FAQs

How do I sign up for W&M Pathways?

To sign up for W&M Pathways, you will need to submit an online registration form. Once your online registration has been received, you will be sent the various program paperwork and payment instructions.

Please note that submitting an online registration form does not guarantee you a spot on one of our trips; you must receive a registration confirmation e-mail.

Can all first year students take part in W&M Pathways?

No. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to accommodate all incoming students. Registration for W&M Pathways is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, so it's important to register early.

What type of equipment will I need for W&M Pathways?

This will depend on the trip you are going on. Once you have registered for a trip, you will be sent a detailed equipment list for your trip.

Is equipment available for rent?

Yes. The majority of specialized equipmetn is available for rent from the Outdoor Recreation Program at no additional charge. These items are marked on the equipment lists. Participants are responsible for providing all of their own clothing and personal items, however.

I’ve never gone on an outdoor trip before. Can I still sign-up?

Of course! W&M Pathways trips are open to all incoming students regardless of previous outdoor experience. However, our trips do require a certain level of physical fitness.  Backpacking participants will be carrying all of their supplies and equipment for three days several miles a day over uneven terrain. Likewise, other trip participants will be carrying various equipment over uneven terrain to access some activity areas.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the physical demands of our trips, please contact Theran Fisher.

When I arrive for check-in, can I move all of my things into my room?

Yes and no. You may certainly bring everything you want to have at college with you, but the Office of Residence Life cannot guarantee that you will be able to put it directly into your room. Some residence halls will be ready for early check in and some will not.  We will not know which rooms will be ready until closer to the time of the trips. However, we can guarantee a secure location to store your belongings while you are on your trip. You can then move everything into your room upon your return.

Who will be leading my trip?

Your guides on your adventures are Trip Leaders with the Outdoor Recreation Program (ORP) at William & Mary. All Trip Leaders are current students with a passion for the outdoors and who enjoy sharing that passion with others. Trip Leaders go through an extensive training process in several areas of wilderness travel and outdoor recreation and are required to have a current Wilderness First Aid certification. Aside from teaching about the outdoors, they are a great resource to learn about college life and the various opportunities available at W&M.  To learn more about Trip Leaders visit the ORP website.

How does W&M Pathways help ease the transition to college?

W&M Pathways provides an opportunity fr incoming students to connect with their peers and learn first-hand about college life at W&M before they ever set foot oncampus. Here's what some previous W&M Pathways participants had to say about the experience:

"William and Mary Pathways made the transition into college so much easier. i made a bunch of friends before even steppingoncampus, learned the ins and outs of the school from our Trip leaders, and really got a taste of how much fun college could be."

"Best way to start off college! AMAZING!"

If you do not see an answer to your question, please email Theran Fisher for additional information.