Pre-Orientation Engagement Communities

Find your place in your new home.

Ask any student whether they found their community at Kenyon, and they’ll probably tell you that they found many. Our pre-orientation engagement communities, before the start of Fall Orientation, are a great way to discover one of yours. You will join a small group of students who share an interest in topics like the arts, sustainability, community engagement, student leadership or health and wellness, exploring subjects you care deeply about in a community and region we know you will grow to love.

Families of students participating in a pre-orientation engagement community are invited to stay on Thursday afternoon and evening to learn more about campus services and how Kenyon supports students and families.

In May, students will receive an email invitation to apply for a pre-orientation experience of their choice. Program capacity is limited, but students will have ample opportunity to join any of the engagement communities during Fall Orientation and throughout the fall semester.

Program Themes

From Farm to Table and Back Again (Sustainability and Service)

Discover the difference you can make in your local community by pitching in to help. You will travel to various sites in Gambier and neighboring Mount Vernon to learn about community gardening, farming, and to help harvest local produce. Agricultural practices and volunteer opportunities will be introduced, including composting. You will also share a lunch prepared by a local chef and have time to explore local businesses in Mount Vernon before helping deliver meals to those in need.

Hosted by the Office for Community Partnerships.

Making Art and Building Connections (Art) 

Create community through artmaking at The Annex, the satellite space of The Gund, Kenyon’s contemporary art museum.  Learn from professional artists skilled in a wide range of techniques, including alternative photographic processes, printmaking, painting, sculpture, and more. Connect with your peers while making your own work of art. Get a sneak peek at the new exhibitions at The Gund and learn about the many experiential and interdisciplinary learning opportunities for Kenyon students at The Gund and The Annex. 

Hosted by The Gund and The Annex.

Taking the Lead in Student Life (Student Leadership) 

Get a head start on discovering the many leadership opportunities available throughout your Kenyon experience. This program offers space to explore and build your leadership skills alongside other students who are interested in getting involved on campus. You’ll also have the chance to connect with upperclass student mentors and Kenyon staff who are here to support your growth, involvement and leadership journey.

Hosted by the Office of Student Engagement. 

River Days (Nature and Environment) 

Float down the Kokosing River, hike forest and prairie trails, and spend your first days at Kenyon in the great outdoors. Over two days at the 700-acre Brown Family Environmental Center, you’ll explore the woods, fields, and river that surround campus, share meals outside, and have time to slow down, reflect, and connect with other first-year students.

Hosted by the Brown Family Environmental Center. 

Finding Balance (Wellness)

Explore the six dimensions of wellness (social, environmental, intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual) through hands-on activities, reflection exercises, nature experiences, small-group conversations, and stress-management workshops. You’ll practice strategies for balancing academics, relationships, self-care, and personal growth, leaving with concrete tools you can use throughout your Kenyon journey.

Hosted by the Cox Health and Counseling Center.