordinator
- Kara LaMountain, The Lodge General Manager
- Other faculty members
- Killington Resort & Woodstock Inn & Resort Leadership Team
- Mike Solimano, Killington Resort, President & General Manager
- Chris Condon, Killington Resort, Vice President of Technology & Employee Experience
- Judy Geiger, Woodstock Inn & Resort, Director of People & Culture
Welcome BBQ Dinner
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. / The Lodge
Your family and friends are invited to enjoy dinner with us. Some of the RHM students who have just completed their RHM 2400-Summer Co-Op will be around as well.
Friday, September 11, 2026
9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. / Grab & Go Lunch and meet your assistant manager in the Lodge Lobby
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. / Tour & Lunch at Killington Peak (A short hike is part of this– wear appropriate shoes. You will also be boarding the K-1 Express Gondola.)
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Free Time
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Pizza & Ice Cream Party / Lodge Dining Room
Saturday, September 12, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Brunch at The Lodge Dining Room
12:30 p.m. Hike Deer Leap*
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wellness Talk at The Lodge Dining Room
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Dinner at The Lodge Dining Room
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. / Tie-Dye Shirts at The Lodge (new students and Lodge managers)
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Thanks to our friends at the resort, you will have vouchers to enjoy the Adventure Center or Bike Park while the returning students move back into The Lodge.
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Brunch at The Lodge Dining Room
12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Adventure Center & Bike Park*
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Dinner at The Lodge Dining Room
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Mandatory Lodge Meeting
Monday, September 14, 2026
First day of classes! Be sure to check your schedule – arrive 5-10 minutes early! Parking for the classrooms are in the back of the building. Do not park out front of the store.
*Weather Permitting – Alternative activities may be announced.
Information coming soon!
Questions?
Please contact the office of Student Activities at StudentActivities@VermontState.edu