Wilderness New Student Orientation Programs:
American Colleges and Universities

Complied by:
Jennifer Davis-Berman
Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work
University of Dayton

Dene Berman
Lifespan Counseling Association

September, 1995

For additional information contact:Jennifer Davis-Berman , Department of
Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, University of Dayton, 300 College
Park, Dayton, Ohio 45469-1442
This material may be freely distributed and used by the anyone. However, if included in publications, written or electronic, attributions should be made to the author. Copyright © 1995 Jennifer Davis-Berman, Dene Berman, University of Dayton.

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Wilderness Orientation Programs

This compilation is my attempt to make some sense of the variety of wilderness orientation programs operating in the United States today. Included in this document are very short summaries of many orientation programs. In many respects, this project was a mighty undertaking. It was extremely difficult to obtain a list of current programs, thus, I found myself spending hours calling and writing to colleges and universities. Due to practical limitations, I restricted myself to looking at programs, although there are some well developed programs that only utilize ropes course experiences.

Some of the surveyed programs provided me with a great deal of information about their orientation, while others offered very little. Thus, the descriptions may be somewhat inaccurate at times. Two programs that sent information, but that were limited to ropes courses experiences are classified with the programs that sent limited information.

The first section of this document includes programs that returned their surveys to me and provided me with information. Thus, I can be pretty sure that they are still operating. The second section includes some programs that I had some contact with, but that didn't respond to more in depth attempts to gain information. As such, I present them to you for your information. However, I cannot attest to their present status.

Finally, this document ends with a listing of programs that responded, those that gave limited information or did not respond to the survey, and those that sent no information. Those that sent nothing, however, are believed to have a wilderness orientation program.

During my research, I learned that many of you shared my frustration with the difficulty of identifying current orientation programs. Thus, I provide this document as a courtesy to those who helped me.


Antioch College
Contact: Karl Mahle
Algonquin Trip
195 Livermore St.
Yellow Springs, Oh 45387
(800)543-9436

This small, private institution sponsors a two week canoeing trip in Ontario for incoming students. Occasionally, they have done a backpacking trip to West Virginia. Run through the department of physical education, participation on this trip helps to familiarize students with canoeing and other wilderness skills, to learn more about Antioch, and to aid in self discovery.

Trip leaders include staff, faculty and upper class students. All leaders participate in intensive training. Approximately eight weeks after each trip there is a follow-up reunion.

Bloomsburg University
UpReach Program
Simon Hall
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
(717)389-4323

UpReach is a component of the Quest Program, which sponsors the wilderness orientation at this small, public institution. Trips use backpacking to encourage students to push their limits, develop friendships, build self-esteem, and facilitate their transition to college.

Trip leaders are both students and community volunteers that have been involved with the Quest program. Training is rather extensive, involving up to eight months of preparation.

Bowdoin College
Contact: Michael Woodruff
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207)725-3346/3325
(207)725-3019(fax)

The Bowdoin Outing Club provides land and water based trips, sponsored by this small, private institution. Activities include hiking, base camp with ropes, or water sports. Students are exposed to the natural environment, and are challenged to apply minimum impact standards to their daily lives.

Trip leaders are upper class students, faculty and alumni. Training includes the standard first aid, with a two day intensive leader training. Many groups have informal, student initiated reunions during the school year.

Brown University
Contact: Michelle Albert
BOLT-Box P
Providence, RI 02912
(401)863-1954

BOLT, sponsored by this small, private institution, offers a backpacking trip for sophomore level students. Thus, in a strict sense, this is not a new student orientation program. Participants gain skills that help them further adjust to their college experience. They also work on leadership and collaborative skills.

Run through the offices of Student Life and Psychological Services, this program is student led. Training involves the standard first aid course. In addition, leaders are required to complete a weekly seminar lasting an entire semester. Follow-up service and meetings occur twice per month.

California, University of-San Diego
Contact: Robyn Cummins
Wilderness Orientation
9500 Gilman Dr.
La Jolla, CA 92093-0004
(619)534-3161/9665

This large public institution sponsors sea kayaking and backpacking orientation trips for new students. The primary mission for this program is to better prepare students for the new environment that they will encounter in college. students can evaluate themselves, and make new friends during this adventure trip.

Co-sponsored by the Undergraduate Affairs office and Outback Adventures, these trips are led by both paid leaders and unpaid student leaders. Leaders go through an Outback Adventure Leadership Development Program prior to the trip. A slide presentation three weeks after the trip serves as a follow-up activity.

California, University of-Santa Cruz
Contact: Matt Brower
Wilderness Orientation
Office of P. E. and Recreation
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
(408)459-2531

This large public institution sponsors a program which introduces students to backpacking, minimum impact camping, climbing and solo experiences. The primary goals of this program are to facilitate interpersonal growth, learn more about the university, and make friends.

Trip leaders consist of primary and assistant paid leaders. All trips also include a student volunteer, who is an alumni of the trip. All leaders have first aid training, and are expected to attend workshops on hard and soft skills.

Colby College
Contact: Joshua Eckel
Student Activities
5900 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8859
(207)872-3338

COOT is designed to welcome new students to this small private institution. Housed in the Student Activities department, the program offers hiking, canoeing, fishing, biking, service and theater trips (among others). Some of the goals of the program are to help increase student self-confidence, and facilitate the adjustment to college.

The program is administered by a student run committee, who choose trip leaders. These leaders include two students and either a faculty, staff or alumnus. All leaders are responsible for completing a training program.

Colgate University
Contact: Gary Nielsen
Outdoor Education
211 Huntington Gymnasium
Hamilton, NY 13346-1398
(315)824-7323

The Wilderness Adventure program is sponsored by this small, private institution. While on the orientation trips, students are asked to: learn safety and technical skills in the wilderness, work on personal growth, and develop as a community in their small group.

Leaders are paid students. They undergo very extensive training, which is spread over the course of a year. Each group gets together for a reunion experience during the school year.

Cornell University
Outdoor Education, Wilderness Reflections
Phillips Outdoor Program Center
Field House-Campus Road
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607)255-4168

The orientation program at this mid-sized private institution is designed to help orient students to college, to help students make friends, and to assist students in gaining a respect for the natural environment.

Leaders are selected by a committee of previous trip leaders. All of the selected leaders are required to complete training which includes a weekend experience. following completion of the trip, each group hosts a follow-up pot luck dinner during Fall term.

Dartmouth College
Outdoor Programs Office
Dartmouth Outing Club
P.O. Box 9, H.B. 6142
Hanover, NH 03755
(603)646-2428

This small private institution runs its wilderness orientation program out of the Dartmouth Outing Club, which is under the umbrella of the Outdoor Programs Office. Students may choose to participate in a backpacking, biking or canoe trip. Some of the goals of the program are to introduce students to both the university and the outing club, and to let students experience the out-of-doors.

Leaders are students who have all participated in previous trips themselves. Informal meetings, and a reunion in the summer serve as follow-up activities.

Davidson College
Contact: Ed & Marlys Daughtery
P.O. Box 1780
Davidson, NC 28036
(704)892-2623

This small private institution offers a wilderness orientation program through the Davidson Outdoors program. Activities include backpacking, canoeing, rafting, and various service projects. Some of the goals of the program include: facilitating the transition to college, teaching outdoor skills, and building relationship between students, faculty and staff.

Leaders are generally students, although faculty and staff may be involved. Extensive evening training is required of all leaders.

Duke University
Contact: Frank McNutt
Project WILD
Box 90959
206 Flowers Building
Durham, NC 27708
(919)684-3214

Project WILD sponsors an orientation for this small, private institution. Some of the goals of this program are to facilitate relationships, develop interpersonal competence, to gain group skills, and to orient to the university. Students are involved in a variety of activities including backpacking, climbing, ropes and solo.

Leaders are students who have undergone extensive training. Two university courses are required, one in wilderness skills and group dynamics, the other in experiential learning. Most students follow their orientation experience with ropes course work.

Earlham College
Contact: Margaret Lechner
Wilderness Office
Box 87
Richmond, IN 47374
(317)983-1327

This small, Quaker institution offers a wilderness orientation called August Wilderness. Although open to all students, first year students are especially encouraged to attend. Participants can choose between a water trip or backpacking. This program attempts to blend and cultivate social, personal, academic and wilderness skills. Thus, the objective of this program is to challenge students physically, socially, and psychologically.

Leaders include paid students and faculty. All of the leaders must complete an outdoor education course and attend additional training sessions. As a follow-up, faculty leaders often go on to serve as advisors for their orientation group members.

Gordon and Barrington, The United College of
Contact: J. Anthony Lloyd
Assistant Dean of Students
255 Grapevine Rd.
Wenham, MA 01984-1899
(508)927-2306 X 4263

Housed in the Gordon Outdoor Recreation Project, this private Christian college offers wilderness orientation for new students. Trips are developed by La Vida, an outdoor ministry group. Students are exposed to hiking, climbing, rappelling or canoeing. Some of the goals of this program include: encouraging students to go beyond their comfort zones, self-discovery, and to develop a greater understanding of their relationship to others and to God.

Leaders for this program are generally students and alumni. An interesting feature of this program is that students can earn two physical education credits by participating.

Hamilton College
Adirondack Adventure
198 College Hill Rd.
Clinton, NY 13323
(315)859-4022

Adirondack Adventure is a wilderness orientation sponsored by this small private institution, and is run through the Student Activities department. Students choose from six different canoe trips, four backpacking trips, cycling trips, or combination trips. Some of the goals of the program include: facilitating adjustment to college, dealing effectively with stress, and working on goal setting.

Leaders include students, faculty, staff and alumni. All leaders are required to undergo training, and they have all gone on the orientation trip previously. Informal follow-up meetings occur throughout the year.

Hampshire College
Contact: Robert Garmirian
OPERA
CC Hampshire
PO Box 5001
Hamherst, MA 01002-5001
(413)582-5471

This small, private institution sponsors a wilderness orientation that includes the entire first year class. Only about half of the trips actually involve outdoor activities. Of these, some of the activities include: backpacking, climbing, biking, and canoeing. Students are encouraged to work on: making friends, developing group interaction skills, and adjusting to college life.

Leaders are unpaid students that undergo rater extensive training in the Spring and prior to the trip's departure. Informal gatherings through the semester serve as follow-up.

Hartwick College
Challenge Education
Contact: Sarah Smeltzer
Trustee Center for Professional Development
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607)431-4425

Awakening is the wilderness orientation program offered by this small private institution. Activities include camping, climbing, canoeing and ropes work. Some of the trip goals include: pushing past the comfort zone, respect diversity and difference, and to ease the adjustment to college.

Leaders are paid, and consist of faculty, staff and students. All are required to complete training which includes team building and processing. Following the trip, groups meet for eleven weeks, working on issues such as wellness, sexuality and violence.

Harvard University
First Year Outdoor Program
6 Prescott Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617)495-7935

This mid-sized private institution offers wilderness orientation through the Freshman Dean's Office. Activities include hiking and canoeing, or combination trips. Students can also become involved in service trips. Some of the trip goals are: to learn and cultivate group skills, to raise awareness of personal and social issues, to build community, and to ease the transition to college.

Leaders are unpaid students who must complete intensive training. After the trip, reunions, dinners, and other follow-up activities occur.

Hendrix College
Contact: Michele Matzat
Student Development and Leadership
Conway, AK 72032
(501)450-1239

This small Methodist institution sponsors wilderness, city and cultural trips for new students. All trips have a required service component. Activities in the wilderness trips include: climbing, caving, backpacking, canoeing, and water skiing. This program is unique in that it emphasizes volunteerism and service as an essential part of education. Some of the other program goals include: building a sense of community, foster compassion and acceptance, and ease the transition to college.

Trip leaders are unpaid, and are required to attend a one day training session. The program is currently working on extending this pre-trip training. Many groups meet informally after the end of the trip.

Idaho State University
Contact: Ron Watters
Pond Student Union
Campus Box 8118
Pocatello, ID 83209
(208)236-3912

The Enrollment Management division of this large public institution sponsors a wilderness orientation program. Some of the activities include: canoeing, biking, hiking, climbing, ropes work, rafting and kayaking. The program is geared toward meeting these goals: encouraging students to make friends, encouraging social interaction and the development of social skills, easing adjustment to college, and improving retention.

The leaders are largely members of the university staff and faculty, although volunteers from outside the university are also used. All must complete the training program.

Kalamazoo College
Land & Sea
1200 Academy Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49006-3295
(616)337-7166

This small private institution offers a free standing wilderness program. The activities involved in this program include experience sailing on a 60 foot boat, and canoeing and backpacking in Canada. Some of the goals of this trip include: gaining self knowledge and understanding through the rigors of the trip, developing group skills, developing relationships, and easing the adjustment to college.

Trip leaders are unpaid, and are selected by program directors and past leaders. All must complete a one week training program. Follow-up consists of debriefing and leader initiated gatherings.

Lewis & Clark College
Contact: Joe Yuska
Outdoor Programs
0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Rd.
Portland, OR 97219
(503)768-7040

The Breakaway Adventures is one of the largest outdoor programs offered at small private colleges in the United States. The trips involve choices among rafting, backpacking, sea kayaking, service projects or urban action. Some of the goals of the program focus on group interaction, personal growth, cultivating decision making skills, increasing self-confidence, and appreciating diversity.

Trip leaders are highly experienced and are generally graduates of Outward Bound or NOLS. Student assistant leaders are also hired and trained. Reunion dinners are held as follow-up activities.

Middlebury College
Contact: Cheryl Whitney Lower
Associate Director of student Activities
Middlebury, VT 05753
(802)388-3711 X 5036

This small private institution offers a wilderness orientation program through its Student Activities department. Some of the activities involved include backpacking, canoeing or mountain biking. The program attempts to ease the transition to college for the students. There is also an emphasis on developing and cultivating group interaction skills.

Leaders are current students and alumni, most of whom have completed training through the college Outing Club.

Missouri, University of-Columbia
Contact: Michael Elliot
Experiential Education
320 Student Recreation Center
Columbia, MO 65211
(314)882-1067
(314)884-5404 (Fax)

This large public institution sponsors trips through Project Quest, as administered through the Recreational Services Office. Some of the activities involved in the trips include canoeing, camping and ropes course work. The trips are geared toward building community, increasing self-confidence, facilitate communication, and to increase retention and help students adjust to college.

Leaders include students and faculty and staff, with some being paid. All leaders must have assisted with two previous trips in order to qualify for leaders. Participants attend a follow-up slide show and debriefing.

New England College
Contact: Brent Bell
Adventure Bound
Henniker, NH 03242
(800)521-7642

This small private institution sponsors a wilderness orientation called Adventure Bound. Participants in the program engage in activities such as canoeing, climbing, ropes course work, and running a marathon. One of the primary goals of this program is to facilitate adjustment to college. Others include developing supportive relationships.

Leaders are paid professionals that have at least two years experience in outdoor leadership. Students serve as assistant leaders. Follow-up meetings occur throughout the academic year.

New Hampshire, University of
Contact: David Lockett
Dept. of Physical Education
New Hampshire Hall
124 Main St.
Durham, NH 03824-3559
(603)862-0361

The Summer Fireside program is co-sponsored by the Dean of Students Office and the Department of Physical Education in this mid-sized public institution. Some of the activities that students engage in include climbing, mountain climbing, and ropes course work. The program is geared toward facilitating student adjustment to college. They also focus on using the wilderness to discover and study gender roles and issues. Students are encouraged to see the trip as an alternative to more alcohol based activities.

Leaders are paid students from the Outdoor Adventure department at the university. These leaders are trained and supervised by professionals. Throughout the year, Fireside provides informal trips and reunions as follow-up.

North Carolina, University of-Charlotte
Contact: Sandy Kohn
Venture Program
Bonnie E. Cone University Center
Charlotte, NC 28223
(704)547-2486

The VENTURE office through the Dean of Students sponsors the wilderness orientation for this mid-sized public institution. Students are exposed to backpacking, rafting and ropes experiences. Some of the goals of this program include making friends, gaining in self-confidence, learning to reach others, and prepare to transition to the demands of college.

The leader training for this program is quite extensive. The Venture Outdoor Leadership Training and Group Experience provides the vehicle for training, and includes a class and an apprentice experience.

Northwest College
Contact: Michael Taylor
Student Activities and Intramurals
231 West Sixth St.
Powell, Wyoming 82435-1890
(307)754-6205

Passages is the orientation program housed in the Student Activities/Intramurals program of this small public institution. students can choose between a number of different activities including rafting, ropes course work or overnight camping. Although this program targets personal growth as an important goal, an emphasis is also placed on adjustment to college, with an emphasis on improving retention.

Leaders include a variety of faculty, staff, students and other volunteers. Many participants follow their orientation trip with ropes course experiences.

Prescott College
Contact: Julie Munsell
220 Grove Ave.
Prescott, AZ 86301
(602)776-5206

This small private institution offers a wilderness orientation that fits with the environmental philosophy of the college. Students are exposed to a backpacking trip. During this experience, participants are expected to get to know and respect the philosophy of the college. They are also expected to begin to understand the Prescott, self-directed style of education. Finally, students will gain and cultivate group skills.

Leaders are advanced students who receive credit and stipends, and paid alumni. Following the orientation trip, groups meet for debriefing and storytelling.

Princeton University
Contact: Rick Curtis
Outdoor Action Program
315 West College
Princeton, NJ 08544
(609)258-3552

The Outdoor Action Program houses the wilderness orientation program at this small private institution. Students can be involved in a number of different activities including backpacking, canoeing, trail maintenance or combination trips. Many of the goals of this program focus on personal growth. Others stress the adjustment to college. Finally, students are expected to develop an appreciation for the natural environment.

Leaders are students that undergo very intensive training over the course of five weeks. Informal meetings serve as follow-up experiences.

Puget Sound, University of
Preludes & Passages
Contact: Bob Stremba
1500 N. Warner
Tacoma, WA 98416
(206)756-3372

Preludes & Passages is a well respected orientation run from this small, private institution. Sponsored by the Counseling center and the Residential Programs Office, participants can choose either a backpacking or base camp option. The goals of this program include: easing the transition to college, building community, self exploration, and to acquaint students with the Pacific Northwest.

Two staff direct the program of paid student leaders. This program is unique in that they have collected and compiled a great deal of evaluation data.

Reed College
Contact: Anne Casey
3203 S.E. Woodstock Blvd.
Portland, OR 97202-8199
(800)547-4750

This small, private institution sponsors a wilderness orientation program through the Sports Center. the goals of this three day program include: meet people and establish new bonds, learn about the college, and learn about low impact camping and wilderness travel.

Although leaders are unpaid students, they must all complete a class on outdoor leadership at the college. They also prefer leaders who have Outward Bound or NOLS training.

Salisbury State University
Contact: David Ganoe, Dir. of wilderness Programs
Salisbury, MD 21801-6837
(410)543-6100

Sponsored by this rather small, public institution, the orientation program is called the New Student Seminar in the Wilderness. Activities include cycling, canoeing and sailing trips. In the program, students are encouraged to: increase confidence and group skills, orient themselves to the university and to academic life, and to learn to appreciate the wilderness. additionally, the program is geared toward increasing student retention.

Trip leaders are faculty and staff, with upper class student assistants. Training occurs during the end of Spring term, and the day prior to departure.

Towson State University
Contact: Donald Squire
Asst. V.P. for Student Services
Towson, MD 21204-7097
(410)830-2310

Project Marj is the wilderness orientation sponsored by this medium sized public institution, run through the New Student Relations Office. Trips involve a combination of backpacking, climbing, and games. Students are encouraged to: challenge themselves physically and emotionally, work toward self-understanding and understanding others, and to prepare for university life.

A director oversees the program, which includes paid student leaders. Follow-up activities are occasional and informal.

Unity College
Contact: Janis Bork
Coordinator, Special Programs
HC 78- Box 1
Unity, ME 04988-9502
(207)948-3131

The NOVA program houses the wilderness orientation for the college. Unity is a small, private institution that is environmentally focused. Students are asked to: develop a community, form bonds, explore Maine, and begin to adjust to college on the trips.

All of the leaders are paid. the training consists of work on emergency, first aid, outdoor leadership, and group facilitation. Community service activities often occur as follow-up.

Vermont, University of
Contact: Jen Markey
Billings Student Center
Student Activities
Burlington, VT 05405
(802)656-7731

The TREK program is the wilderness orientation sponsored by this medium sized public institution. On the trips, students are exposed to hiking, canoeing or sea kayaking. they are asked to work on: forming a community, making new friends, and to begin to integrate themselves with Vermont and the university.

Leaders are students who receive a gift certificate for their participation. In the Spring, and prior to the departure of the trips they receive fairly extensive training in first aid, wilderness skills, and interpersonal skills.

Wheaton College
Contact: Kenneth Kalisch
Honey Rock
Wheaton, IL 60187
(800)325-8718

The Vanguard Experience is the course designed for orienting new students to this small, religiously oriented institution. The program incorporate a number of outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, and climbing. Program goals are varied, and include: the development of self knowledge, social growth, and spiritual growth. there is an emphasis on deepening the relationship with God.

Leaders are paid students who have extensive training. An eleven week wilderness leadership practicum experience is required of all leaders. Large and small group reunions serve as follow-up.

Whitman College
Contact: Laura Tidd
Student Activities Director
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509)527-5176

The Student Activities Office of this small, private institution houses their wilderness orientation program. Some of the goals of this backpacking program are: to promote safe adventure, to facilitate upper level students sharing information with new students, and to encourage interest in the Whitman Outing Club.

Leaders are unpaid students, who all must complete first aid training and a class in outdoor leadership. Some informal follow-up activities occur.

Yale University
Contact: Cilla Kellert
FOOT
P.O. Box 201434 Yale Station
New Haven, CT 06520
(203)432-9300

This small, private institution sponsors a wilderness orientation program from the Dean's Office. Students participate in a backpacking trip. Some of the goals of this program are: to develop new and lasting friendships, to learn to appreciate and care for the wilderness environment, and to begin to work on adjusting to college.

Leaders are unpaid students, who participate in training in the Spring, and again prior to the trip's departure. Informal activities serve as follow-up.


Programs Providing Limited Information

Amherst College
Box 804
Amherst, MA 01002-5000
(413)452-2328

This orientation program is housed in the Outing Club at the university. Participants are exposed to biking, climbing, canoeing and hiking. Trip leaders are students.

Atlantic, College of the
Contact: Ander Thebaud
Assoc. Director of Student Services
105 Eden St.
Bar Harbor, ME 04609-1198
(800)528-0025

This wilderness orientation program is well established, with most of the incoming students participating each year. Activities include paddling, backpacking, kayaking and biking. service trips are also an option. Some of the goals of the trips are to get to know the natural areas, and to increase networking between students, faculty and staff.

Leaders are staff, faculty and students, with at least one faculty or staff member per trip.

Colorado College
FOOT Program
Leisure Program Office
14 E. Cache La Poudrest
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(800)542-7214
(719)389-6344

This orientation program begins at the end of the first academic block of the year. Students are exposed to a variety of outdoor activities ranging from easy to fairly advanced. While on the trip, students are encouraged to relax and enjoy the experience, and to reflect on their first block of academics. This program is student led.

Guilford College
Contact: Anne Lundquist
VENTURE
5800 West Friendly Ave.
Greensboro, NC 27410
(800)542-7214/(910)316-2100

This orientation program includes a variety of outdoor activities such as rafting, climbing and mountain biking. Some of the program goals include exposing students to new challenges, gaining new perspectives on goals and personal aspirations, and working on easing the adjustment to college. Trips are led by both faculty and student leaders.

Maine, University of-Machias
The Maine Experience
9 O'Brien Ave.
Machias, ME 04654
(207)255-3313

This orientation features a separate offering for nontraditional students to orient them to college. Activities include canoeing, and a number of outdoor activities run out of a basecamp. Some of the goals of the program are to meet students, faculty and staff, and to learn what the expectations of the university are. Students are also encouraged to enjoy the natural environment. Leaders are faculty and upper class students.

Marlboro College
Office of Admissions
Marlboro, VT 05344
(800)343-0049
(802)257-4333

The Outdoor Program which runs this orientation is part of student services on campus. On the trip, students are exposed to a variety of activities including backpacking, mountain biking, canoeing, and sea kayaking. On the trips, students are encouraged to work on learning group dynamics, self-discovery, and academic and personal development. The program is led by student leaders. However, these students must go through training and become part of the Woods Leadership Program.

Northland College
Contact: Michele Meyer
Ashland, WI 54806
(715)682-1674

This is a well established orientation program that is co-sponsored by Student Development and the Outdoor Education Program. The program is run entirely by a steering committee of upper class students. Activities include hiking, canoeing and sea kayaking. Some of the goals of the program are to help students make new friends, experience adventure, and prepare for college.

Saint John's University
Contact: John Clarkson
Counseling & Career Services
Collegeville, MN 56321-7155
(612)363-3791

This program has general trips and special trips for women students. In addition to a challenge course experience, students are exposed to canoeing. Some of the goals of this program are to ease the transition to college, and to help students develop better interpersonal and social skills. Leaders are members of the Peer Resource Outdoor Leadership Group and have had training in outdoor leadership. Groups continue to meet through the first semester for follow-up.

Stanford University
Contact: Betsy Scroggs
Graduate School of Business
350 Memorial Way
Stanford, CA 94305
(415)723-2836

This orientation program is for the graduate students in the school of business. Activities are varied and include choices of sea kayaking, sailing, biking, riding or hiking. Some of the goals of the trip are to help students make friends, appreciate the outdoor environment, and to relax. Second year students serve as leaders.

Tufts University
Contact: George Ellmore
Dept. of Biology
Medford, MA 02155-7709
(617)628-3967

This orientation program includes backpacking, hiking and canoeing. Students are encouraged to make friends, develop group interaction skills, and prepare to transition to college. Trip leaders are trained students.

Vermont, University of
Contact: Peter Chapman
TREK
Office of Student Activities
Billings Center
Burlington, VT 05405-0040
(802)656-2060

This orientation program is co-sponsored by the university Outing Club and the Student activities office. Activities include hiking, canoeing and sea kayaking. Students are expected to work on transitioning to college, meeting students and faculty, increasing self awareness, and learning more about the university and the local natural environment. All of the trip leaders are students, many of which have led the trips before.

Williams College
Contact: Scott Lewis
472 West Mt. Rd.
Lenox, MA 01240
(413)597-2211

This orientation trip is sponsored by the university Outing Club. Activities are varied and include backpacking, canoeing and biking. Leaders are trained students.


Programs that responded to the survey

1. Antioch College
2. Bloomsburg University
3. Bowdoin College
4. Brown University
5. California, University of - San Diego
6. California, University of - Santa Cruz
7. Colby College
8. Cornell University
9. Dartmouth Outing Club - Dartmouth College
10. Davidson College
11. Duke University
12. Earlham College
13. Gordon College
14. Hamilton College
15. Hampshire College
16. Hartwick College
17. Harvard University
18. Hendrix College
19. Idaho State University
20. Kalamazoo College
21. Lewis & Clark College
22. Middlebury College
23. Missouri, University of - Columbia
24. New England College
25. New Hampshire, University of
26. North Carolina, University of - Charlotte
27. Northwest College
28. Prescott College
29. Princeton University
30. Puget Sound, University of
31. Reed College
32. Salisbury State College
33. Towson State University
34. Unity College
35. Vermont, University of
36. Wheaton college
37. Whitman College
38. Yale University


Programs that sent incomplete information

1. Amherst College
2. Atlantic - College of the
3. Colorado College
4. Georgia College - Ropes Only
5. Guildford College
6. Lynchburg College - Ropes Only
7. Maine, University of - Machias
8. Marlboro College
9. Northland College
10. St. John's University
11. Stanford University
12. Tufts University
14. Williams College


Programs that did not directly respond,
but are thought to currently have programs

1. Alaska, University of - New Program - Began 1995
2. Columbia University
3. Evergreen State College
4. Georgetown University
5. Gettysburg College
6. Great Hollow Wilderness - Wesleyan University
7. North Carolina, University of - Ashville
8. Pacific University
9. Pennsylvania, University of
10. Rollins College
11. University of Idaho
12. Warren Wilson College
13. Western Illinois University

Copyright © 1995 Jennifer Davis-Berman, Dene Berman, University of Dayton.