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Summer Orientation Brings Incoming Hawks to Campus for Early Connections

Hartwick College welcomed 240 incoming students, along with nearly 650 total guests, to its New Hawk Summer Orientation sessions on June 27 and June 30.

The program, reintroduced in a refreshed format, offered students and families an early glimpse of academic life, campus resources and the broader Hartwick community ahead of the fall semester.

The attendees represented 17 states and 28 academic interests, including 134 student-athletes and 63 students from the HartLand Promise region. For many, the summer visit helped set the tone for a confident and well-prepared transition to college life.

Jacqueline Gregory, interim vice president for enrollment management, emphasized the importance of building momentum before move-in.

Jackie Gregory, Director of Enrollment Management at Hartwick College

“This orientation experience was designed to help students begin forming their sense of belonging at Hartwick months before arriving in August. We were thrilled by the turnout and energy. It’s clear how valuable it was for both students and families to meet face-to-face with faculty, staff and classmates.”

Jacqueline Gregory

Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management

Students began their day by receiving their fall course schedules, followed by breakout sessions with faculty, academic support services and key campus offices. Those interested in nursing connected with faculty at John Christopher’s Café, while others joined group discussions in the library with professors from a wide range of departments.

During one of the faculty meet-and-greet sessions, Andrew Piefer, chair of the Department of Chemistry, encouraged the new Hawks by reminding them that everyone on Oyaron Hill is invested in their success.

New Hartwick student with family posing for photos with Swoop in Lambros Arena
Hartwick College faculty panel discussion during new student Summer Orientation
New Hartwick students walking on campus during Summer Orientation, Yager Hall in background
New Hartwick student with family posing for photos with Swoop
New Hartwick students walking on campus during Summer Orientation
New Hartwick student with family posing for photos at Hartwick Hawks Wings, Stack Lounge, Dewar Union

“As faculty and staff, we are all here to help you be as successful as you can be. We judge our success by how well you do.”

Andrew Piefer

Professor & Chair of the Department of Chemistry

Parents followed a concurrent schedule that included a “What to Expect” session, opportunities to connect with campus departments and lunch with their students in Dewar Union. Optional afternoon activities included residence hall tours, financial aid consultations, a photo booth and athletics information sessions.

Abbey Bailey ’29 of Oneonta, N.Y., attended orientation on June 30 with her family.

“I was able to become connected and familiar with professors for the first time, creating connections that will make coming in the fall feel a lot less scary. Seeing their excitement and personalities was exciting. When I see those familiar faces on campus, it will be comforting and overall make my transition to becoming a Hawk easier.”

Abbey Bailey ’29

New students will return to campus on Aug. 21 or 22, with early arrivals including football players and new resident advisors on Aug. 13, followed by other fall athletes on Aug. 15 and START program participants on Aug. 18. Returning students arrive on Aug. 24. All incoming students are encouraged to keep an eye on their email in late July for move-in details and arrival instructions.

The excitement surrounding the start of the academic year will continue with Wick Weekend, scheduled for Aug. 22–24. The three-day celebration will feature fun, food, new friends and Hartwick traditions, all designed to help new Hawks feel at home on Oyaron Hill.

July 8, 2025
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