Welcome to Lake Forest College!
We are excited to welcome you to campus this fall! Mark your calendars to attend the 2024 New Student Orientation (NSO), the College's required orientation for all new students.
NSO is designed to help you meet other Foresters, discover campus resources, and give you just the right amount of information to help you navigate your transition into Lake Forest College with confidence.
Important Dates:
New Student Move-In
Saturday, August 17
Athletes and First Connection participants will receive separate arrival information.
New Student Orientation
Saturday, August 17 through Wednesday, August 21
New Student Orientation - Parent Programming
Saturday, August 17, and Sunday, August 18
Click here for Parent Orientation Schedule
New Student Orientation Schedule:
Saturday, August 17
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Residence Hall Move-In
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Back-to-School Sidewalk Sale
South Campus Quad and Middle Campus Quad
Get Lake Forest College apparel, room supplies, school supplies, and all the essentials you need to start your semester.
10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.: One Stop Shop
Mohr Student Center; Skybox and Balcony
Take care of any last-minute details with the Business Office, Registrar, and Financial Aid. You can also meet representatives from the Center for Academic Success, Information Technology Services, the Lake Forest Library, local area banks, and more.
Noon - 3 p.m.: Forester Fest Picnic
Middle Campus Quad
Meet other Foresters while enjoying lunch and playing mini golf, soccer darts, and more. Lunch will be served from Noon-2 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, lunch will be moved to the Mohr Student Center.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Forester First in the Family (English and Spanish)
English; Lillard Science Center, Room 132
Spanish; Lillard Science Center, Room 144
For parents of first-generation college students*. This session will introduce important resources at Lake Forest College. *Students for whom neither parent has received a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
3 - 4 p.m.: Commuter Student Check-In
Mohr Student Center; Gates Center for Leadership and Personal Growth
Commuter students: Get your New Student Orientation schedule, and instructions on how to get your parking permit, and ID picture taken.
3 - 4 p.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Student Affairs
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Meet the Student Affairs Senior Management Team and learn about how to help your students adjust to life at Lake Forest College.
4:30 - 6 p.m.: President’s Welcome Dinner
Middle Campus Quad
Join President Baren for our traditional Welcome Dinner.In the event of inclement weather, the dinner will be moved to the Mohr Student Center and the speaking program will not be held.
6 - 7:30 p.m.: Community Gatherings
Residential Students: Your Residence Hall
Gather with other members of your floor community to meet your hall staff, set expectations, and make new friends.
Commuter Students: Deerpath Hall; Commuter Lounge
Gather with other commuter students to make new friends. learn about support services, parking, and lounge spaces on campus.
6 - 7:30 p.m.: Parent Welcome Reception
Brown Hall, Lobby
The Parents Council invites parents and family members for a toast and desserts at this casual gathering. This event is come and go, and a great way to meet fellow Forester families.
7:30 - 9 p.m.: Playfair!
Sports and Recreation Center
Get ready to meet all the members of the incoming class in a unique and fun way.
9 - 10 p.m.: Break-the-Ice Cream Social
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
Enjoy some ice cream sundaes and time to hang out with new friends.
Sunday, August 18
7:30 - 9 a.m.: Breakfast
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
9 - 10:15 a.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Health and Wellness Center
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Parents and family members will meet with staff from the Health and Wellness Center to learn about their resources. This event is closed to students.
9:30 – 9:45 a.m.: Walking Time
Students: This is your time to get to the Sports and Recreation Center for the Orientation Kick Off and Welcome.
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.: Orientation Kick Off and Welcome!
Sports and Recreation Center
Orientation gets underway with a welcome from the Gates Center and the Dean of Students, followed by orientation group assignments!
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Academic Resources and Support Services
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Learn about the Lake Forest College classroom experience and academic support services. This event is closed to students.
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Orientation Group Activities & Forester 101
Various Campus Locations
Your Orientation Leader will tell you all about campus life, how to get involved on campus, and cool tips and tricks about living on campus. Students who took their ID picture on Friday will get their ID at this session.
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Helping Your Student Make It: Encouraging Career Success for New Students
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Get to know the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center (CAC), the five Career Pathway Communities at Lake Forest College, and how to encourage your student’s career success along their journey through key CAC resources and programs.
12:30 - 2 p.m.: Family Farewell Lunch
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
Parents, family members, and students are invited to enjoy lunch before parting ways.
2 - 4:30 p.m.: Orientation Workshops - Public Safety, Health & Wellness Center, Gates Center
Various Campus Locations; Follow instructions from your Orientation Leader
You will attend workshops in your orientation groups to learn about involvement opportunities, wellness strategies and services, and safety and security on campus.
4:30 - 6 p.m.: Block Party
South Campus, Wasylik Field
South Campus will come alive as we celebrate with music and outdoor activities. Enjoy some time with your fellow Foresters as we welcome you to the block!
5 – 6:30 p.m.: Dinner Break
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Communities Like Mine
Mohr Student Center, Main Floor
Meet current students from diverse campus communities. Connect with peers who share your interests and identities. Discover opportunities to get involved and find your place in our inclusive campus community.
Monday, August 19
7:30 - 9 a.m.: Breakfast
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
9 - 10:30 a.m.: First Year Studies Class (FIYS)
Check with your FIYS professor for classroom locations
Attend your first college course and meet with your FIYS class for the first time.
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.: Career Planning Strategies for Transfer Students
Lillard Science Center; Rm 044
The Gorter Family Career Advancement Center (CAC) will share strategies you can use to achieve your career preparation goals at the College. You will learn about internships, mentorship and networking opportunities, and important career steps you can take this semester and beyond.
10:30 – 11 a.m.: Walking Time
Students: This is your time to get to the Sports and Recreation Center for the DEI Program.
11 a.m. - Noon: DEI Program
Sports and Recreation Center
It can be intimidating to talk about race, sexuality, gender, equality, or any subject matter around diversity and inclusion. Come and learn strategies that will help you create a safe and respectful environment that fosters meaningful conversations and bridges differences with respect and grace.
Noon - 3 p.m.: Individual Advising Appointments
Your Advisor’s office
Noon - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch Break
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
Noon - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch Break for Commuter and Transfer Students
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
Get to know fellow commuter and transfer students over lunch!
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Forester 102
Various Campus Locations; Follow instructions from your Orientation Leader
Your Orientation Leader will show you how to navigate the resources that will help you be successful from the first day of classes to graduation! They will explain My.Lakeforest, Moodle, adding/dropping classes, printing services, how to schedule tutoring and counseling sessions, and much more!
2:30 – 3 p.m.: Walking Time
Students: This is your time to get to the Sports and Recreation Center for Sex Rules.
3 – 4:30 p.m.: Featured Speaker: Sex Rules
Sports and Recreation Center
5 – 7:30 p.m.: Lake Forest Beach Bash
Lake Forest Beach
Enjoy an evening at the beach with a BBQ dinner. Play beach volleyball, take a paddle board out on the water, play lawn games, or just relax and enjoy the music at Lake Michigan.
Tuesday, August 20
7:30 - 9 a.m.: Breakfast
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
8:30 - 10:00 a.m.: F1 Regulations Session
Lillard Science Center, McCormick Auditorium
Per U.S. government regulations all new international students on F-1 status are required to attend the F-1 regulations session which will cover the benefits and responsibilities of your F-1 visa. We will also talk about Social Security Numbers, On-campus/ off-campus employment, and other important topics.
9 - 10 a.m.: Orientation for J1 Exchange Students
Stuart Commons; Center for Chicago Programs Lobby
This session for new J-1 (ISEP) exchange students will cover J-1 rules and regulations, as well as important information about academics, student life, and exploring the City of Lake Forest and Chicago as an exchange student.
9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.: IT Service Desk Drop-In Hours
Donnelley and Lee Library
Stop by the IT Service desk for help with resetting your password, setting up your College email on your devices, setting up your printing accounts, or any other technology questions that you may have!
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Individual Advising Appointments
Your Advisor’s office
10 a.m. – Noon: Make Your Future: Finding Your Unique Path at Lake Forest College and Orientation Group Meetings
Brown Hall; Tarble Rooms and Various Campus Locations.
Get to know the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center (CAC), the five Career Pathway Communities at Lake Forest College, and how to partner with the CAC along your career journey. Connect with other students with similar major and career interests as well! Then you will meet with your Orientation Group to debrief orientation, finalize plans for Chicago Day, and get ready for Matriculation. You will rotate through these sessions, follow instructions from your Orientation Leaders.
Noon – 1:30 p.m.: Lunch Break
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Community Gatherings Part 2
Residential Students: Your Residence Hall
Commuter Students: Mohr Student Center; Skybox
2:30 - 3:00 p.m.: Free Time!
Get ready for the Matriculation Ceremony!
3:00 - 3:30 p.m.: Matriculation Ceremony
First Presbyterian Church; 700 N. Sheridan Rd., Lake Forest, IL
The Matriculation Ceremony is the culmination of New Student Orientation. This long-standing tradition is hosted by President Baren and marks your formal induction to Lake Forest College. You are now officially a Forester!
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Matriculation Reception
Mohr Student Center; Main Floor
The College community will come together to celebrate your matriculation into the Lake Forest College community! Light refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, August 21
7:30 - 9 a.m.: Breakfast
Stuart Commons, Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
Chicago Day Trip with your FIYS Class
Join new classmates for a day in the Windy City and experience the attractions Chicago has to offer!
Chicago Day Trip for Transfer Students
Stuart Commons; Calvin Durand Hall
Join other transfer students for a day in the Windy City and experience the attractions Chicago has to offer!
Chicago Day Trip for ISEP Students
Center for Chicago Programs Lobby
Join your ISEP classmates for a day in the Windy City and experience the attractions Chicago has to offer!
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Dinner Break
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
Parent Orientation Schedule
Saturday, August 17
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Residence Hall Move-In
10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Back to School Sidewalk Sale
Middle Campus Quad
Get LFC apparel, room supplies, school supplies, and all the essentials you need to start your semester.
10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - One Stop Shop
Mohr Student Center; Skybox and Balcony
Take care of any last-minute details with the Business Office, Registrar, and Financial Aid. You can also meet representatives from the Center for Academic Success, Information & Technology, the Lake Forest Library, and local area banks.
11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Forester Fest Picnic
Middle Campus Quad
Meet new people and enjoy some music while participating in games and activities. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, lunch will be moved to the Mohr Student Center.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Forester First in the Family* (English and Spanish)
English; Lillard Science Center, Room 132
Spanish; Lillard Science Center, Room 144
For parents of first-generation college students*. This session will introduce important resources at Lake Forest College. *Students for whom neither parent has received a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
3 - 4 p.m. - Parent Session: Student Affairs
First Presbyterian Church; 700 N. Sheridan Rd., Lake Forest, IL
Meet the Student Affairs Senior Management Team and learn about how to help your students adjust to life at Lake Forest College.
4:30 - 6 p.m. - President’s Welcome Dinner
Middle Campus Quad
Join President Baren for our traditional Welcome Dinner. In the event of inclement weather, the dinner will be moved to the Mohr Student Center and the speaking program will not be held.
6 - 7:30 p.m.: Parent Welcome Reception
Brown Hall; Tarble Room
The Parents Council invites parents and family members for a toast and desserts at this casual gathering. This event is come and go, and a great way to meet fellow Forester families.
Sunday, August 18
9 - 10:15 a.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Health and Wellness Center
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Parents and family members will meet with staff from the Health and Wellness Center to learn about their resources. This event is closed to students.
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Academic Resources and Support Services
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Learn about the Lake Forest College classroom experience and academic support services. This event is closed to students.
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Parent and Family Orientation Session: Helping Your Student Make It: Encouraging Career Success for New Students
Brown Hall, Tarble Rooms
Get to know the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center (CAC), the five Career Pathway Communities at Lake Forest College, and how to encourage your student’s career success along their journey through key CAC resources and programs.
12:30 - 2 p.m. - Family Farewell Lunch
Stuart Commons; Gus and Margie Hart Dining Hall
Parents, family members, and students are invited to enjoy lunch before parting ways.
Please check back for schedule updates. For questions, please contact the Gates Center.