A group of people gather in a circle on a grassy area in front of a brick building, enjoying the activities of Welcome Week.

Orientation and Welcome Week

Explore

The start of fall semester is an exciting time at Randolph-Macon College! We’ll have lots of activities, just for new students, as you experience the “buzz” of the start of school.

New Student Move-In and Check-In

Wednesday, September 2

Let the fun begin! Move-in & check-in day is always a lot of fun. From meeting your roommate and hall mates to meeting your Orientation Crew, you’ll have lots of exciting milestones (and, yes, maybe a few emotional ones. We’re ready!)

Residential Students: Freshmen & Transfer students will select their check-in time through the “Move-in Sign-up” link located on MyMaconWeb, available in August. Move-in activities usually begin around 8:30 a.m., and families are welcome to join their students prior to the start of New Student programming, which begins at 4 p.m.!

Commuting Students: Freshman & transfer commuting student check-in is from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a Commuting Student Welcome Session. New Student programming begins at 4 p.m.!

  • A group of students stands on a brick path outdoors, listening to a tour guide. They wear lanyards and hold brochures. Trees and a building are visible in the background.

New Student Orientation and Welcome Weekend

Wednesday – Sunday

There’s a lot to know, which is why we schedule the whole weekend for all new students (including commuter and transfer students) for Welcome Weekend. Plan to participate in the whole event; a full schedule will be provided to new students during their check-in on Wednesday.

Events are a mix of fun, and also helpful, as you meet people and learn to navigate college life.

Four people standing with folded arms, wearing name tags and holding yellow and black booklets, in a brightly lit room with large windows.
Registration Days featured students getting ready for the new school year. New students registered for classes, met their captains, future classmates, and professors.

New Student Orientation Sample Schedules

Wondering what to expect during New Student Orientation? Check out the sample schedule that applies to you!

Expectations

To help facilitate a seamless orientation experience, please review the important information below.

Universal Accommodations for Your New Student Orientation

If you need to step away from an activity during orientation due to any sensory or accommodation concerns, please communicate with your Captain or any Orientation Team member.

These are the universal accommodations that are already incorporated into our program:

  • Closed captioning
  • Sensory-friendly spaces
Your New Student Orientation Experience

Your New Student Orientation Experience will include:

  • Times when you are in a presentation room/dining hall space (around 500 people present in close proximity), breakout room space (around 60 to 200 people), and small group locations (around 30 students).
  • Auditory stimulation, such as loud music, cheers, or videos.
  • Physical activity that includes traveling distances to get from building to building and some movement-involved activities.

Welcome Week

Welcome Week starts as New Student Orientation winds down and runs from Sunday, September 6 – Saturday, September 12. The Student Engagement Center Welcome Week Team has planned an amazing experience for you!

Step into a new academic year filled with possibility, connection, and adventure at Randolph-Macon College! Whether you’re arriving on campus for the very first time or returning to your Yellow Jacket home, Welcome Week  is designed to help you set your journey in motion—with purpose, excitement, and a touch of magic.

What to Expect

Magic in Motion celebrates the dynamic energy of our student body and the transformative power of the RMC experience. Throughout the week, you’ll discover opportunities to:

  • Connect with fellow Yellow Jackets, staff, and faculty through engaging social events, team activities, and shared traditions.
  • Explore essential campus resources that will support your academic, personal, and professional success.
  • Learn how to navigate your college experience with confidence, curiosity, and creativity.
  • Get Involved by discovering student organizations, leadership opportunities, and ways to make an impact in your community.
  • From Live and Unexpected to the Activities Carnival and beyond, every event is a chance to build friendships, find your place, and create unforgettable memories.

Meet the Team Orientation and Transitions

Joshua Sipe Headshot

Joshua Sipe

Associate Director for New Student Transitions

Phone: (804) 752-8892
Email: JoshuaSipe@rmc.edu
Schedule Joshua Sipe