Virtual First Three (Weeks) Schedule
This year First Three will be an adapted three week, completely virtual model spread out from August 17 to September 4. If you haven't yet, be sure to register and watch your email for details and communications! Please note that registration for First Three is separate from your Fast Track registration.
The Orientation Office is open operating remotely and ready to answer your questions! You can reach us via email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail on our office phone 734.487.1208 and we will return your call within two business days.
Register for First Three Orientation
Week 1: Monday August 17 - Saturday August 22
Monday, August 17
11 a.m.–Noon (Mandatory For All New Students)
First Three [Weeks] Welcome!
Your official induction into the EMU family! The Welcome Ceremony is a tradition at EMU filled with pride and EMU school spirit. You and your new classmates will be welcomed by President James Smith, the New Student Orientation Assistants (NSOAs) and get details on how to navigate participation in our virtual orientation program.
Tuesday, August 18
11 a.m.–Noon (Mandatory For All New Students)
Student Experience Kickoff Session: Approach Anything like it’s Everything
Ashlee Ammons, President of Mixtroz
A single conversation with a student peer while in Undergrad led Ashlee to the internship of a lifetime! Her connections made during her internship opened doors to New York City where Ashlee rose from Executive Assistant to Director of Events, producing for A-Listers like Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jay-Z all by age 26. When Ashlee's time in NYC began to expire and her new life as a tech entrepreneur began to take shape she talks risking it all, the life she built, while hustling to keep her venture afloat while also battling depression. This is a story of unrelenting hustle while breaking barriers and starting the path toward her life's greatest work - Mixtroz. When Ashlee started in tech, she was known as a "Quad Outsider" (Black, Female, Non-Technical, Tech Founder) today, She is Ashlee Ammons, the 38th Black Female Tech Founder to Raise $1M in funding (the 37th is her Mom and Co-Founder), President at Mixtroz, Inclusion Activist and ‘Powerful Woman’ according to Entrepreneur Magazine, 2019.
Noon–1 p.m. (Mandatory For All New Students)
First Meeting with your New Student Orientation Assistant (NSOA)
Meet your New Student Orientation Assistants (NSOAs) and the other new students who make up your First Three small group. Each group is comprised of both residential and commuter students.
Groups are assigned and instructions for joining these meetings will be shared at the end of the “Student Experience Kick Off Session”
If you are watching the playbacks/missed the kickoff session and do not have an NSOA group - please email [email protected] and we will get you plugged into an orientation group!
Wednesday, August 19
2–5:30 p.m.
First Three Wellness Fair
Join our Campus Partners in a virtual wellness fair focusing on the eight wellness dimensions as identified by The Office of Wellness and Community Responsibility. Students will have the opportunity to interact with resources on campus and learn methods that promote their own emotional, social, physical, environmental, career and intellectual, financial and overall spiritual wellness. This opportunity includes partnerships with CAPs, Eagle Nutrition Services and the University Wellness Center, among so many others.
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Part 1: Black and Brown Student Experience @ EMU
Transitioning to a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) can come with a unique set of challenges for Black and Brown students, especially in the midst of a pandemic.
This session will focus on:
- Barriers that can impact students of color academically, emotionally and socially;
- Tips and tools for success during your first year; and
- Ways to manage your sanity and expectations during uncertain times.
7–8 p.m.
Meeting for Families and Parents of Students in the Honors College
The Honors College invites parents and other family members to join us for a welcome session during First Three. This session is designed for parents to get information and ask questions about The Honors College.
Thursday, August 20
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Drop In Advising for First Three
Do you have any last-minute schedule changes you would like to make to your fall schedule? Sign up for a First Three Advising Drop-In appointment to meet with an advisor to ask any last-minute questions or make any last-minute changes to your schedule before the fall semester begins. Drop-In appointments will take place on August 20th between 10 am-2 p.m..
Make a First Three Drop-In Advising Appointment Request
3–5 p.m. (Mandatory For All New Students)
Life in the Classroom
Meet EMU faculty before classes begin! They will tell it like it is – from the syllabus to office hours, professors' expectations, what to anticipate on the first day of class and how to be successful in hybrid and virtual classes. –
Find out how to take responsibility for your learning and how to communicate with your Instructors.
Download Life In The Classroom Handout
6-7 p.m.
Study Abroad Overview
While study abroad travel is limited at this time, it's still important to start planning now. Learn about the study abroad options that will be available to you here at EMU, including 10-day programs with our own EMU faculty in places like England and Italy in addition to our traditional semester/year exchange programs. Join us and you'll realize that study abroad is not out of reach as your financial aid and scholarships can be applied to programs overseas!
6–9 p.m.
EMU X High School Summer Smash
Smash Brothers tournament with EMU Esports Team
Friday, August 21
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
College Open Houses
Hear from your academic advisors and faculty - learn what it will be like to be a student of your specific college! Whether it’s Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Services, Engineering and Technology, Business or Education, you will have the opportunity to gain further insight into what will be expected of you as a student!
2:30–3:30 p.m. (Mandatory For All New Students)
NSOA Group Time
3:30–5 p.m.
Honors College Student Welcome and Orientation
Honors College First-Year Orientation is required for all incoming Honors students before they are officially accepted into the Honors College. During Orientation, Honors students will learn more about the expectations and benefits of being a member of The Honors College, how to graduate with Honors, ways to succeed in college, and opportunities to enhance their college experience through research, study abroad, leadership and service.
5–6 p.m. (Mandatory For All New RESIDENTIAL Students)
What to Expect for Move In
Join a live webinar with Housing and Residential Life to learn more about what to expect when moving in on campus and get your questions answered.
7–8 p.m.
The Gay Agenda: Everything LGBTQ+ Students Need at EMU
Join the LGBT Resource Center staff as we unveil our events for the Fall 2020 semester! Meet and greet with other LGBTQ+ students and learn about the opportunities to get involved with throughout campus. We’ll also discuss common challenges new students face and the resources EMU has to help overcome them!
Saturday, August 22
3:30–5 p.m.
Honors College Student Welcome and Orientation
Honors College First-Year Orientation is required for all incoming Honors students before they are officially accepted into the Honors College. During Orientation, Honors students will learn more about the expectations and benefits of being a member of The Honors College, how to graduate with Honors, ways to succeed in college, and opportunities to enhance their college experience through research, study abroad, leadership and service.
5–6 p.m.
Meeting for Families and Parents of Students in the Honors College
The Honors College invites parents and other family members to join us for a welcome session during First Three. This session is designed for parents to get information and ask questions about The Honors College.
Week 2: Monday August 24 - Sunday August 30
Monday, August 24
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Family and Parent Webinar
- Identify on-campus resources that are available to their students
- Refer their student to offered university resources as needed
- Understand how family and guests can partner with the university to support their student
8–9 p.m. (Mandatory For All New Students)
NSOA Group Time
Tuesday, August 25
3:30–5 p.m.
Honors College Student Welcome and Orientation
Honors College First-Year Orientation is required for all incoming Honors students before they are officially accepted into the Honors College. During Orientation, Honors students will learn more about the expectations and benefits of being a member of The Honors College, how to graduate with Honors, ways to succeed in college, and opportunities to enhance their college experience through research, study abroad, leadership and service.
Wednesday, August 26
Pre-Recorded Mandatory Trainings For Incoming Students
Yes Means Yes! Preventing Gender-based Violence
This tutorial utilizes short videos and opportunities to participate in discussion boards with other incoming EMU students to spread awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault on a college campuses as well as how students can help prevent sexual assault and create a culture of enthusiastic consent at EMU.
Title IX Introduction
EMU's Title IX Office Introduction- Learning about EMU's Sexual Misconduct and Sex-based Discrimination Policy, and prohibited conduct at the university.
- How to report a problem or concern to the Title IX Office, and where, when, and how you can receive help.
- Support services, accommodations, and safety measures the Title IX office provides to respond and combat sexual misconduct
4–5 p.m. [Updated time and date]
Yes Means Yes and Title IX Round Table Discussion
What does it mean to be part of the EMU community? Join us for a conversation to learn how EMU responds to reports of sexual misconduct and/or interpersonal violence. Understand your rights and responsibilities as a member of the EMU community. Participate in discussion other
incoming EMU students to spread awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault on a college campuses as well as how students can help prevent sexual assault and create a culture of enthusiastic consent at EMU.
6:30–7:30 p.m. (Mandatory For All New Students)
Inclusion and U
Join the Department for Diversity and Community Involvement (DCI) as we discuss how all of us can work to recognize bias and foster an inclusive campus community. Learn how to Soar Above to support each other as fellow Eagles!
8–9 p.m. (Mandatory For All New Students) [Updated time and date]
NSOA Group Time
Thursday, August 27
6:30–7:30 p.m. (Mandatory For All New Commuter Students)
Commuter Student and Family Session
There is more to your experience at EMU than driving to and from campus! Join university representatives as we share information and resources critical to your success as a commuter student. Learn tips on balancing your campus and home life and how to be an active and engaged student in the EMU community. We will also share information for families of EMU commuter students on how to support your student during their first year and beyond!
8 p.m.–9 p.m. (Mandatory For All New Students)
NSOA Group Time
Friday, August 28
6:30–9 p.m.
Virtual PlayFair!
PlayFair! is totally unlike anything you have ever experienced. It's described as the world's largest mixer - more than just an entertainment event - an icebreaker extraordinaire!
This is a high-energy event where there will be music, noise, high-energy and conversation. If you would like to learn more about the event to support your individual needs, please contact the Orientation and Transition Programs Office at [email protected].
Saturday, August 29
[Time varies for individual NSOA groups]
NSOA Check-in
6:30-7:15 p.m.
ESports @ EMU (Student Panel)
Come join EMU Esports as we host a Question and Answer panel with players from our different clubs and teams including Overwatch, Smash Bros, Rainbow 6: Siege and League of Legends. Learn how to get involved with our growing Esports scene on campus and meet other like-minded people! Ask questions directly to players and staff here at EMU about what it takes to become a member of one of the teams, or how to get involved in behind the scenes work with our clubs and student organizations on campus!
7:30-9 p.m.
Virtual Game Night With EMU Esports Team
Looking for something to do? Come hang out with some EMU Esports staff at our virtual game night! Enjoy socializing with members of the Esports department while playing some Jackbox party games in our discord server! Jackbox not your speed? There are tons of games that have dedicated channels for you to find friends! A virtual icebreaker perfect to get your foot in the door for our esports scene here on campus!
Sunday, August 30
8 p.m.
Campus Life Activity! Sean Bott: Mentalist
Running All Day
EMU Scavenger Hunt
Week 3: Monday, August 31 - Friday, September 4 *Classes Start*
Monday, August 31 (Classes Start)
5:30p.m.–7:30 p.m. [Updated time and date]
Part 2: Black and Brown Student Experience @ EMU
This session dives deeper into real-life scenarios students of color face both in and out of the classroom (i.e. microaggressions/racism, academic preparedness, financial aid, mental health). Students will work in small groups (virtually) discussing potential ways to address these issues as well as receive key takeaways on how to navigate such challenges.
8-8:45 p.m. (Mandatory For All New Students)
NSOA Group Time
Tuesday, September 1
6-7 p.m.
Campus Involvement: Finding Your Path
This presentation will focus on the wide array of ways to get involved on campus to enhance your first-year experience!
8-9 p.m.
Late Night @ The Rec
Join us for our virtual First Three Orientation session, Late Nite at the Rec! During our virtual session you can learn about all of our great virtual offerings this fall, from group fitness classes, esport competitions, recreational play, and intramural activities.
At the Rec/IM we believe physical distancing doesn't mean social distancing! Connect with us on social media today @emu_recim to start your fitness journey.
Wednesday, September 2
5-7 p.m.
Being Successful @ EMU Webinar
In this session you will learn about the numerous opportunities and inside scoops from students to help you be a successful student as while you are at EMU. These include opportunities include: Study Abroad, Living on Campus Tips and Tricks, Academic Support Resources, Campus Life and Student Involvement, Ypsilanti Community Highlights, Student Employment, a Student Panel and more!
8-9 p.m. (Mandatory For All New Students)
NSOA Group Time
Thursday, September 3
5–6:30 p.m. (Mandatory For All New Students)
Closing Keynote Speaker: Franchesca Ramsey
7-9 p.m.
Virtual Trivia Night with Campus Life
Join a live webinar and test your knowledge on multiple EMU topics at Trivia Night! Compete with your friends and find new ones.
Friday, September 4
1:30-3 p.m.
Honors Common Book-Reading Discussion
Each year, the incoming cohort of Honors students all read the same book and come together to discuss this book before classes start. The 2020 Honors Common Read is the book, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. This book, a call to fix our broken system of justice, is readily available in libraries and bookstores. We selected this book to work in concert with our theme for the year, Making Your Mark . Many of our programs throughout the year, including the Star Lecture Series, will address this theme and invite you to consider the mark you hope to make during your time at Eastern and beyond.