Summer Pre-Orientation Programs

Elevate is a multi-day program for incoming William & Mary students ready to grow as leaders who enact positive change. Elevate empowers participants to reflect on their values, strengthen their leadership potential, and build meaningful connections through interactive sessions, small group discussions, and community-building activities. Students will develop the self-awareness, relational skills, and sense of purpose needed to lead with integrity and make a lasting impact at W&M and beyond.

2025 Dates: Monday, August 18 - Thursday, August 21
Participant Cost: $150 (limited scholarships are available; FGLI students can attend at no cost) 
Registration: Available Saturday, April 13 - Friday, July 19 (until all spots are filled)

Engage offers incoming students the opportunity to participate in hands-on service while learning about the local community and sustainability. In small teams, students volunteer with nonprofits committed to environmental, social, and economic sustainability including local parks, city government, and cultural organizations. Living and serving together during the program, teams build community as they volunteer, share their meals, explore Williamsburg, and learn about W&M from their upperclassmen team leaders.

2025 Dates: Tuesday, August 19 and/or Wednesday, August 20
Participant Cost: $50 per night
Registration: Available Thursday, May 1 - Tusday, July 8

This program is open to undergraduate international students in F-1 or J-1 status in their first year at William & Mary (includes exchange students and students in the St Andrews W&M Joint Degree Programme) who are living on campus year during the 2025-2026 academic year. International students in other statuses are also welcome to participate (e.g., U.S. citizens/permanent living abroad, dual citizens, students studying in a different immigration status, etc.). 

New undergraduate international students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Office of International Students, Scholars & Programs (ISSP)’s pre-orientation to settle into their residence halls, get acclimated to campus, and recover from travel before diving into New Student Orientation. ISSP will connect students with campus resources, organize social events to meet the ISSP staff and other international students, and offer van trips for dorm and international grocery shopping. Once students have moved onto campus, all meals during the program are covered.

2025 Dates:
 - Session 1: Monday, August 11 - Friday, August 15
 - Session 2: Monday, August 18 - Friday, August 22
Program Cost: $215 per participants (includes meals, camping & entrance fees, all group gear)
Registration:  Available Wednesday, May 21 - Monday, July 13 (or until all spots are filled)

Campus Recreation offers incoming students a unique and transformative pre-orientation experience. Participants share an extended outdoor adventure experience designed to assist students during this time of transition. No previous outdoor experience is necessary. During their adventures, students will develop a strong sense of self-efficacy while gaining valuable social and leadership skills. Lead by the TAP's student trip leaders, participants learn about W&M life, are welcomed into the Tribe community and become part of a W&M tradition.

2025 Dates: Sunday, July 12 - Saturday, July 19, 2025
Program Cost: None. University-sponsored.
Application: Available Wednesday, May 1; Due Sunday, June 1

PLUS provides a supportive introduction to academic life at William & Mary, providing participants with the opportunity to interact with some of our most distinguished faculty members here at William & Mary. Through this program, students are introduced to academic and social life allowing them to participate in several different activities that help to foster academic success, belonging, and community and leadership development.

2025 Dates: Monday, July 21 - Friday, July 25
Participant Cost: None. University-sponsored.
Application: Available Thursday, May 1 - Friday, May 30 (20 spots available until filled)

The Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Summer Connections Program provides a supportive summer experience for entering students before they arrive at W&M. The program provides an introduction to academic life, an acclimation to the campus, a chance to make social connections, learn disability advocacy, and practice essential college life skills. We have created this specifically for students with a disability, and our staff are familiar with the needs of students with disabilities. During the program, students will engage in mock class sessions, interact with peer leaders, and engage in social outings to build community and relationships. Participants will also be provided the opportunity to become familiar with numerous campus resources.