Tuesday, Aug. 15, 8:30 a.m. – The 485 members of Hamilton’s class of 2021 arrive on campus to move in and begin eight days of orientation.
1:00 p.m.: Welcome from President David Wippman and senior staff in the Margaret Bundy Scott Field House will be followed by a reception and opening ceremonies on Steuben Field.
Wednesday, Aug. 16 -The new students will depart on four days of “Adventure trips” that are designed to introduce them to the Hamilton community and surrounding area. Trips include:
- camping/wilderness trips to the Adirondacks,
- volunteering at local non-profits, or
- exploring a subject area of interest with Hamilton faculty (bee-keeping, journalism, N.Y. frontier warfare).
They return to Hamilton on Aug. 20 for on-campus Orientation.
Monday, Aug. 21, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Eclipse Viewing – Hamilton’s first-year class will have the opportunity to witness a celestial event that hasn’t ever occurred in their lifetimes and won’t happen again until 2024: a partial solar eclipse. In celebration, the college’s C.H.F. Peters Astronomical Observatory, located on Peters Lane .4 miles west of campus off College Hill Rd, will host an eclipse party for students and any interested staff and faculty.
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 4:30 p.m.: Convocation, Wellin Hall, Schambach Center. In the official start to Hamilton’s 206th year, members of the administration will welcome students and new faculty, and academic achievement prizes will be awarded to students.
Thursday, Aug. 24 – Classes begin
