Fun Facts about Orientation

  • The Student Government’s Orientation Board organized a variety of activities including concerts, movies, trips, and barbecues for freshman orientation from the 1940s through 1980.
  • In the 1970s and 1980s, the Residence Hall Association provided free ice cream during orientation.

    Freshman scooping ice cream at orientation in 1981

    Freshman scooping ice cream at orientation in 1981

  • Summer orientation has been offered regularly since 1980 with the launch of SORC (Summer Orientation Registration Conference). Renamed SOAR (Summer Orientation Advisement and Registration) in 1987, it is now called Eagle Summit. This two day program provides incoming students with an introduction to campus.
  • AU’s student newspaper has produced special orientation issues as well as guides to living in Washington, DC.
  • The week before classes begin has been called Welcome Week since 1994. One of the regular features of Welcome Week is a performance by the political satire troupe, the Capitol Steps.

    Capitol Steps performing at Woods-Brown Amphitheater

    Capitol Steps performing in the Woods-Brown Amphitheater

  • Since 1991, the Freshman Service Experience provides opportunities for community service and an orientation to American University and Washington, D.C. More than 10,000 students have participated in the program since its inception. Students originally worked at local non-profits for four days on the week before the start of classes. The program is currently two days.

    Freshman working at a non-profit in 2002 (Talon)

    Freshman working at a non-profit in 2002 (Source: Talon)