First-Year Student Fall Orientation

First-Year Fall Orientation is a mandatory five-day experience that begins in the afternoon on Friday, August 18 after Check-In Day (morning) activities have ended and concludes Tuesday, August 22 the day before fall classes start. New students are placed into small orientation groups and paired with an upper class Orientation Leader and a faculty advisor. Fall Orientation will acquaint you with campus life, help you adjust to academics at BSC, and build community with your fellow classmates. It’s a blend of logistics, information, and, of course, fun! Students do not have to register for fall orientation. 

Transfer Student Fall Orientation 

Transfer Fall Orientation is a mandatory three-day experience that begins in the afternoon on Sunday, August 20 after Check-In Day (morning) activities and concludes Tuesday, August 22 the day before fall classes start. You will work with our transfer advisor, Professor Kim Lewis, to schedule classes in your first term and help prepare for your transition to BSC. At Transfer Fall Orientation, you will connect with other transfer students at a series of programs specifically designed to help you be successful here, particularly in meeting your faculty members and establishing new friendships. Attending Transfer Fall Orientation is mandatory, as it is vital to beginning a successful journey here at BSC. Please ensure you avoid work and other conflicts beginning Sunday, August 20, through the first day of classes, so that you can fully engage in our new student programs. Transfer students are those who have attended another college/university for one full year. Students do not have to register for fall orientation.

A detailed first-year student and transfer student fall orientation schedule will be emailed to new students in the summer. Fall Orientation is a required event for all new students. The schedule is packed with important information and sessions designed specifically for new BSC students, so each portion of Orientation is mandatory. Please do not make plans, schedule work, or otherwise plan to miss any activities during your orientation days.

You don't! Since all new students go through Fall Orientation together, there's nothing for you to do to register. Your Orientation Leader will reach out to you during the summer before you get to campus and give you all the last minute details.

Physical Address
900 Arkadelphia Road
Birmingham, Alabama 35254

From the East or West of Birmingham:

• Take I-20/59 to the Arkadelphia Road exit (123).
• From I-20 East/I-59 North, turn right onto Arkadelphia Road.
• From I-20 West/I-59 South, turn left onto Arkadelphia Road.
• Drive over the interstate overpass. Birmingham-Southern will be on the right as you top the hill.

 
From the North or South of Birmingham:

• Take I-65 to the junction of I-20/59 and proceed on I-20 West/I-59 South (toward Tuscaloosa) to the Arkadelphia Road exit (123).
• Turn left and drive over the interstate overpass. Birmingham-Southern will be on the right as you top the hill.

Parking on Campus

• When you arrive at BSC, stop at the Front Gate and let them know you are here for Move-In Day and Fall Orientation!
• Follow the signs down the hill until you get to a stop sign. At the stop sign, turn left and park in the lot behind the Library.
• Follow the directional signs to the Norton Campus Center to begin the check-in process. There will be plenty of people to help direct you to the building so look for an Orientation Leader if you need help! 
• Once you have checked in, you will receive information on where to move your car.

First-Year Students - Your family is more than welcome to join you on Friday, August 18 for final goodbyes before we start the official Orientation events.

We are happy to talk with you to make sure we've answered all of your questions. Contact the Office of Student Development at [email protected] or (205) 226-4722 and we will be glad to assist you.