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.

2026 Dates: Monday, August 17 - Thursday, August 20
Participant Cost: $150 (limited scholarships are available; FGLI students can attend at no cost) 
Registration: TBD

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.

2026 Dates: Tuesday, August 18 and/or Wednesday, August 19
Participant Cost: $50 per night for early move-in
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 1

New undergraduate international students are strongly encouraged to participate in ISSP’s International First-Year Arrival Program 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.

This program is only available 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 W&M St Andrews Joint Degree Programme) who are living on campus year during the 2026-2027 academic year. Undergraduate 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.).

2026 Dates:
 - Session 1: Sunday, August 9 - Thursday, August 13
 - Session 2: Sunday, August 16 - Thursday, August 20
Program Cost: $215 per participants (includes meals, camping & entrance fees, all group gear)
Registration:  Available Thursday, May 21 - Monday, July 13 (or until all spots are filled)

Campus Recreation offers all incoming students a unique and transformative pre-orientation experience through Pathways. 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.

2026 Dates: Saturday, July 18 - Saturday, July 25, 2026
Program Cost: None. University-sponsored.
Application: Available Friday, May 1; Due Monday, June 1
Capacity: 60 incoming students

Preparing for Life as a University Student (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.

2026 Dates: TBD. Two sessions.
Program Cost: None.
Registration: None. Zoom Link will be Sent to Eligible Student-Athletes via W&M Email Address

W&M Athletics Student-Athlete Support Services invites all incoming student-athletes to participate in Student-Athlete Prep for Success - two Summer Zoom sessions designed to prepare you for a successful first semester. These sessions will introduce you to the people, resources, and tools that will support your success both academically and athletically.

The first session introduces you to support services through the Athletics Department, including Academic Coordinators, Compliance, Mental Health, Sports Medicine, and Sport Administrators. Learn how these teams work together to support your eligibility, well‑being, performance, and overall student‑athlete experience.

The second session will highlight key academic resources through campus designed to help you thrive in the classroom. Topics will include tutoring services, writing support, accessibility services, student accountability, advising, and additional academic help and support services. These sessions provide a great opportunity to ask questions, make connections, and start your college journey feeling informed and prepared.

We strongly encourage all incoming student‑athletes to attend both sessions.

2026 Dates: Monday, July 27 - Friday, July 31
Participant Cost: None. University-sponsored.
Application: Available Friday, May 1 - Friday, May 29 (30 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.