Orientation

What Prospective Cadets
can expect on Rook Arrival Day

Our objective is to professionally and expeditiously receive new recruits (Rooks) and afford family members to tour our grounds; meet staff and cadet leaders; and explore Central Vermont tourist attractions. Rook Orientation Week is jam-packed as we execute placement tests, mandatory briefings, uniform and equip Rooks, and initiate basic skills training.

Rooks are required to report wearing tan (khaki) slacks; a white, short-sleeve, dress shirt; black tie; and comfortable walking shoes. Please refer to the New Student Information Packet that was mailed to you and be sure to bring required articles.

Please report with properly groomed hair. The standard haircut for male recruits is commonly referred to as a “high and tight.” The standard for female recruits is any hairstyle where the hair does not touch the shirt collar and which permits proper wear of a cover (hat). Female recruits may wear their hair up in a bun. However, experience suggests females are better served with shorter feminine hair styles which are easier to maintain.

Arrival Day schedule Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009

Sunday, Aug. 23 - Arrival Day

7:30–11:30 a.m. Arrive at Norwich University

  • Enter campus using the ID White Avenue. Follow the designated route. Cadets manning traffic points will direct you to your assigned barracks. The cadet leaders are organized to assist your rapid and efficient unloading of vehicles and occupation of assigned barracks. Please, follow their instructions. They are here to help. If you need assistance, please ask.
  • Once personal effects are unloaded and stored in assigned rooms, Rooks proceed to Shapiro Field House to complete a series of initial in-processing stations.

10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Lunch

Wise Campus Center

You and your family will be assigned to one of two lunch periods.

1:30 p.m. Welcoming Ceremony

Kreitzberg Arena

Rooks and families join the official welcoming ceremony at Kreitzberg Arena. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Rooks will depart with cadet leaders to begin their orientation program. Parents and family members: This is your chance to say farewell! A question-and-answer period for parents with University officials will take place immediately following the departure of the Rooks.

Sunday, Aug. 30 - Freshman Oath Ceremony

Upper Parade Ground

New students of the class of 2013 will assemble on the Upper Parade Ground to participate in the Freshman Oath Ceremony. Families are welcome to observe, however, there will be no opportunity for parents to meet with their Rook.