Monday, August 21, 2023

8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Move-In*

Welcome to Vassar! Pull up to your House to move into your room. Keys and ID Cards will be available inside your dorm. Our House Teams have been eagerly awaiting your arrival and will help you move your belongings. After moving in, stay tuned for later activities. (Core Event)

9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.: Resource Fair

Location: Bridge for Laboratory Sciences (South Atrium, North Atrium, and Patio)

After checking in, bring your parents/family to learn about various resources at Vassar College. Students, please stop to pick up your academic advising folders. Parents/Family, please pick up a Family Welcome Folder. (Core Event)

9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Student and Family Meal

Proceed to Gordon Commons for a meal—on us.

1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.: First-Year Student Athlete Welcome: Families

Location: Villard Room

All first-year student-athletes and their families are invited to participate in an information session with Michelle Walsh, Director of Athletics & Physical Education. Families of students considering trying out for any varsity or varsity club team(s) are also welcome. Topics of discussion will include an overview of the sports programs, participation requirements, and resources for student-athletes and families. The session will conclude with an open question and answer period.

2:45 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: First Group Meeting (Orientation Leaders and Student Fellows)

Location: Various/Homerooms

Fellow groups will be together in groups led by your Orientation Leader. Meet with your Orientation Leader to learn more about the Orientation schedule and get to know some of your classmates, along with the Orientation staff. (Core Event)

3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: President’s Welcome (Family & Friends)

Location: Chapel

Join us for a special welcome from President Elizabeth Bradley, Dean of the Faculty William Hoynes, Dean of the College Carlos Alamo, and Vassar Student Association President Olivia Gross.

4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Reception and Family & Friends Farewell

Location: President’s Lawn (rain location: Villard Room)

Gather on the President’s Lawn for refreshments and to meet administrators from various campus offices.

It’s time to say farewell! This is the last event during orientation for families and friends.

5:00 p.m.–6:15 p.m.: Student Fellow Group Meal

Location: Houses

Every new student is placed in a Student Fellow group, a vibrant Vassar tradition, to support you in your holistic transition into college life. Meet up with your Student Fellow and the other new students in your group for the first time. Please proceed to the Gordon Commons in accordance with the rotation schedule. (Core Event)

6:15 p.m.–9:15 p.m.: We Are Here Tour/House Team Meetings (Weather Dependent)

We Are Here Tour

Location: In Front of Gordon Commons

If weather is not an issue, you will meet your Orientation Leader and your Student Fellow to start a tour around campus where you will learn about Vassar’s unique history. (Core Event)

House Team Meeting

If the weather does not permit the tour:

• 8:15 p.m.–9:00 p.m.: Cushing, Davison, Jewett, Josselyn, Raymond
• 9:15–10:00 p.m.: Lathrop, Main, Noyes, Strong

Meet the House Fellow (live-in faculty member), House Advisor (live-in residential education administrator), and House Team (upperclass students) in your House! The House Fellow, House Advisor, and House Team each play significant roles in the development of the House’s community, maintaining health and wellness, and infusing learning into our living environments. Say hi and get to know these important residential resources! (Core Event)

9:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.: Late Night at Gordon Commons

Location: Gordon Commons

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.: Breakfast

Location: Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for breakfast.

9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.: President’s Welcome (Students)

Location: Chapel

Join us for a special welcome from President Elizabeth Bradley, Dean of the Faculty William Hoynes, Dean of the College Carlos Alamo, and Vassar Student Association President Olivia Gross. (Core Event)

10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.: General Academic Advising

Location: Chapel

The Dean of Studies, the Dean First-Year Students will review the basic information all first-year students need to complete the registration process and offer strategies for constructing a course schedule that reflects the goals of a liberal arts college. Students will also be given an overview of how to use Ask Banner to access the online schedule of classes as well as their schedules and transcripts. Students should bring their Orientation folder with them to this meeting. (Core Event)

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Apps to Live By

Location: Rocky 200

Discover and explore resources that promote productivity, reduce distraction, and strengthen study skills. Share what works for you! This workshop touches on executive function, academics, and wellness.

12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Lunch & Wellness Break

Location: Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for lunch.

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.: Group Meeting with Pre-Major Advisor

Location: Varies

Make your way to your pre-major advisor’s office and arrive by 2:00 p.m. In your Orientation folder, you will find a letter from the Dean of First-Year Students identifying who your pre-major advisor is and where to find them. At this meeting, your advisor will give you your preliminary fall schedule (the results of your summer pre-registration) and answer any questions you may have about the registration process. Your advisor will also offer advice about selecting the additional courses you need to complete your schedule. Your advisor may also discuss some important aspects of academic life at Vassar, including the transition from high school to college; expectations for class attendance, laboratories, and the submission of written work; examination policies; and academic integrity. If you need help finding your advisor’s office, ask your Student Fellow for directions or stop by the Dean of First-Year Students Office (Main North, Room 128). (Core Event)

3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Thrive

Location: Homerooms

Meet your Vassar College Counseling Service (VCCS) team and have fun practicing their top 10 tips for supporting your mental health and well being. (Core Event)

4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Wellness Planning

Location: Homerooms

The Wellness Planning workshop sets the foundation for students to embark on their college journey with a strong focus on holistic wellness, empowering them to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Through interactive activities and discussions, participants will learn practical strategies and tools to create a personalized wellness plan tailored to their individual needs and goals. (Core Event)

5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.: Dinner & Wellness Break

Location: Gordon Commons

Meet up with your Fellow Group and join them for dinner at the Gordon Commons.

7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.: Student Growth & Engagement Open House/Affinity Center Receptions

Location: ALANA Center (near Admissions), LGBTQ+ Center (CC213), Office of International Services Lounge (CC237), FLI Lounge (Josselyn 234), Women’s Center (CC235)

Come and see what Student Growth & Engagement (SGE) is all about! Learn more about the ALANA Center, The First-generation, Low Income (FLI) Program (formerly the Transitions Program), the Office of International Services, the LGBTQ+ Center, and Women’s Center.

8:30 p.m.–10:15 p.m.: House Team Meetings/We Are Here Tour

House Team Meetings

Location: Varies

• 8:15 p.m.–9:00 p.m.: Cushing, Davison, Jewett, Josselyn, Raymond
• 9:15–10:00 p.m.: Lathrop, Main, Noyes, Strong

Meet the House Fellow (live-in faculty member), House Advisor (live-in residential education administrator), and House Team (upperclass students) in your House! The House Fellow, House Advisor, and House Team each play significant roles in the development of the House’s community, maintaining health and wellness, and infusing learning into our living environments. Say hi and get to know these important residential resources! (Core Event)

We Are Here Tour

Location: Only if the weather did not permit the tour on Monday

Meet your Orientation Leader and your Student Fellow to start a tour around campus where you will learn about Vassar’s unique history. (Core Event)

9:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.: Late Night at Gordon Commons

Location: Gordon Commons

Grab a quick late-night snack! Mozzarella sticks, warm pretzels, spring rolls, and more!

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.: Breakfast

Location: Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for breakfast.

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Faculty Presentations

Location: Various Locations

Wondering what your professors will be like? Curious about a subject you’ve never studied before? This is your chance to find out. Members of Vassar’s faculty will give informal talks about their current research. There will be three 45-minute sessions beginning at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00, each offering a diverse array of presentations. A complete program can be found at the back of this schedule.

12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Lunch & Wellness Break

Location: Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for lunch.

12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Transfer, Visiting, and Exchange (TVE) Student Lunch Meet & Greet

Location: College Center Multi-Purpose Room

A casual gathering with members of the Dean of Studies, Student Growth and Engagement, and Student Living and Wellness.

2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Varsity Sport GI

Location: Rocky 300

Interested in participating in a club sport, recreational org or intramurals? Join us to learn more about opportunities to join intramurals, rugby, rowing, frisbee, Quad Ball, ski team, archery and sailing to name a few.

3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: We Are Here Stories from Peers

Location: Homerooms/Villard Room

This We Are Here series is sponsored by the Student Growth & Engagement (SGE) team and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices (RSLCP). This event begins with Ted-style talks by featured Vassar student speakers. (Core Event)

5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.: Dinner & Wellness Break

Location: Gordon Commons

Meet up with your Fellow Group and join them for dinner at the Gordon Commons.

7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.: One Less

Location: Homerooms

During this program you will engage in an open dialogue with wellness peer educators, student Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and Orientation Leaders to learn more about One Less. One Less is an alcohol education program: choosing One Less can have positive effects on your academics and your health. Whatever your reasons are, join the conversation with the Wellness Peer Educators (WPE), EMTs and our Orientation Leaders to learn about One Less. (Core Event)

8:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.: RSLCP Open House

Location: Pratt House

Join Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices (RSLCP) for a fun, relaxed night at the newly renovated home for Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices in Pratt House.

9:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.: Lantern Walk

Location: Library Lawn

Pause for a moment among illuminated paper lanterns as we transition to campus communal life. All are welcome. Sponsored by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices.

9:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.: Late Night at Gordon Commons

Location: Gordon Commons

Grab a quick late-night snack at the Grill and Coffee n Sweets!

Thursday, August 24, 2023

7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.: Breakfast

Location: Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for breakfast.

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Departmental and Advanced Placement Advising

Location: Department and Program Offices

Representatives from all academic departments and programs will be available for individual consultations. If you are not sure which math or language course is right for you, or if you received a 4 or a 5 on an AP exam (or equivalent IB or A-level examination) and want to take an intermediate-level course, or if you are interested in a special permission (SP) course such as music lessons, this is the time to get the information and/or permissions you need. Be sure to bring your registration form with you. See locations and descriptions.

12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Lunch & Wellness Break

Location: Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for lunch.

12:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.: Individual Meetings with Pre-Major Advisors

Location: Varies

Now that you’ve had a chance to reflect on your choice of courses and to obtain information and advice on placement, you will meet again with your advisor to discuss your schedule in detail and complete it by adding and, if necessary, dropping courses. At this time, you will also be able to add any intermediate or advanced courses that were not included in the summer pre-registration, except for special permission courses that require the instructor’s signature (these can be added during the first two weeks of classes). Since there may not be space in some of the classes you have chosen, you should discuss alternative selections with your advisor and put them down on your form. At the end of your meeting, your advisor will sign your registration form, signifying that you have consulted with them. Note: Do not leave your advisor’s office before they sign your form! You cannot register for classes on Thursday or Friday without a completed and signed form. (Core Event)

3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Speak About It & Culture of Consent

Location: Homerooms

Culture of Consent: Consent is an essential component in both sexual and non-sexual relationships. With your orientation homeroom, you will explore what it means to ask for consent in a variety of contexts and what the standard of “affirmative consent” feels like in practice. Together, we can support each other in building a culture founded in practicing affirmative, enthusiastic consent that honors our various desires, centers all participants’ autonomy and agency, and moves us toward liberatory, joyful relationships. (Core Event)

Speak About It: This thought-provoking virtual performance offers a frank and fun approach to the topic of consent, using skits, monologues, and interactive dialogue to spark conversation about what healthy sex can and should look like. Based on true stories, Speak About It addresses topics including consent, sexual assault, and how students can intervene as empowered bystanders to confront gender-based violence. Content warning: This session discusses themes of sexual and gender-based violence. (Core Event)

5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.: We Are Here Conversations & Stories with Fellow Group

Location: Houses

The We Are Here series offers us an opportunity to build relationships with one another around the shared experience of starting our journey at Vassar together. We will get to know one another by listening and sharing about who we are. This session celebrates the present moment, honors where we’ve come from, and asks us about our paths ahead. (Core Event)

6:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.: Arlington Amble

Location: Raymond Ave, Collegeview Ave, Farmer’s Market, Alumnae/i House

The Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) welcomes you to enjoy a Vassar Devil, a signature dessert, up at Alumnae House! Move on to the fabulous Arlington Farmers’ Market. Then explore your new neighborhood in your student fellow groups. Head on to Raymond Avenue with its bevy of coffee shops, delis, restaurants, and stores you need to know about. Find out which Arlington merchants accept VCash.

6:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.: Dinner & Wellness Break

Location: Gordon Commons

Meet up with your Fellow Group and join them for dinner at the Gordon Commons.

8:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.: Activity Night

Location: Old Bookstore, the Loeb Sculpture Garden

Game Night with Student Living and Wellness, Coffeehouse @ The Loeb, etc.

9:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.: Late Night at Gordon Commons

Location: Gordon Commons

Grab a quick late-night snack at the Grill and Coffee n Sweets!

Friday, August 25, 2023

7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.: Breakfast

Location: Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for breakfast.

8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Course Registration

Location: College Center Multi-Purpose Room

All entering students must come to the College Center Multi-Purpose Room (2nd floor) to finalize their schedules for the fall semester with a representative from the Office of the Registrar. Students register at specific times on Thursday or Friday based on the number of units for which they were pre-registered and on a random draw number. The time for your registration is printed on your registration form. Don’t forget to bring your registration form, signed by your advisor, with you!

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.: Matriculation Book Signing and Voter Registration

Matriculation Book Signing

Location: President’s House/Patio

Matriculation Book Signing: Visit with the President and/or a member of the senior team to sign the Matriculation Book! It is our oldest tradition. Students have been signing this book since 1865. Signing this book signifies that you are an official candidate for a degree at Vassar College and a member of our community. (Core Event)

Voter Registration

Location: Outside the College Center Multi-Purpose Room

One last stop after you’ve registered for classes! Students from Democracy Matters will be on hand to answer any questions you might have about voting/voter registration and absentee ballots. The Vassar Votes team will help you register to vote either in Poughkeepsie or your hometown. Please have your state ID and social security number ready to ease the registration process. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Vassar Votes.

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Student Living & Wellness Exploration

Location: CC240

You’ve heard from a lot of different people and learned about all of the magnificent resources offered at Vassar, but where are they? Pick up your Passport in the Villard Room and go on a tour with one of our Orientation Staff Members to the different locations throughout campus. At each stop, you’ll get a stamp. When you return, exchange your completed resource passport for an entry to a raffle and a resource guideline. (Core Event)

10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m: Transfer, Visiting, and Exchange Q&A

Location: Cushing Multi-Purpose Room

Curious about the social culture at Vassar? Stop by this Q&A session and have an opportunity to ask some of your fellow peers questions you want to know to help you adjust to a new school!

11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Deans, Dogs, and Drinks

Location: Library

Get to know members of the Dean of College Team. Stop by to learn a bit about how we support students and build community…and pet some therapy dogs while you’re at it!

12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.: Student Employment Job Fair

Location: College Center North & South Atrium

Students can stop by to learn about some of Vassar’s student job opportunities from on-campus employers and the Student Employment Office. If you have already been offered a job, Student Employment will also be available to help complete your pre-employment paperwork on-site. Be sure to bring your I-9 documents if you plan to complete that step!

12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Lunch & Wellness Break

Location: Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for lunch.

1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.: VMSA Jummah Friday Prayers

Location: Pratt House

Want to learn more about being Muslim and Islam on campus? Curious about Islam? Come take part in our weekly Friday prayer or just observe. Yummy Halal food, upperclassmen with great advice for college, and meeting other first years. We are an inclusive community and love people from all backgrounds.

5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.: Dinner & Wellness Break

Location: Gordon Commons

Meet up with your Fellow Group and join them for dinner at the Gordon Commons.

5:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.: Shabbat Crawl

Location: Chabad House on Fulton (94 Fulton Ave) and The Bayit (51 Collegeview Ave)

Shabbat shalom! Come get a taste of Jewish Life at Vassar with Chabad Jewish Community and Vassar Jewish Union during our First Year Shabbat Crawl. At 6:00 p.m. we will have students ready to meet you on campus and walk with you to Chabad House. The Chabad House is located at 94 Fulton Ave. We’ll begin with a Shabbat dinner and hang out time at Chabad House on Fulton at 6:15 p.m. We’ll then walk together to the Bayit for an inclusive and fun student-led Shabbat service starting around 7:30 p.m, followed by dessert and more hangout time at the Bayit. The Bayit is located at 51 Collegeview Ave.

9:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.: Movie Night

Location: Villard Room

9:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.: Late Night at Gordon Commons

Location: Gordon Commons

Grab a quick late-night snack at the Grill and Coffee n Sweets!

Saturday, August 26, 2023

8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Brunch

Location: Gordon Commons

10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Guitar Auditions

Location: Location: Skinner Hall, Room 325

Sign-up for an audition in advance by filling out the Guitar Audition Google Form. The form will open on Monday, August 21, 2023. For questions about guitar auditions or lessons, please email Trevor Babb.

10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Brunch with Live Music

Location: Gordon Commons

11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Explore Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie

Location: Main Circle (near big tent) for Tours, and North Lot (behind Jewett) for Buses and Van to Mall and Walkway (last van/bus out is at 2 p.m.)

Join us for an opportunity to explore Poughkeepsie! We have three off-campus options to satisfy everyone’s interests. For the shopper, there is a trip to the Poughkeepsie Galleria so you can pick up some last-minute school supplies. For the nature-lover, check out our walk over to the Preserve and enjoy some of the beauty we have to offer in our city of trees (these tours go from 12–3 p.m.). Finally, if you like a little sightseeing and art with nature, enjoy a trip to the Walkway Over the Hudson, a walking bridge that takes you from Poughkeepsie to Highland.

The Preserve

Location: In front of the Library, these tours go out at noon

For the nature-lover, check out our walk over to the Preserve and enjoy some of the beauty we have to offer in our city of trees.

1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Voice Lesson Auditions

Location: Martel Recital Hall, Skinner Hall of Music

Voice lessons involve the study of the bel canto tradition in singing, with a focus predominantly on classical vocal repertoire and technique. Auditions are competitive. Sign up for an audition in advance by filling out the Voice Lesson Audition Google Form. The form will open Monday, August 21, 2023. Students are encouraged to prepare one classical vocal piece in any language, preferably memorized. Please bring a copy of the music with piano accompaniment, as an accompanist will be provided. Students who do not have a classical piece prepared may also present selections from musical theater or other music genres. For any questions, please email Rachel Rosales.

4:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.: Orchestra and Chamber Music Auditions

Location: Martel Recital Hall, Skinner Hall of Music

The Vassar College Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra of about 60 students. The group meets twice a week and gives two or three concerts per semester, performing master works of the symphonic repertoire.

Participation is open to all students by audition regardless of their chosen majors. The Vassar College Chamber Music program offers students opportunities to participate in string quartets, piano trios, wind quintets, and other less traditional formations depending on the repertoire. The groups perform once each semester in the recital hall and several times in other venues on and off campus. Participation is open to all students by audition and may be taken for credit. For the audition, you will be asked to play two short contrasting excerpts (fast/slow) of your choice, and there will also be some simple sight-reading. If you have any questions please email our Orchestra Director, Eduardo Navega. Please fill out a Google form to sign up for an audition. The forms will open Monday, August 21, 2023.

4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.: Transfer, Visiting, and Exchange Dinner

Location: College Center Multi-Purpose Room (CCMPR)

Stop by the CCMPR for dinner with Dean Luis and ResLife Staff!

4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.: Office of International Studies & FLI Dinners

Location: Gordon Commons, Second Floor

First-generation, Low Income (FLI) Program

Are you a first generation, low income and/or undocumented student? If so, the FLI Program is for you! Grab your plate and join us on the second floor of the Gordon Commons, get an overview of FLI, mingle with your cohort and meet the director and student leaders.

Office of International Studies

All first-year international students are invited for a chance to regroup, relax, and reconnect with new friends and peers. OIS interns and staff will be present to informally check in and to answer any questions.

4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.: Dinner & Brewer Games Prep

Location: Gordon Commons

Meet up with your Fellow Group and join them for dinner at the Gordon Commons.

6:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.: Brewer Parade

Location: Houses

Break out your best house pride outfits and get those chants ready as you walk with your house to the Brewer Games. House points will be given to the most spirited and best-dressed houses.

7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.: Brewer Games

Location: Noyes Circle

Who will be this year’s champion? Is your house the best house? Here is a chance to get up, get moving, show house spirit, and get involved. Houses will compete in “Brewer Games” for bragging rights. Make sure you have your house shirts, colors, and cheers ready! Student athletes and wellness peer educators will be participating and helping out.

8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.: First-Year Frenzy

Location: Library Lawn

Keep up your excitement from the Brewer Games and join First-Year Experience for a carnival-style evening outside.

9:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.: Late Night at Gordon Commons

Location: Gordon Commons

Grab a quick late-night snack at the Grill and Coffee n Sweets!

Sunday, August 27, 2023

9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.: Brunch

Location: Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for breakfast.

11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m.: Piano at Vassar

Location: Martel Recital Hall, Skinner Hall of Music

Come and learn about the piano lesson program at Vassar. For any questions, please contact Tom Sauer.

11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Lunch & Wellness Break

Location: Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for lunch.

11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Explore Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie

Location: Main Circle (near big tent) for Tours and North Lot (behind Jewett) for Buses and Van to Mall and Walkway (last van/bus out is at 2 p.m.)

Join us for an opportunity to explore Poughkeepsie! We have three off-campus options to satisfy everyone’s interests. For the shopper, there is a trip to the Poughkeepsie Galleria so you can pick up some last-minute school supplies. For the nature-lover, check out our walk over to the Preserve and enjoy some of the beauty we have to offer in our city of trees (these tours go from 12–3 p.m.). Finally, if you like a little sightseeing and art with nature, enjoy a trip to the Walkway Over the Hudson, a walking bridge that takes you from Poughkeepsie to Highland.

The Preserve

Location: In front of the Library, these tours go out at noon

For the nature-lover, check out our walk over to the Preserve and enjoy some of the beauty we have to offer in our city of trees.

12:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Orchestra & Chamber Music Auditions

Location: Martel Recital Hall, Skinner Hall of Music

The Vassar College Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra of about 60 students. The group meets twice a week and gives two or three concerts per semester, performing master works of the symphonic repertoire.

Participation is open to all students by audition regardless of their chosen majors. The Vassar College Chamber Music program offers students opportunities to participate in string quartets, piano trios, wind quintets, and other less traditional formations depending on the repertoire. The groups perform once each semester in the recital hall and several times in other venues on and off campus. Participation is open to all students by audition and may be taken for credit. For the audition, you will be asked to play two short contrasting excerpts (fast/slow) of your choice, and there will be also some simple sight-reading. If you have any questions please email our Orchestra Director, Eduardo Navega. Please fill out a Google form to sign up for an audition. The forms will open Monday, August 21, 2023.

1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Choral Auditions

Location: Skinner Hall, Room 400

Please sign up in advance on the Choral Audition Google Form. The form will open on Monday, August 21, 2023.

Students are encouraged to prepare one classical vocal piece in any language, preferably memorized. Please bring a copy of the music with piano accompaniment, as an accompanist will be provided. Students who do not have a classical piece prepared may also present selections from musical theater or other music genres. If you have any questions please contact Christine Howlett.

2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Flute Auditions

Location: Skinner Hall, Room 325

Sign-up for an audition in advance by filling out the Flute Audition Google Form. The form will open Monday, August 21, 2023.

For questions about flute lessons, please contact Susan Rotholz.

3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.: Fall Pipedreams

Location: Chapel

Learn about the organ lesson program at Vassar. For questions about organ or harpsichord lessons, please contact Gail Archer.

3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.: VSA Open House and Student Activities Fair

VSA Open House

Location: VSA Office / College Center Room 207

VSA Open House: The VSA is the student government of Vassar College and all students are members of the VSA! Come meet your representatives on the VSA Executive Board and VSA Senate. Additionally, you will have the chance to learn about the positions available for members in your class year. Light refreshments will be available.

Student Activities Fair

Location: Chapel Lawn

Student Activities Fair: Get Involved! Come learn about all the different student organizations that Vassar has to offer. Whether you are interested in finding your dream role in a student theater production, singing your heart out, making people laugh or just plain raising your voice to make a difference, you are bound to find something here. Representatives from organizations will be present with information on what they do and how you can get involved. Come and learn what fun opportunities are waiting! (Core Event)

4:30 p.m.–8:15 p.m.: RSLCP Services

Multiple campus communities will be offering various religious and spiritual practices for more information about specific services please contact the point person or people listed below.

Episcopal Church at Vassar College (ECVC) Ecumenical Christian Worship

• 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Pratt House, Meditation and Prayer Room (2nd Floor)
• Contacts: Elizabeth Stockon Perkins, Thayer Lehman Boyer

Buddhist Sangha Sitting Meditation

• 7:30–8:15 p.m. at Pratt House
• Contacts: Ammavi Miriyagalla, Andrew Blackburn

Vassar Catholic Community (VCC) Catholic Mass

• 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Chapel
• Contacts: Linda Tuttle

6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m.: Class Photo

Location: Commencement Hill

Walk with your fellow group to commencement hill to take a picture with your entire class!

8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.: Welcome Concert

Location: Martel Recital Hall

Presented by members of the music department faculty.

8:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.: Campfire & Serenading

Location: Noyes Circle

Serenading is one of Vassar’s oldest traditions. It is an opportunity for Vassar’s sophomores, juniors, and seniors to welcome the Class of 2027 and new transfers to the College via a song or two. Various acapella groups will be performing in honor of the incoming class. New students will also have an opportunity to perform for their peers.

9:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.: Late Night at Gordon Commons

Location: Gordon Commons

Grab a quick late-night snack at the Grill and Coffee n Sweets!

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Convocation

Location: Chapel