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

Wednesday
6 August

 

0900 to 1200ROTC – 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 RequestNew 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 1200Civilian – Orientation Leaders and Resident Assistants
Tuesday
12 August
By RequestNew Students – International Rooks Flying
Wednesday 
13 August
0900 to 1200New 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 1200New 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 1200Fall Athletes – Golf
Tuesday
19 August
By RequestNew 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 1600Civilian – 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

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>, <Company>
    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. 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.

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 Kreitzberg Arena 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. 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 Day - Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - Please stand by for further details.

Arrival & Orientation - Fall 2025

Wednesday, August 20

TimeActivity / SessionLocationDescription
8 a.m.-noonNew Student In-ProcessingMilano Ballroom / Residence HallsCheck 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 familiesWise Campus Center 
Noon-1 p.m.Commuter Student Info SessionCabot 085This 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 CeremonyShapiro FieldhouseStudents 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 LeadersShapiro Fieldhouse lawnStudents 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 TraditionsJackman Hall Front StepsDiscover the traditions and courtesies that define the experience of attending the nation’s oldest private senior military college.
5-7 p.m.BBQ and BonfireDalrymple Hall GreenEnjoy a BBQ dinner, play lawn games, and make s’mores.

Thursday, August 21

TimeActivity / SessionLocationDescription
8-8:30 a.m.BreakfastWise Campus CenterBreakfast 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

TimeActivity / SessionLocationDescription
8-8:50 a.m.BreakfastWise Campus CenterBreakfast with your orientation group.
9-9:25 a.m.Institutional Technology Services (ITS)Mack AuditoriumAfter 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 & DiscriminationMack AuditoriumLearn 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 AuditoriumExplore 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 SafetyMack AuditoriumGet a chance to speak with the public safety officers who patrol the campus.
11:40 a.m.-noonAcademic IntegrityMack AuditoriumAn 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 gamesWise Campus Center Green 
1-1:30 p.m.Academic Advising and RegistrationMack AuditoriumThe 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 AuditoriumExplore 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 AuditoriumDiscover 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 EngagementMack AuditoriumExplore 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 & RegulationsMack AuditoriumLearn about student conduct expectations, policies, and procedures, and ask questions about the NUSRR.
3:30-4 p.m.Oath Ceremony RehearsalWhite Chapel / Upper Parade GroundUnderstand what is expected of you during the Oath Ceremony and participate in a ceremony walk-through.
5 p.m.Dinner / Student SocialPlumley ArmoryTaco bar dinner with build-your-own stuffies, trivia, and giveaways.

Saturday, August 23

TimeActivity / SessionLocationDescription
9:30-10:30 a.m.BreakfastWise Campus CenterBreakfast 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 FairPlumley ArmoryEngage 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

TimeActivity / SessionLocationDescription
9:30-10:30 a.m.BreakfastWise Campus CenterBreakfast with your orientation group.
12:30-1:30 p.m.Assemble for Oath CeremonyWhite Chapel 
1:30-2:30 p.m.Oath CeremonyUpper Parade GroundAll 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 MeetingResidence HallsMandatory 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

TimeActivity / SessionLocationDescription
1-3 p.m.Academic ConvocationShapiro FieldhouseThis 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.

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.

Campus Information & Resources

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Register for Student Parking
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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