Information For

Incoming Students

Fall 2025 Welcome

Welcome to Norwich University

We are thrilled to welcome you to Norwich University, home of the Cadets and birthplace of ROTC.

Norwich Rook Student Arrival with family

Norwich Civilian Student Arrival with family

Transitioning to college is a process. All of our programs help students to develop a sense of their personal goals, make connections with peers, faculty and staff, and build a sense of community and context, which will lay a foundation for their time at Norwich. We support both academic and social transitions to Norwich University. Don't worry, parents and families. Find additional information for new families.

We’re counting the days to your arrival and can’t wait to see you on The Hill.

Arrival Days - Fall 2025

Fall 2025 Arrival Schedule

Wednesday 6 August	0900 to 1200	ROTC – Ranger Team Civilian – Leaders [Exec Staff] Corps – All S-4 (Regimental & Battalion) Uniform Store Detail Regiment CMD Team and Staff OICs (R/CO, XO, CSM, S1-S6 OICs) HHC CMD Team (CO, XO, & 1SG)
Saturday 09 August	By Request	New Students – PROVO FTX Participants flying alone
Sunday 10 August	0900 to 1200	FTX Arrival Day New Students – Corps Band/Drill/Cavalry FTX Participants Corps – All Battalion CMD Team & Staff, All PROVO BN, All CTC Leaders [B,D,F,H], Remaining Regimental Staff
Monday 11 August	0900 to 1200	Civilian – Orientation Leaders and Resident Assistants
Tuesday 12 August	By Request	New Students – International Rooks Flying
Wednesday 13 August	0900 to 1200	New Students – International Rooks Fall Athletes – Football
Thursday 14 August	0900 to 1200 By Request	Fall Athletes – Men’s & Women’s Rugby New Students – NROTC Prep & Scholarship (All)
Friday 15 August	0900 to 1200	New Students – Rooks flying in alone Fall Athletes – Volleyball, Men’s & Women’s Soccer, Cross-country Corps – Line Unit Leaders [A, C, E, G]
Saturday 16 August	0800 to 1200	Rook Arrival Day New Students – Rooks Fall Athletes – Golf
Sunday 17 August	0800 to 1200	Fall Athletes – Golf
Tuesday 19 August	By Request	New Students – Civilian students flying in alone
Wednesday 20 August	0800 to 1200	Civilian New Student Arrival Day New Students –Civilian Residential Students, Civilian Commuters, Flexible Pathways, International Students Corps – Exchange students
Saturday & Sunday 23 - 24 August	0900 to 1600	Civilian – Returning Civilian Students Corps – Returning Corps Students
Monday 25 August		First Day of Classes / Start of Add/Drop Start of Late Arrivals
Monday 01 September		End of Add/Drop, End of Late Arrivals

Rook Arrival Information

Congratulations on your decision to join the Norwich University Corps of Cadets. With the right attitude, focus, and resilience, you will develop intellectually, morally, and physically, and grow as a leader.

This page provides essential information to help you matriculate into the Corps of Cadets and begin your college journey successfully. Please refer to the Fall 2025 Arrival Schedule for key dates.

Key steps before arrival

Rook Arrival Day: All rooks must arrive by Rook Arrival Day. If you have questions, contact the Admissions Office at 802-485-2001 or email your admissions counselor.
Start Ready: Complete all required administrative documents in the Student Portal by the deadline. Be truthful on your medical forms. You cannot start rook training without medical clearance, including a physical completed within six months of arrival and documented by your primary care physician.
NU Living: Log in to the housing portal at norwich.starrezhousing.com/StarRezPortalX/ to complete your housing application and uniform measurements form.
Rook Packing List: Follow the rook packing list exactly. For questions, contact the Commandant's Office at commandant@norwich.edu or 802-485-2135.
Shipping: If you need to ship items, address packages as follows:
RCT Last Name, First Name
Norwich University
158 Harmon Drive
Northfield, VT 05663
Contact the mailroom at 802-485-2205 or mailroom@norwich.edu for details.
Company assignment: Your rook company (B, D, F, or H) will be listed on the NU Living portal after your housing forms are complete and staff have made assignments.
Training expectations: You must be mentally and physically prepared for Rook Initial Entry Training. Review the training expectations PDF. If you decide the Corps lifestyle is not for you, talk to your admissions counselor about starting as a civilian student and joining the corps in your second year.
Physical fitness readiness: Begin conditioning now. The fitness test includes hand-release push-ups, plank, and a two-mile run. Check back soon for a Rook Fitness Program designed by Norwich’s strength and conditioning coach.

Special arrival instructions

Ceremonial Unit FTX: If you are arriving early for Provisional Battalion’s Ceremonial Unit FTX (Band, Cavalry, Drill), report on FTX Arrival Day. You may arrive in civilian attire and will be assigned a room upon arrival. Note the required dress for Rook Arrival Day (Saturday, August 16) is needed. Contact Major Mike Davis at mdavis8@norwich.edu if you have not registered.
Varsity athletes: If you are participating in a fall varsity sport, your coach will notify you about preseason camp. You will be assigned a room upon arrival. Civilian attire is approved for camp. Note the required dress for Rook Arrival Day (Saturday, August 16) is needed.

Rook Arrival Day procedures

Arrive by 11:30 p.m. in prescribed attire (see the packing list). If you cannot arrive on time, contact your admissions counselor. Late arrivals may prevent your enrollment as a recruit.
Upon arrival, road guards will direct you to the Start Ready check-in station. If any administrative actions are incomplete, you will be directed to the Start Ready “Get Well” location before proceeding.
After check-in, you will receive your company and barracks assignment and proceed to the Upper Parade Ground (UP) for immediate check-in.
At your barracks, remain in your vehicle while upper-class cadets assist with your gear. Your driver must then park in the designated lot and meet you at Kreitzberg Arena.
Meet your cadet leaders, receive your room key and rook items, and move your gear into your room (do not unpack yet).
Proceed to Kreitzberg Arena for your initial rook issue (PT gear, robe, blankets, linen packet). Linen service is optional if you have the prescribed linens.
Return to your barracks with issued items to complete the reporting process.

After check-in

Enjoy lunch at Wise Campus Center at your assigned time. You may visit the bookstore, uniform shop, Sullivan Museum, or explore campus.
Be seated in Shapiro Field House by 2:30 p.m. for the Welcome Ceremony. You may sit with family and friends. At the end, you will have seven minutes to say goodbye before moving to your assigned seat with your platoon. No in-person contact with family will occur until Family Weekend.
After the ceremony, platoons will line up and move to the UP. However, please join us for a reception under a tent outside Shapiro Field House. We have a meaningful task for family members. Family members are not allowed on the UP after the ceremony. Deliveries for recruits can be made at the Cadet Guard Room at Jackman Hall.

Support and contact

For questions, contact the Office of the Commandant at 802-485-2135 or commandant@norwich.edu.
For admissions questions, call 802-485-2001 or email your admissions counselor.
For mailroom questions, call 802-485-2205 or email mailroom@norwich.edu.
See the Parents of Rooks FAQ for more information.

We look forward to welcoming you in August!

Civilian Arrival Information

Civilian Arrival Day - Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - Please stand by for further details.

Arrival & Orientation - Fall 2025

Fall 2025 Orientation Schedule and Session Descriptions

Wednesday, August 20

Time	Activity / Session	Location	Description
8 a.m.-noon	New Student In-Processing	Milano Ballroom / Residence Halls	Check in and confirm that all items on your Start Ready checklist are complete, then proceed to check into your residence hall.
10:45 a.m.-1 p.m.	Lunch for students and families	Wise Campus Center
Noon-1 p.m.	Commuter Student Info Session	Cabot 085	This session provides an overview of the support resources available to commuter and early college students. All non-residential students are encouraged to attend all New Student Orientation events for the most comprehensive introduction to Norwich University.
1:30-2:30 p.m.	Welcome Ceremony	Shapiro Fieldhouse	Students and families are welcomed by key university leaders, including the president, commandant, dean of students, and student affairs staff. Speakers share insights about Norwich’s values, expectations, and opportunities, helping students succeed and understand what it means to be part of the Norwich community.
2:30-3:30 p.m.	Introduction to Orientation Leaders	Shapiro Fieldhouse lawn	Students will be introduced to their orientation leader, who will serve as a guide throughout the orientation experience. During this session, students will participate in icebreaker activities, review the orientation schedule, and begin building connections with others in their orientation group.
3:30-5 p.m.	Campus Tour		Students will explore the Norwich campus with their orientation group, led by their orientation leader. This walking tour will help students get familiar with key locations and resources across campus.
4 p.m.	Norwich and Military Traditions	Jackman Hall Front Steps	Discover the traditions and courtesies that define the experience of attending the nation’s oldest private senior military college.
5-7 p.m.	BBQ and Bonfire	Dalrymple Hall Green	Enjoy a BBQ dinner, play lawn games, and make s’mores.

Thursday, August 21

Time	Activity / Session	Location	Description
8-8:30 a.m.	Breakfast	Wise Campus Center	Breakfast with your orientation group.
9 a.m.-4 p.m.	Academic Day		Orientation leaders will assist in bringing students to their first session based on your major and your academic college.

Friday, August 22

Time	Activity / Session	Location	Description
8-8:50 a.m.	Breakfast	Wise Campus Center	Breakfast with your orientation group.
9-9:25 a.m.	Institutional Technology Services (ITS)	Mack Auditorium	After completing the ITS module, you will navigate the SSO system, address device connectivity, access labs and printing, get an introduction to Brightspace (LMS), and learn about student support resources.
9:35-10:20 a.m.	Title IX & Discrimination	Mack Auditorium	Learn how to report discrimination and sexual and gender-based misconduct, access resources and support, explore resolution options, and promote community safety.
10:40-11:05 a.m.	Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC)	Mack Auditorium	Explore CWC services, how to schedule appointments or refer others, review common counseling reasons, and get accurate information about what seeking support could mean for a future career in government.
11:15-11:30 a.m.	Public Safety	Mack Auditorium	Get a chance to speak with the public safety officers who patrol the campus.
11:40 a.m.-noon	Academic Integrity	Mack Auditorium	An introduction to the Honor Code and an overview of the academic integrity process, with time for questions.
Noon-12:55 p.m.	Lunch and Lawn games	Wise Campus Center Green
1-1:30 p.m.	Academic Advising and Registration	Mack Auditorium	The academic advising coordinator and registrar will cover accessing academic records, key policies, and resources, while students can review schedules, understand first-week advising expectations, and ask questions.
1:40-2:10 p.m.	Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA)	Mack Auditorium	Explore CASA programs and resources to build on strengths, excel in your major, and achieve academic goals.
2:20-2:35 p.m.	Center for Career Readiness (CCR)	Mack Auditorium	Discover how to make the most of campus opportunities, including academic internships, career exploration resources, and key career events to look for throughout the semester.
2:35-3:05 p.m.	Student Activities and The Center for Civic Engagement	Mack Auditorium	Explore the Engage and NU Serves platforms and how to get involved outside the classroom through student clubs, leadership and volunteer opportunities, service-learning, and activities and recreation on and off campus.
3:05-3:25 p.m.	NU Student Rules & Regulations	Mack Auditorium	Learn about student conduct expectations, policies, and procedures, and ask questions about the NUSRR.
3:30-4 p.m.	Oath Ceremony Rehearsal	White Chapel / Upper Parade Ground	Understand what is expected of you during the Oath Ceremony and participate in a ceremony walk-through.
5 p.m.	Dinner / Student Social	Plumley Armory	Taco bar dinner with build-your-own stuffies, trivia, and giveaways.

Saturday, August 23

Time	Activity / Session	Location	Description
9:30-10:30 a.m.	Breakfast	Wise Campus Center	Breakfast with your orientation group.
10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.	Free Time		Use this time to explore Norwich’s campus, Northfield, Paine Mountain, and the Dog River.
7-9 p.m.	Engagement Fair	Plumley Armory	Engage with a wide range of student clubs, departments, campus resources, and community groups. Each student will receive an activity sheet upon arrival, visit each table to learn more and collect a mark. Submit your completed sheet to be entered in a raffle for exciting prizes!

Sunday, August 24

Time	Activity / Session	Location	Description
9:30-10:30 a.m.	Breakfast	Wise Campus Center	Breakfast with your orientation group.
12:30-1:30 p.m.	Assemble for Oath Ceremony	White Chapel
1:30-2:30 p.m.	Oath Ceremony	Upper Parade Ground	All new students will gather on the Upper Parade Ground to formally pledge their commitment to the Norwich Honor Code, adherence to the university’s rules and regulations, commitment to fostering the NU Spirit, and support of the traditions that define Norwich University. Business attire is required.
8-9 p.m.	Residence Life Mandatory Floor Meeting	Residence Halls	Mandatory for all residential civilians. Meet with your resident advisor to go over common rules and policies within the residence halls.

Monday, August 25

Good luck on your first day of classes!

Wednesday, August 27

Time	Activity / Session	Location	Description
1-3 p.m.	Academic Convocation	Shapiro Fieldhouse	This mandatory ceremony marks the formal opening of the 2025–2026 academic year at Norwich University. All members of the Norwich community are required to attend. We will come together to officially launch the new academic year with tradition and purpose. Business attire is required.

Virtual Orientation Sessions

To help you feel ready and confident as you start your college journey this fall, we are offering a series of virtual orientation sessions on Thursdays in July from 7-8 p.m.

While participation is not mandatory, we strongly encourage you and your family to attend. These sessions are a great way to get important information, meet key campus staff, and have your questions answered before stepping on campus. We are excited to help you get ready for a great start at Norwich.

July 10 Arrival, Orientation, and Experiences
Learn about arrival day, orientation events, and what to expect as a new student on campus.

July 17 Student Services
Get details on financial aid, billing, your Cadet card, and other key campus services.

July 24 Academic Support
Discover the resources available to support your academic journey and help you thrive in college-level courses.

July 31 Information Technology Services
Learn how to set up your devices, access campus systems, and make the most of Norwich’s technology tools.

Make sure to register in advance for each individual session you plan to attend.

Required New Rook Actions & Important Resources

Campus Information & Resources

GETTING TO CAMPUS

Whether you are checking out the University for the first time, visiting your student, or reuniting with your classmates, you can travel to beautiful Vermont via planes, trains or automobiles with plenty of local accommodations to choose from.

View Area Accommodations

NEW FAMILIES

Acceptance to Norwich University today is the first step to becoming the leaders of tomorrow. We are dedicated to developing students who aspire to lead and serve with integrity and confidence. Our students are driven to succeed and are resilient enough to withstand challenges during their time here, all while being committed to academic growth and making positive contributions in their communities.

View Information for New Families

LIFE at NORWICH

Here, you will go beyond to engage your body and stretch your mind, leveraging the landscape and Norwich student resources. Whether you are learning, training, or playing, visit the Shaw Outdoor Center for free access to outdoor recreational equipment and trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, trail running, and more.

Learn more about Campus Life

PUBLIC SAFETY

The Norwich University Department of Public Safety provides a 24-hour physical security presence, 365 days a year. As the face of Norwich University, the Department of Public Safety has the objective to be helpful and responsive, and serve as an important community resource.

View the Department of Public Safety

STUDENT PARKING

Freshman are not allowed to have vehicles on campus. In special situations, when freshmen need a vehicle on campus, they will need to get the approval of the Dean of Students or Commandant of Cadets before applying for a permit and will only be issued one if permits are available.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Academic success is a cornerstone of our mission. Norwich's resources and services along with their staff are committed to enhancing the student learning experiences. From peer tutoring and study groups to academic advising and specialized research assistance, our goal is to facilitate a strong foundation for intellectual growth and achievement.

View Student Resources & Services