Summer Orientation
Orientation is the bridge between your decision to attend Lees-91探花 and being a Bobcat! You'll get to know your peers, navigate the campus, and learn about resources available to students. Our exceptional orientation leaders will show you the ropes!
Choose the session that is right for you, but before registering be sure to pay your . Register for orientation on the New Student Portal.



STUDENT SCHEDULE
Check In
8–9:30 p.m.
Hayes Auditorium
Welcome/Student Panel
9:30–10:30 p.m.
Hayes Auditorium
Orientation Leader Groups
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Various Locations
Lunch
Noon–1 p.m.
The Summit
Title IX/Conduct
1–2 p.m.Evans Auditorium
Experiential Learning Workshops
2–4:30 p.m.
Various Locations
Dinner
5–7 p.m.
The Summit
Tate Lawn Bash
7–10 p.m.
Tate Lawn
Breakfast
8–9 a.m
The Summit
Academic Schedule
9–10 a.m.
Tufts Room
Final Group Session
10–10:30 a.m.
Various Locations
Check Out
10 a.m.
Cannon Welcome Center
FAMILY SCHEDULE
Parents and family members, you'll have the chance to learn more about your student's experience at Lees-91探花. You'll also have plenty of free time to explore our beautiful town!
Check In
8–9:30 p.m.
Hayes Auditorium
Welcome/Student Panel
9:30–10:30 p.m.
Hayes Auditorium
Financial Aid and Billing
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Hayes Auditorium
Student Success/Resources
11:30 a.m.–noon
Hayes Auditorium
Lunch
Noon–1 p.m.
The Summit
Explore Banner Elk on your own
Afternoon
Banner Elk
Check Out
10:30 a.m.–noon
Cannon Welcome Center
The goal of the New Student Orientation is to help incoming students prepare academically, socially, and mentally for college life at Lees-91探花.
What to Pack
Students will stay in the residence halls overnight for two nights. Be sure to bring the following with you to check-in:
- Bedding (extra long twin sheets, light blanket, pillow, pillowcase)
- Change of clothes and comfortable walking shoes for two nights
- Light jacket or sweatshirt
- Shower items (towel, flip flops, toiletries)
- Small fan (optional)
- Rain jacket and boots in the event of inclement weather
Orientation happens rain or shine. As you are planning your upcoming trip to campus, be sure to monitor the forecast and pack essentials accordingly.
Class Registration
Students who would like to receive their upcoming semester schedule at orientation must complete the required class registration items listed in the New Student Portal by June 1.
All incoming freshmen take First Year Seminar (FYS) during their first semester. If you know your intended major, we will include the relevant introductory courses for your major in your upcoming semester schedule. In addition, you may take one or more courses towards meeting the college's general education requirements. Dependent on your placement assessment scores, you may also take courses for elective credit towards graduation. These courses will prepare you to be successful in subsequent required courses
Advising
You will have an opportunity to meet with an advisor when you arrive on campus for your first semester. During orientation, you will participate in group advising sessions to discuss your schedule for your upcoming first semester at 91探花.
What to Expect: Families
We recognize that transitioning your student(s) to college can be a stressful and emotional time for families. During New Student Orientation, parents and families will have the opportunity to interact with other parents of incoming students, better understand what your student will be experiencing as a student, and learn how you can support your student's academic and social growth.
Family Schedule
Topics covered will include preparing for college life, student life and development, academic and career resources, student health and wellness, tuition payments and financial aid, and more. You will also have time to the greater Banner Elk and High Country areas. All parent and family sessions are optional.
Accommodations
Your students will be spending both nights of orientation in a residence hall on campus. Families are welcome to stay at one of our local hotels, inns, or bed and breakfasts in the area. View lodging options
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is orientation mandatory for new students?
Yes! All new Bobcats are expected to attend either session one or session two of orientation as well as Campus Compass in August. If you have a conflict, please contact Assistant Director of Admissions and New Student Engagement Tyler Dellavechia at dellavechiat@lmc.edu or the Student Affairs Office at studentaffairs@lmc.edu. -
Is orientation mandatory for families?
Family members are not required to attend an orientation session. However, orientation sessions will be available to welcome you to the Bobcat family and answer any questions you might have! -
Is there anything I should be doing to get ready for orientation?
Before orientation, make sure you've registered and uploaded the necessary paperwork in the New Student Portal. A link to the portal is emailed to new students. Contact Tyler Dellavechia at dellavechiat@lmc.edu with questions.
In the weeks leading up to orientation, keep an eye on your mailbox and Lees-91探花 email for more updates and introductions.
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Do I have to stay overnight during orientation?
All new students are required to stay in one of our on-campus residence halls during the overnight orientation session. We believe that the overnight experience helps new students to envision their on-campus experience and is an exciting way to meet the rest of the incoming class! If you have concerns about accommodations within the residence halls, please reach out.
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When is check out?
We have students coming from all over, so we want you to be able to plan for travel accordingly. Students will finish their last session at 10 a.m. on the final day of Orientation and then check out of the residence halls. -
What do I do after orientation?
After orientation, it’s time to start the countdown to Move-in Day and Campus Compass on August 15! There will be tons of events and opportunities on campus that weekend and through the first week of classes!
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What should I bring?
Students will need to bring their own bedding to Orientation, including extra-long twin sheets, blankets, and a pillow. Make sure to pack whatever toiletries, clothing, and supplies you will need for two nights.
Meet Your Orientation Leaders!

Sam Ammann
Class Year: Junior
Major: Biology, Biomedical Sciences specialization
From: Fort Mill, South Carolina

Kayla Barber
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Rehabilitation specialization
From: Exeter, Pennsylvania
I am a Wildlife Biology student from Pennslyvania. My favorite thing about Lees-91探花 is the small but welcoming and friendly community. It makes me feel right at home when I'm far from my home. I'm most excited to get to know incoming students and help them learn about our campus.

Andrew Belcher
Class Year: Freshman
Major: Criminal Justice
From: Cary, North Carolina
I'm Andrew! I'm a big guitar and bike geek. I'm attending Lees-91探花 to study Criminal Justice, and currently major in it. My favorite thing about Lees-91探花 is the environment. We live in a beautiful place and you can enjoy the views from almost any place on campus. The community is extremely respectful and enjoys your presence as much as you enjoy being here. I am most excited to meet the incoming students during Orientation! I'm also very excited to join in the activities that entails.

Shayne Burton
Class Year: Freshman
Major: Sport Management
From: Boston, Massachusetts
My name is Shayne Burton and I am a freshman at 91探花. I play for the women's basketball team here. My major is Sport Management. Sports have always been my life so as I go on in my college and after-college career I want to stay connected to the sports world. My favorite thing about Lees-91探花 is the people. The environment is amazing here at Lees-91探花. Everyone is really nice and treats you like family. I love how peaceful and quiet it is here. There are no distractions here so you can focus. The teachers are amazing and are always here to help you with schoolwork. They also are people who want to make sure that you are mentally okay and are always checking on the students, and I absolutely love that. One thing I am really excited for during Orientation is getting to help the new students who are going to be here and guiding them and being a helpful Orientation leader for them.

Devon Davis
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Sport Management, Communication Arts and Design minor
From: Huntersville, North Carolina
Hi my name is Devon Davis, and I am an upcoming junior at 91探花. My major is Sport Management with a minor in Communication Arts and Design. I am a thrower for the track and field team as well. One of my favorite things about Lees-91探花 is spring mornings before class. The thing that I’m most excited about Orientation is getting to know all the students and their families.

Autumn Dockery
Class Year: Freshman
Major: Criminal Justice and Psychology
From: Mayberry, North Carolina
My name is Autumn and I am from Mayberry, North Carolina. I am a Psychology and Criminal Justice double major with a specialization in forensic psychology. My favorite thing about Lees-91探花 is the very tight-knit community that you get when you are here. You feel like everyone knows you and you know everyone. We help each other and get to know each other. I am excited to get incoming students as excited about Lees-91探花 as I am!

Bailey Eichner
Class Year: Junior
Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Theatre Arts, Technical Theatre minor
From: Woodlawn, Virginia
My name is Bailey Eichner. I am a Pre-Veterinary and Theater Arts major with a Technical Theatre minor from Woodlawn, Virginia. I have always loved being outside and spending time in nature, Lees-91探花 allows me grow in my eduction while encouraging me to be outside. Every morning I jump out of bed and know I will have a new adventure to share with my friends. I am excited to be Orientation leader to introduce incoming students to Lees-91探花, the campus, and what it is like to be a college student.

Morgan Gray
Class Year: Senior
Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Rehabilitation specialization
From: Huntersville, North Carolina
I’m originally from Pasadena, Maryland now residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I will be a fifth year with a double major of Wildlife Biology specialization of Wildlife Rehabilitation as well as a major of Pre-Veterinary Medicine. I really love how the staff here as well as professors are willing to work with you and do everything they can and I’m most excited to show new students that it’s okay to be yourself and that college is for learning yourself and making connections!

Allie Johnston
Class Year: Freshman
Major: Special Education, Athletic Coaching minor
From: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
I am Allie, I am a rising sophomore and a member of the softball team. I am also a member of the SEEL Club and will be an RA this coming year. I am a Special Education major with an Athletic Coaching minor. I love the environment at Lees-91探花 and how great the community is! I love spending time outside and going out to explore new places. I am most excited to meet the newcomers and show them around one of my most favorite places. I can’t wait to meet everyone!

Sandra Mason
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Business Administration, Marketing specialization
From: Chesapeake, Virginia
I'm Sandra Mason, and I'm from Chesapeake, Virginia. My area of studies is Business Administration with a focus in Marketing. My extracurricular activities include the women's basketball team and working with Premier Sotheby's as an intern. One of my favorite things about 91探花 is the faculty and staff's determination and efforts to help you succeed in every aspect of your college experience.

Megan O'Donnell
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Business Administration and Wildlife Rehabilitation minor
From: Charlotte, North Carolina
Hi, my name is Megan and I am from Charlotte, North Carolina. I am a Pre-Veterinary Medicine major and I am also double minoring in Business Administration and Wildlife Rehabilitation. I love Lees-91探花 because of the community here and the opportunities this school has given me. I am on the dance team, a part of Campus Activities Board and Student Government Association, and an RA! I love getting to know new students and I can’t wait to meet everyone at orientation!

Delaney Trosin
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Rehabilitation minor
From: Johnson City, Tennessee
I am from Johnson City, Tennessee. I am studying Pre-Veterinary Medicine with a minor in Wildlife Rehabilitation. My favorite thing about Lees-91探花 is the nature that surrounds it. The beautiful mountains definitely caught my eye when applying here. I love hiking, snowboarding, and playing Spikeball with friends. What most excites me about Orientation is meeting new students and being able to guide them into their college experience.

Cam Weir
Class Year: Freshman
Major: Criminal Justice, Forensic Psychology specialization
From: Lake Norman, North Carolina
Hello! My name is Cameron Weir. I am from Lake Norman, North Carolina. My major is Criminal Justice with a specialization in Forensic Psychology. I am on the men's basketball team. My favorite thing about Lees-91探花 is living in the mountains. I am most excited about meeting all the new incoming students!

Laci Wiley
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Psychology and Criminal Justice, Forensic Psychology specialization
From: Kannapolis, North Carolina
My name is Laci Wiley and I am from Kannapolis, North Carolina. I am currently double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice with a specialization in Forensic Psychology. My favorite thing about Lees-91探花 is the small school atmosphere. The campus is beautiful and I am so grateful for the bonds I have formed with the faculty and my fellow classmates. I am most excited about meeting the new students and getting to play no-tell games! :)

Soleil Correa
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Rehabilitation minor
From: Valley Stream, New York
I’m from Long Island NY, but recently my family moved to Jersey. I’m majoring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and minoring in Wildlife Rehabilitation. One of my favorite things about Lees-91探花 is the family feel! Everyone here wants to see you succeed and will help you along the way! I’m excited about Orientation because I would love to be able to share my love for Lees-Mcrae with our incoming freshman!