Orientation

Please refer to the Campus Map for locations of entrances and residence halls as outlined below. Students (and families/supporters, if applicable) arrive at their designated campus entrance and check-in with move-in crew to receive directions. Incoming students will receive additional information before arriving on campus. 

• First-year students living in Cubley or Reynolds Houses enter on Clarkson Avenue and then turn onto Foothills Lane.

• First-year students living in Ross or Brooks Houses enter on Goldenrod Drive at the main campus entrance.

• First-year students living in Donahue will enter on Goldenrod Drive at the main campus entrance and go to Graham Hall.

• Transfer students, regardless of housing assignment, check in at the Cheel Campus Center lobby. Pull right up to the loop in front of the main entrance and head inside to pick up your keys.

• The Clarkson School students will enter on Goldenrod Drive at the main campus entrance and go to the front of Price Hall (Ormsby House & Newell House).

• Students (and families/supporters, if applicable) drive to the check-in area outside of the residence hall (first-years) or Cheel Arena (transfers).

• Students retrieve their residence hall room key, student ID, and printed orientation schedule. Residential Advisors (RAs) will be walking around the residence halls and handing out keys, in order to get to know you and help answer questions or concerns! 

• Should you arrive on campus outside of the designated move-in times, go to the Quad Center Core RA Office room 115. If you need help getting access into the Quad, call Campus Safety at 315-268-6666. Move-in assistance will no longer be available but, you will be able to receive your residence hall room key, student ID, and printed orientation schedule. If you have any questions, please contact Res Life at reslife@clarkson.edu.

After you move in and set up your room

• Students pick up their mail key in the Student Center main floor.

• Students will receive their vehicle registration stickers, if applicable, in their student mailbox or can be picked up at Campus Safety and Security.

• Mailbox numbers and mailing address can be found on myCU

Student Resource Fair: Friday, August 26th, 2:30pm - 3:30pm Quad Lawn 

This is your opportunity to meet different offices on campus and learn more about the resources they offer.

Convocation Featuring ReVoiced: Friday, August 26th, 4pm - 6pm Cheel Arena 

Convocation and the Van Sickle Endowed Lectureship are events that officially welcome new students to the academic year as well as connect students to a common performance, reading or speaker. Learn more about common conversations and the common reading book here. Convocation is where you get a FREE class of 2026 shirt and a surprise gift!

CUB’s Glowfest: Friday, August 26th, 9pm-12am Cheel Lawn

Join CUB (Clarkson Union Board) for a glow in the dark DJ and Dance Party with the Class of 2026! Wear your class shirt and get ready for a night of lights and music.

Playfair: Saturday, August 27th 3pm - 5pm Cheel Lawn (IRC Rain)

Get connected with other first-year students and participate in team building activities.

Michael Kent Comedy Magic Show: Saturday, August 27th 9pm - 10pm Student Center Forum

Come watch an interactive magic experience with comedy magician Michael Kent! Michael gives magic a facelift as he invites the audience to laugh with him at the absurdity of a modern-day magician through an interactive experience reminiscent of a late-night talk show. 

Club and Organization Activities Fair: Sunday, August 28th, 7pm Cheel Arena

There are many opportunities for you to engage in clubs and organizations during your time at Clarkson. Throughout Orientation, you'll get a little taste of all the opportunities Clarkson has for you to get involved as several clubs and organizations will be hosting events for you to participate in that we will share with you upon arrival. We are also hosting a Club and Organization Activities Fair. This is your chance to meet several clubs and organizations the first week of being at Clarkson, and learn where you can get involved right away with others that have similar interests as you. To get a sneak peek of our clubs and organizations, log in to Knight Life with your Clarkson credentials at Knightlife.clarkson.edu.

Community

Clarkson is a community of students, faculty and staff who all work together with the common goal of students leaving with a holistic education. Orientation is your first chance to get a sense of the community, build relationships and get comfortable with campus.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Clarkson is a diverse community of learners. With international students from different countries, students from all over the united states, LGBTQ+ -identifying students, indigenous students, and students from various religious backgrounds, Clarkson is a place where diversity is not just a buzzword. It is a way of life. 

Title IX Training

All students, faculty, and staff are protected under Title IX at Clarkson. This includes sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and retaliation. Title IX violations are taken very seriously at Clarkson, and we are committed to helping you navigate the many resources we have available to you.