Orientation

Orientation programs are required of all incoming first-year and transfer students enrolling at York College. The college holds a two-part program — New Spartan Day (Summer Orientation) and Fall Orientation. 

New Spartan Day is a one-day program with dates available in June, while Fall Orientation is held the week before classes begin in August. 

Orientation introduces you to York College's exciting campus life and helps you to make connections within our supportive Spartan community. Orientation is designed to facilitate the transition to campus life and is a comprehensive program. We strongly encourage all new students to attend the program in its entirety. While your Orientation will provide a wealth of important information, it also includes fun activities to help you ease into your first semester.

During Orientation, you will also get to know other new students — your soon-to-be classmates, residence hall neighbors, and dining hall meal companions. You'll build memories here that last a lifetime, from your first day on campus through your graduation day. And it all starts with Orientation!

In the coming weeks, you will receive many different pieces of information regarding Orientation, residence halls, move-in, academics, and more.

If you are not receiving communications from York College by mistake, please don't hesitate to contact us so that we can help resolve this issue and catch you up on any missed information.

Summer Orientation parking will be located in the commuter lot located on Main Campus. Campus Safety officers will help direct guests to the parking area.

Parking on the main campus during Orientation is first come, first served. Upon arriving at the main entrance you will be greeted by one of our Campus Safety officers and shown the best route to your assigned building. They will also provide instructions about unloading and re-parking cars after they are unloaded.

Families are welcome to accompany students during the move-in and/or check-in process at the beginning of the semester. Families and guests are then invited to attend Academic Convocation and the Parting Reception. Following the Parting Reception, families, and guests will depart campus as students begin their student-only Orientation program.

Everything you need for Summer Orientation will be provided. As a reminder, be sure to take your math placement and foreign language placement tests prior to orientation so you can schedule your classes. (Note: More information regarding the placement tests will be available after May 1)

Whether you are living on campus or commuting from home, you may wish to have the following items easily accessible throughout Fall Orientation:

• Cell Phone 
• Pens/Pencils
• Sneakers (We will be doing lots of walking; flip-flops may not be appropriate for all activities.)
• Student ID (you will receive this during check-in)
• Vehicle Registration (if you are obtaining a parking permit)
• Umbrella
• A Mask (If desired; masks are not required on campus at this time.)

If you have not already submitted your ID photo, you may visit the Office of Campus Safety after you arrive on campus.

Learn more about purchasing a parking permit and driving/parking on campus.

This answer is easy — all of them!

Orientation is for ALL new students at YCP and is NOT based on residency status. There are only two exceptions: Orientation Check-In and the Student Specific Session.

Check-In: As a commuter, since you do not need to move your belongings, you won't need to pick up your Orientation materials quite as early, so your check-in time will vary. Please refer to Orientation communications for your designated check-in time and location.

During the rest of the Orientation schedule, you will be placed into an Orientation group. These groups include both residents and commuters together — and the content of sessions is applicable (and often required) for all students.