A day-by-day guide to move-in, traditions, and finding your place before classes begin 

Starting college comes with plenty of questions: Where do I go? What should I bring? How will I meet people? 

Chapman’s Orientation — part of Fenestra, our first-year experience program — is designed to answer them and ease the transition to college life.  

First-year Student Orientation runs Tuesday, Aug. 18 through Saturday, Aug. 22, alongside a dedicated First-year Family Orientation on Aug. 18 and 19 for parents and supporters who want to be part of the send-off. You’ll move in, meet fellow Panthers, get oriented to academics and campus resources, and start finding your place in the Chapman community — with Orientation Leaders and staff on hand the whole way. 

You don’t need to arrive with everything figured out. This guide breaks down what happens each day, how to prepare and where to find the latest schedules and next steps. 

What First-Year Students Can Expect 

Tuesday: Move-in and check-in kick off the Welcome to Chapman Day, leading into Opening Convocation that evening, where President Parlow officially welcomes the incoming class and Orientation begins. 

Wednesday: The theme is Academic Success. Your Fenestra Forum — a small group with your Orientation Leaders and classmates from your major — kicks off, followed by a dinner with faculty and staff in your school or college. The day closes with the beloved Candle Lighting Ceremony, where current students speak on Chapman’s four pillars before a candle-lighting send-off with your families, bringing the family portion of Orientation to a close. 

Thursday: The theme is Healthy Transitions. You’ll regroup with your Fenestra Forum and explore the departmental and wellness resources at Chapman, closing with Becoming Panthers, a night of performances and personal stories from fellow students about growth and belonging. 

Friday: The theme, Campus Community, is about getting involved: connecting with student organizations and campus resources by day, then having fun at the University Program Board’s (UPB) Club Jungle that night.

Saturday: Student Orientation wraps up with Getting Connected: a morning exploring Old Towne Orange, followed by the Fall Kick-Off to send you into the new semester.

What Parents and Families Can Expect 

Tuesday starts with move-in, when you’ll help your student settle into their residence hall. Chapman’s Moving In page covers what your student’s room provides and what to bring. That evening brings Opening Convocation, followed by a Wine and Cheese Reception to meet fellow Chapman families.  

Wednesday is built around sessions on supporting your student through their transition to Chapman, along with a dinner with your student’s school or college. Stop by the Parent & Family Engagement Welcome Booths to write a letter or record a video message for your student, delivered a few weeks into the semester. Family Orientation closes at the Candle Lighting Ceremony, where current students speak on Chapman’s four pillars before the ceremony ends with a candle-lighting send-off. It’s a beloved Orientation memory for students and families, the last one before students begin their first days on campus without you. 

The Office of Parent & Family Engagement serves as your ongoing point of contact after Orientation ends, so you’ll always know where to turn with questions. 

How to Prepare 

Before Orientation, there are a few key steps to complete:

• Register for Orientation.  
• Work through your Incoming Student Checklist on your Application Status Page, covering housing, health forms, tuition and any remaining admission requirements. 
• Register for a parking permit if you’re bringing a vehicle. 
• Review Chapman’s move-in resources for what to bring and what your residence hall provides. 

Orientation itself will walk you through academics, campus life and what comes next.  

Where to Find Help and Next Steps 

You’ll have support in more than one place if questions come up before or during Orientation. The Orientation website is the best place to start. It hosts current schedules and answers to common questions. Orientation Leaders, easy to spot by their matching shirts, and university staff are also there in person to help you navigate the experience day to day. 

On Tuesday, Orientation check-in is a good first stop for questions. Families can also visit the Parent & Family Engagement Welcome Booth during Family Orientation. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What happens each day of Orientation? 

Orientation moves through five themed days for first-year students and two for families, each with its own sessions and traditions. Highlights for each day are above, and current schedules live on the Orientation website.  

How do I register for Orientation?  

Register for yourself and up to two guests at this link.  

Can my family attend with me? 

Yes. Family members are welcome and have their own dedicated sessions Aug. 18 and 19. Each student can register for up to two additional guests.  

Do I need to bring a car? 

Not necessarily. If you plan to bring a vehicle, you’ll need to register for a parking permit, which is free but required. 

What should I do if I haven’t completed my Incoming Student Checklist yet? 

Log in to your Application Status Page to see what’s outstanding — it stays updated with your remaining to-do items.