Arriving at "The First Day of the Rest of
Your Life"...Arrival Day at College
By Tim Reardon, Associate Director of Regional Recruitment
As you pull out of the driveway, headed to the college of your dreams, instantaneously your stomach drops and you feel your eyes well up. Sure, you’re headed to the college that you’ve had your heart set on, but you’re also leaving behind a life that you’ve had for 18 or 19 years. One thing to remember: this isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning.
Arrival Day at Norwich University is one of the biggest events of the entire year. It comes in two forms: Rook Arrival Day and Civilian Arrival Day. Both are just as welcoming to both students and families, and both rooks and civilian students are saying “goodbye” to their pasts, and “hello” to their futures. What should you expect as a rook or civilian student upon arriving at Norwich?
Rook Arrival Day is scheduled for 23 August 2009. Upon arriving at Norwich, families will be directed to enter campus and proceed to the dorms where gear will be unloaded and families proceed to the Field House to complete paperwork, receive uniforms and meet with university staff members. After getting everything completed, families will be treated to lunch in the Campus Center and enjoy meeting with other incoming rooks and their families. In the afternoon, the President of Norwich University, Vice-President of Enrollment Management, Vice-President of Student Affairs and the Regimental Commander will address rooks and their families on the transition from rook to Cadet and the months that lay ahead. Rook training does not begin until after families have left; therefore, families and rooks should not be afraid to ask questions of cadet leaders or staff members. This is a family event, and we want it families to feel welcome.
Civilian Arrival Day is scheduled for 26 August 2009. Unlike rook arrival day, civilian students will be directed to the Field House before unloading belongings into dorm rooms. After going through the stations in the Field House, families will then be given directions to the dorms where orientation leaders will help unload vehicles and move families to the Campus Center where lunch will be served. Following lunch, families will be briefed by the President of Norwich University, the Vice-President of Enrollment and Vice-President of Student Affairs. Students and parents will then part ways and college orientation will commence.
Arriving at college can sometimes be thought of as stressful; not at Norwich. As a university community, we attempt to minimize frustrations and angst, and make ourselves available to answer any and all questions before and during the Arrival Day Experience.
Pack up that bag, start the car, and get on your way; the Norwich Experience awaits you.
Norwich Forever!
