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Parent/Family Orientation

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Welcome to the Clarkson family! Parent and family orientation will educate you about your student's transition to college and life at Clarkson. Please join us on Friday and Saturday, August 23rd and 24th! St. Lawrence County and lodging information can be found at www.northcountryguide.com. Plus, check back soon to read the Parent's Guide to the First Year of College for the Class of 2017! In the meantime, you can read the last year's Parent's Guide!

Friday, August 23
7-7:45p: President’s Welcome
8-10p: Parent/Family Meet and Greet
Saturday, August 24
8:00-9a: Reception for Legacy Parents
9-9:30a: Your Family’s Transition to College
9:30-10:15a: Thriving and Succeeding at Clarkson
10:15-11a: Beyond the Classroom
11a-11:45a: Academic Orientations
12p-1p: Parents/families say goodbye to students
1-2p: Optional book discussion of "Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void"

If your student is participating in Springboard (math refresher), or a Pre-Orientation Trip, a mini-orientation session will be held for your convenience on your designated arrival day.  This is so you will not have to make a second trip to Potsdam for the larger orientation experience if it is not convenient for you.

Packing for Mars
"Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void" by Mary Roach is the common book for 2013. All freshmen are required to read this book before attending Orientation. Mary Roach will be speaking at Convocation, and the book will be discussed during Orientation, First Year Seminar, and Clarkson Seminar. Families are also invited to read "Packing for Mars" and partake in a discussion of the book on Saturday, August 24th!