Orientation 2019 took place from August 22 - 25. Sessions for families were held August 22 - 23. There is an online version of the schedule as well as an app. For instructions on how to download the schedule through the Catholic U app, see below!

Schedule App

Download the Catholic University App to view the Orientation 2019 Schedule TODAY!

  1. Open the App Store/Google Play.
  2. Search "Catholic University."
  3. Download the app with the Catholic U logo. (It's free!)
  4. Once downloaded, open the app and find the guidebook titled, "Orientation 2019."
  5. Once you have downloaded the Orientation 2019 guidebook, click on the three bars on the top left corner to see the different tabs.
  6. You can view the Orientation 2019 Schedule, add events you will attend to My Schedule by clicking the + icon on the event, or view a Commuter/International/First Year/Family tracks.
  7. You can also view Campus Resources, Orientation Social Media, OA Staff, or Nearby Hotels and Restaurants.

Schedule Overview

Below is an abbreviated schedule of the Orientation program. To see a complete schedule of Orientation, follow the instructions above to download the Catholic U app.

Thursday

  • 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Move-in/Check-in begins (different times based on last name)
  • 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m. - Opening Session (guests and students together based on last name)
  • 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Dinner (included for students and registered guests together)
  • 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. - Various sessions and activities (guests and students seperately)

Friday

  • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - University Life Sessions (guests and students together or separately)
  • 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Lunch (included for students and registered guests together)
  • 1:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. - Academic Sessions based on School (guests and students together)
  • 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. - Dinner on your own (guests and students together - Final activity for guests)
  • 9:00 p.m. to 12 a.m. - Various sessions and activities (students only)

Saturday

  • All Day - Various Advising and Support Sessions (students only)

Sunday

  • 12 p.m. - D.C. Excursions (students only)
  • 9 p.m. - Sunday Eucharist Welcome Mass (students only)

Printable Schedule

We will have a one-page "Orientation At-a-Glance" schedule available during Orientation, but we encourage you to download the app for greater convenience!  

International Students

The Office of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) will hold an orientation for international students. More information regarding the scheduling of this session will be available as it approaches. International students will then attend the rest of the Orientation program with our domestic students.

Transfer Students

Transfer students participate in the same overall Orientation program as first year students. There are a few sessions specifically geared towards transfer students in the schedule, so be sure to attend those in addition to the rest of the Orientation events.

Smart Start

The Office of Disability Support Services hosts a two-day pre-orientation program for incoming first-year and transfer students with a documented disability. Smart Start 2019 will take place on August 20 to 21. To learn more, visit the Smart Start website.

The Orientation program provides students and families with the information and resources they will need to be successful at Catholic U. The Orientation schedule includes a wide variety of programs ranging from academic sessions to social events. Orientation begins on Thursday, August 22 with move-in, followed by a welcome session. That evening, students will meet their Orientation Advisors, their Resident Assistant, and many of their classmates. Friday morning provides an opportunity to choose from a variety of sessions presented by different offices on campus. Students will spend Friday afternoon with their academic school learning all of the requirements for their major. Families are welcome to attend many of the sessions with their students, and there are also programs designed specifically for families. Family sessions wrap up in the evening on Friday, August 23. On Saturday, students will meet with their Undergraduate Advisor and Learning Community instructor, learn more about life at Catholic University, and spend more time with their OA group and residential community. On Sunday, students will explore DC with their classmates and end the weekend with the first Sunday night Mass of the year. Throughout the weekend, there are special programs for Commuter, Transfer, and International students, as well as Athletes and students in the Honors program. Each night of Orientation there will be a fun social event sponsored by Program Board.