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Residential Student Orientation Check-In

Residential students should begin their New Student Orientation experience here. During check-in, you'll confirm any remaining university clearances, receive your student ID, residence hall room key, Orientation materials, and weekend schedule, ask any last-minute questions about your class schedule, and pick up important information to help you start your Cal Lutheran journey with confidence.

Once you've completed check-in, you'll be ready to move into your residence hall, unpack, and begin an exciting Orientation weekend!

ID Cards and Parking Passes

Come pick up your ID card and parking pass. Skip the waiting and upload your photo ahead of time! 

Upload your ID card photo ahead of time

Location: Ullman 100/101

Commuter Student Orientation Check-In

Commuter students should begin their New Student Orientation experience here. During check-in, you'll confirm any remaining university clearances, receive your student ID, Orientation materials, and weekend schedule, ask any last-minute questions about your class schedule, and pick up important information to help you start your Cal Lutheran journey with confidence.

Coffee and CommuniTEA

Start your morning with a warm welcome! Join us for coffee, tea, light refreshments, and conversation as you meet fellow students, connect with faculty and staff, and begin building your Cal Lutheran community. It's the perfect opportunity to relax, ask questions, and ease into an exciting Orientation weekend.

Location: Kingsmen Pavilion (Outdoor Classroom)

Info Tent

Have a question? Need directions? Looking for your next event? Stop by the Info Tent for assistance throughout Orientation. Our team is here to answer questions, provide support, and assist with late Orientation check-in for students who were unable to check in during the scheduled check-in period.

Find your way with your PA!

Get to know your new home before classes begin! Join one of our Peer Advisers for a guided campus tour, where you'll explore key locations, learn your way around campus, and find your classrooms before the first day of the semester. It's a great opportunity to ask questions and get comfortable navigating Cal Lutheran.

Resource Fair & Lunch

Enjoy lunch while exploring the Resource Fair, where you'll meet faculty and staff, connect with campus departments, discover valuable resources and services, and learn about the many ways Cal Lutheran will support you throughout your college journey.

Location: The Habit Lawn

More Than a Major: What You Gain from a Lutheran Liberal Arts Education

Join us for an engaging conversation about the value of a Lutheran liberal arts education. Learn how the Cal Lutheran experience goes beyond the classroom to develop critical thinking, communication, leadership, and a lifelong love of learning, preparing students for meaningful careers and lives of purpose.

Hear it from a Peer

"Hear It from a Peer" offers incoming students the opportunity to connect with current students who can share honest insights, helpful advice, and real experiences about life at Cal Lutheran.

Explore topics such as athletics, campus jobs, student leadership, and more while building connections and learning how to make the most of your college experience.

President's Welcome and Opening Convocation

Kick off your Cal Lutheran journey with your first official welcome to the university community. Join our University President, faculty, and university leadership as we celebrate the beginning of your college experience and welcome you to the Cal Lutheran family. This meaningful tradition marks the start of your academic journey and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Commuter Student Social

Calling all commuter students! Stop by the Student Union, your home away from home, to connect with fellow commuters, meet your commuter Peer Advisers, learn about resources designed just for you, and pick up a special welcome gift. It's a great way to start building your community at Cal Lutheran.

Residence Life First-Year Student Hall Meetings

Meet your Residence Life staff and fellow hallmates as you settle into your new home. During this required meeting, you'll learn about residence hall expectations, community standards, campus resources, and everything you need to know to have a successful and enjoyable first year living on campus.

Dinner with your Peer Adviser (optional)

Whether your family has headed home or you're simply looking to connect with other new students, you're invited to join your Peer Advisers for dinner in Ullman Commons, Cal Lutheran's main dining hall. This informal gathering is a great opportunity to get to know your Peer Advisers, meet fellow students, ask questions, and begin building friendships as you settle into campus life.

Hall Wars

Wrap up your first day with one of Cal Lutheran's favorite Orientation traditions! Join your fellow new students for an evening of fun, friendly competition, and team challenges designed to help you make new friends, build community, and show your hall spirit. Residential and commuter students are all welcome—we can't wait to see you there!

Info Tent

Have a question? Need directions? Looking for your next event? Stop by the Info Tent for assistance throughout Orientation. Our team is here to answer questions, provide support, and assist with late Orientation check-in for students who were unable to check in during the scheduled check-in period.

Grab & Go Breakfast Burritos

Fuel up before the morning adventure with one of our famous breakfast burritos—a longtime Cal Lutheran student favorite! Grab a burrito, connect with your fellow new students, and get energized before heading out for Hike the Rocks.

Location: Gilbert Lobby

ID Cards and Parking Passes

Come pick up your ID card and parking pass. Skip the waiting and upload your photo ahead of time! 

Upload your ID card photo ahead of time

Location: Ullman 100/101

Paint the Rocks Speeches

Every tradition has to start somewhere. Join University Advancement and the ASCLUG President for a brief welcome as they introduce one of Cal Lutheran's traditions. You'll learn about your class tree and what it symbolizes, celebrate the unique path that brought you to CLU—whether you're a first-year or transfer student—and take part in leaving your own mark as a lasting reminder that you are now part of the Cal Lutheran family.

Paint the Rocks (Hike)

Join your fellow new students for a hike to Mt. Clef Ridge as you take part in one of the oldest Cal Lutheran traditions. Enjoy the beautiful views, connect with classmates, learn more about your class identity, and experience a memorable Orientation tradition that celebrates the beginning of your journey as a member of the Cal Lutheran community.

Location: Mt. Clef Ridge

Break

Take some time to recharge before the afternoon activities. Head back to your room to freshen up, relax in the Student Union, or spend time with your new friends before lunch and the rest of the day's events.

First Year Seminar

It's time for your first college class! Head to your designated First Year Seminar with your Peer Adviser, meet your faculty mentor and classmates, and begin building the connections that will support you throughout your first year at Cal Lutheran.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch with your Peer Adviser and fellow new students. It's the perfect time to relax, ask questions, share stories from your first day, and continue building new friendships.

A Time of Action

Creating a safe, respectful, and supportive community starts with all of us. During this interactive session, you'll learn about awareness, prevention, bystander intervention, campus resources, and the university's policies and expectations—equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to help make Cal Lutheran a place where everyone can thrive.

Break / Student Union Drop-In

Enjoy a short break before the evening activities begin. The Student Union will be open for students who would like a comfortable place to relax and unwind.

Gumby Grub Dinner

Good food, great people, and plenty of Gumby spirit! Join your classmates, Peer Advisers, and Student Life staff for one of Cal Lutheran's favorite Orientation traditions. It's the perfect chance to enjoy dinner, share some laughs, and continue making connections that will last well beyond Orientation.

Playfair

Get ready for the tradition everyone talks about! Playfair is consistently one of the biggest highlights of New Student Orientation, filled with laughter, energy, and unforgettable moments. Through interactive games and activities, you'll meet new friends, break the ice, and experience the incredible sense of community that makes Cal Lutheran feel like home.