Each year, parents are invited to activities of New Student Orientation. There is no better way to develop an understanding of your student's life here. Orientation provides parents with an opportunity to meet their student's academic advisor, hall counselor, and roommate. All parents should take advantage of this time. Parent Orientation for 2006-2007 will begin August 17.

Students' Orientation Schedule
Parents' Orientation Schedule

The Odyssey
The Odyssey is an eight-day outdoor program designed to provide students with a unique, challenging, and fun transition to life at Davidson. It is an early opportunity for new students to experience those elements crucial life at Davidson-community, personal responsibility, and service. New students rely on each other for encouragement and cooperation as they hike a section of trail, set up camp, paddle through rapids, or complete a service project. It is an opportunity to develop friendships, explore issues concerning life at Davidson, and ease the transition from high school.

Two different Odyssey experiences are offered:

The Backcountry Odyssey is an outdoor adventure of backpacking, canoeing, and service. From upperclass trip leaders new students will learn the basic skills necessary to travel and live comfortably in the outdoors with minimal impact on the environment. This is a vigorous program with all the challenges and rewards that come with time spent in remote areas.

The Service Odyssey uses intensive community service to build relationships among participants, increase social awareness, and challenge individuals to work constructively within a group. The Service Odyssey reflects and enriches Davidson's commitment to develop the spirit of service within each student. Although the week is active, it is not as physically challenging as the Backcountry Odyssey.

The Odyssey is run by Davidson Outdoors, a program of the Davidson College Union. Upperclass trip leaders have completed a seven-week wilderness leadership course through Davidson Outdoors, are currently certified in advanced wilderness first aid and CPR, and participate in an extensive two-week training prior to the Odyssey.

Three Odyssey sessions are offered over the course of the summer, prior to New Student Orientation. Once your student is registered for the Odyssey, she/he will receive detailed information regarding clothing, outdoor gear, arrival at Davidson, shuttles from the airport, train or bus station, contact during the Odyssey, etc. For session dates and more detailed information, visit the Davidson Outdoors Web site or call Annette Reagan in the Dean of Students Office at 704-894-2225.

See also:
FAQs about the Odyssey programs