Monday, August 26, 2024

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 IDs will be available at your House. Our House Teams have been eagerly awaiting your arrival and will help ensure you have a smooth move-in process. 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, which includes your meal voucher. (Core Event)

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

Location: Express in College Center or Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for a meal on us (please find your voucher in the Family Welcome Folder).

1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.: Student-Athlete Welcome-- First-Years & 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 teams(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, Interim Dean of the Faculty Brian Daly, Dean of the College Carlos Alamo, and Vassar Student Association President Emily Doucet.

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)

7:00 p.m.–9:15 p.m.: House Team Meetings

House Team Meeting:

• 7:00–8:00 p.m.: Cushing, Raymond, Davison, Noyes, Joss
• 8:15–9:15 p.m.: Jewett, Strong, Lathrop, Main

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, get to know these important residential resources, and learn about our residential curriculum H.O.M.E.! (Core Event)

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!

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.: Breakfast

Location: Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for breakfast.

9:00 a.m.–9:30 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 Emily Doucet. (Core Event)

9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.: General Academic Advising

Location: Chapel

The Registrar and the Dean of First-Year Students will give an overview of the week’s academic events and advising schedule. They will review the essential information for all students to complete the registration process. This includes strategies for creating a course schedule that meets the goals of a liberal arts education and explores the breadth of Vassar’s curriculum. 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 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.: Culture of Consent I: Boundaries, Communication, & Respect

Location: Homerooms

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 centers all participants’ autonomy and agency and moves us toward liberatory, joyful relationships.

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.

6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.: Student Growth & Engagement Open House/Affinity Center Receptions

Location:

• ALANA Center (near Admissions)
• LGBTQ+ Center (CC213)
• OIS 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 FLI Program, the Office of International Services, the LGBTQ+ Center, and Women’s Center, and what to expect out of your First Year Experience!

8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.: We Are Here Tour

Location: Meet at your designated time in front of Gordon Commons

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 at the Grill and Coffee n Sweets!

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

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, to be determined 

This is your opportunity to learn more about your professors, experience the breadth of a liberal arts education, and explore subjects you have never studied before. Vassar’s faculty members will be presenting informal talks on their current research. The event will have three 45-minute sessions starting at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00, each with a diverse range of presentations. The complete program will be posted soon.

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.: Club Sports, Recreational Org, Intramural & Life Fitness Interest Meeting

Location: Rocky 300

Interested in participating in a club sport, recreational org, intramurals and/or life fitness classes? Join us to learn more about opportunities to join intramurals, rugby, rowing, frisbee, Quad Ball, ski team, archery and sailing to name a few. You can also learn about the life fitness classes offered.

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 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 WPEs, 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, the Bayit, and the Chapel

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 29, 2024

7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.: Breakfast

Location: Gordon Commons

Proceed to Gordon Commons for breakfast.

9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Academic Advising

Location: Varies

9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Advising Information Sessions

Location: Varies

Representatives from relevant departments and programs will give a lecture-style overview of respective academic and career paths. Click here for more detailed information.

• Art History: Taylor 203, 11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
• Choral/Voice Lessons:
  • Skinner, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
  • Skinner, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Dance/VRDT: Sanders Classroom, 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Education Certificate: Old Observatory Dome Room, 10:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
• English: Sanders Classroom Auditorium, 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Pre-Engineering: Rocky 310, 11:05 a.m.–11:35 a.m.
• Pre-Health: Rocky 300, 10:05 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
• Pre-Law: Rocky 300, 11:05 a.m.–11:35 a.m.
• Study Away/Languages: Rocky 200, 9:00 a.m.–9:55 a.m.

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Departmental Drop-In Advising and Placement

Location: Department and Program Offices

Representatives from all academic departments and programs will be available for individual drop-in 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 have had time to think about your course choices and seek advice on placement, you will have another meeting with your advisor. During this meeting, you will discuss your schedule in detail and make any necessary changes to it by adding or dropping courses. If you want to take any intermediate or advanced courses that were not included in the summer pre-registration, you can add them now. Keep in mind that some of the classes you choose may already be full, so discuss plenty of alternative options with your advisor and include them on your registration form. It’s important to note that your advisor must sign your registration form at the end of your meeting to confirm that you have consulted with them. Do not leave your advisor’s office before they sign your form! Without a completed and signed form, you won’t be able to register for classes on Friday. (Core Event)

3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.: Culture of Consent II: Exploring Sex, Relationships, & Pleasure

Location: Homerooms/Villard Room

Our expectations of sexual and non-sexual relationships are greatly shaped by many outside influences. With your orientation homeroom, you will question societal assumptions of what a relationship should be, examine various pressures to alter personal boundaries, and reflect on what makes you most comfortable in new and existing relationships. We will take the first step in cultivating pleasurable connections that both honor our various desires and embody compassion for each member of our community.

4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Wellness+ at Vassar

Location: Homerooms

What services exist on campus to support your physical health and wellbeing? Learn tips to maintain and enhance your physical wellness while at college. Learn about resources to navigate healthcare services both on and off-campus.

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

Explore your new neighborhood in your student fellow groups. Head to Raymond Avenue, which has many coffee shops, delis, restaurants, and stores that you need to know about. Then head to Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) welcomes you to enjoy a Vassar Devil, a signature dessert, up at Alumnae/i House! Move on to the fabulous Arlington Farmers’ Market. 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.–10:30 p.m.: Activity Night

Location: Old Bookstore, the Loeb Sculpture Garden

Game Night with SLW, 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 30, 2024

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: Meet in 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 (TVE) Q&A

Location: Cushing MPR

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 pm-3:00 pm: 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 hang out 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 31, 2024

8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Brunch

Location: Gordon Commons

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

Location: Gordon Commons

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

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 a date to be determined. For questions about guitar auditions or lessons, please contact Trevor Babb.

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). 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 vocal technique and repertoire from beginner to advanced. The purpose of lessons is to help students gain a better understanding and control over their voice, and develop a healthy technique. Auditions are competitive. Sign up for an audition in advance by filling out the Voice Lesson Audition Google Form. The form will open on Monday, August 26, 2024. Students are encouraged to prepare two vocal pieces in any language, preferably memorized, that show their vocal range, diction, dynamic control, and intonation. Please bring a copy of the music with piano accompaniment, as an accompanist will be provided. You may also sing unaccompanied. Students may present selections from classical repertoire, musical theater, or other music genres. For any questions, please email Drew Minter.

4:30 p.m.–8:00 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 masterworks 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 on Monday, August 26, 2024.

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

Location: College Center Multi-Purpose Room

Stop by the College Center Multi-Purpose Room for dinner with Dean Luis and ResLife Staff!

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

Location: Gordon Commons, Second Floor

• Transitions: Are you a first generation, low income and/or undocumented student? If so, the Transitions Program is for you! Grab your plate and join us on the second floor of the Gordon Commons, get an overview of Transitions, 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 of the Brewer House Cup? 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 and to earn Brewer House Cup points. Make sure you have your house shirts, colors, and chants ready! House Team and Wellness Peer Educators will be participating and helping at this incredibly fun event!

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, September 1, 2024

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

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). 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.

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 on a date to be determined.

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 26, 2024.

Students are encouraged to prepare one vocal piece in any language, preferably memorized. Choose a selection that shows your vocal range, diction, dynamic control, and intonation. Please bring a copy of the music with piano accompaniment, as an accompanist will be provided. You may also sing unaccompanied. 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 Drew Minter.

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.: Vassar Student Association Open House and Student Activities Fair

VSA Open House

Location: VSA Office / College Center Room 207

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

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

Location:

• Pratt House, Meditation and Prayer Room (2nd Floor):
  • 4 p.m. Episcopal Church at Vassar College (ECVC)
  • 7:30 p.m. Sangha
• Vassar Chapel: 5 p.m. Catholic Mass

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.

• 4:30–5:30 p.m. at Pratt House: Episcopal Church at Vassar College (ECVC) Ecumenical Christian Worship contacts: Harrison Poppins and The Reverend Deacon Emily Carter
• 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Chapel: Vassar Catholic Community (VCC) Catholic Mass contact: Linda Tuttle
• 7:30–8:15 p.m. at Pratt House: Buddhist Sangha Sitting Meditation contacts: Jackson Best and Jake Rulnick

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!

8:30 p.m.–10:30 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 2028 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!

Monday, September 2, 2024

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.–2:00 p.m.: Violin Auditions

Location: Skinner Hall, Room 303

Sign up for an audition in advance by filling out the Violin Audition Google Form. The form will open on Monday, August 26, 2024.

For questions about violin auditions or lessons, please contact Marka Young.

8:00 p.m–9:00 pm.: Welcome Concert

Location: Martel Recital Hall

Presented by members of the music department faculty.

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

11:00 a.m.–2:00 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 on Monday, August 26, 2024.

For questions about flute lessons, please contact Susan Rotholz.

Foreign Language Proficiency Exams

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

3:30 p.m.–5 p.m.: Convocation

Location: Chapel