Summer Orientation

New Student Orientation

Welcome, new Lynx, to the Rhodes community! We are thrilled to have you join us, and we are committed to ensuring you have a fantastic start to your journey here. Your experience kicks off with our summer orientation program, Open Rhodes, designed to set you up for academic and personal success.

Our orientation consists of two parts: Open Rhodes and Welcome Week. Open Rhodes is focused on acquainting you with the academic landscape at Rhodes College. You'll gain insights into navigating the transition from high school, adapting to the liberal arts environment, and preparing for your fall course selections.

We are delighted to announce that we are offering an in-person and virtual Open Rhodes program, spanning a single day, for both students and their families. The cost to attend is $100 per student, which covers all guests and is nonrefundable.

Dates for Open Rhodes 2024:

In Person, Rhodes Campus:
Session 1: Monday, June 10, 9:00 a.m.
Session 2: Tuesday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.
Session 3: Monday, July 15, 9:00 a.m.

Virtual Sessions:
Virtual Session 1: Wednesday, June 12, 9:00 a.m.
Virtual Session 2: Tuesday, July 16, 9:00 a.m.

Given the limited capacity for each session, we encourage you to register promptly once registration becomes available. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Attend Open Rhodes? 
Open Rhodes is an essential experience for all students enrolling at Rhodes for the first time in the fall of 2024. Class of 2028 and transfer students should plan to participate. Attending this experience will ensure you have the required information needed to registrar for your Fall classes.

How Do I Sign Up for Open Rhodes? 
Students will only be able to register after they have paid their new student enrollment deposit by going to the registration calendar in their Admission Portal. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to register as soon as registration opens. An email confirmation will be sent to the student′s email address with their confirmed registration date.

Is There a Cost to Attend Open Rhodes?
Yes. The cost to attend is $100 per student, which covers all guests and is nonrefundable.

When Is the Deadline to Register for Open Rhodes?
Students must register for Open Rhodes by Friday, May 31, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

How Do I Change the Date of my Open Rhodes Registration After I Have Already Registered?
Students may send an email to orientation@rhodes.edu to cancel their previous registration date and request a new date.

Do Parents and Families Need to Attend Open Rhodes?
There will be a parents and families orientation track during the in-person Open Rhodes experience, so we highly encourage attendance. However, while parents and families are welcomed, they are not required to attend. 

There is not a parent or family orientation track during the virtual Open Rhodes experience.

Do Students or Parents Stay Overnight on Campus?
Unfortunately, no. There will be no overnight stay during the in-person Open Rhodes experience. Students, parents, and families participating in Open Rhodes in-person will need to secure lodging in the Memphis area. Memphis hotels offer a wide range of levels of service and price. Here are a few suggestions; when making your reservation, be sure to inquire about a Rhodes rate. 

What if I Arrive After Check-In?
No worries! Please send an email to orientation@rhodes.edu and someone will greet you upon your arrival to get you acquainted with the remainder of your day.

Do Students Register for Classes at Open Rhodes?
No. Students will meet with a faculty member during Open Rhodes to discuss their schedule for the fall. Once the last in-person Open Rhodes session concludes, students will register on their own during the first-year registration period.

What if I Need to Leave Early?
Open Rhodes will be a full-day experience beginning or or around 9:00 am CDT and concluding on or around 5:00 pm CDT. A detailed schedule of the day will be sent to students and updated on this site. After reviewing the schedule, if you are a student participating in Open Rhodes and you foresee yourself missing the advising period, please email orientation@rhodes.edu to inquire about your next steps.

When Is New-Student Move-In?
General new student move-in will take place Wednesday, August 21!! Details regarding arrival time and logistics will be sent to students directly closer to the move-in date. 

International new student move-in will take place on Monday, August 19! Details regarding arrival time and logistics will be sent to international students directly closer to the move-in date. 

What Is Welcome Week?
Welcome Week is an experience that takes place before classes begin in the fall and begins on move-in day. Students will have the opportunity to meet other new students, learn more about campus and the surrounding community, meet with their academic advisor, and finalize their fall schedule. This experience is mandatory for all incoming students and will conclude on the first day of class.

When Is the First Day of Class?
The first day of class for Fall 2024 is Wednesday, August 28th .

Should you have additional questions or need assistance, please contact the Office of First-Year Experience & Transitions at 901-843-3278.

Monday, June 10; Tuesday, June 11; Monday, July 15

Student Schedule

Student Check-In (9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center  Lobby 
Check in with staff in the lobby and head to the Ballroom on the second floor to begin your Open Rhodes experience!

Welcome from the President (9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, McCallum Ballroom
President Jennifer M. Collins will extend a formal welcome to Rhodes.

The Rhodes College Academic Experience (9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, McCallum Ballroom 
Provost Timothy Huebner will formally welcome you to Rhodes College. Faculty from across departments and programs will discuss the academic opportunities available to you. 

Lynx-to-Lynx Student Session (10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.); Various Classrooms 
Your Lynx Leaders will guide you through a fun and interactive session that will prepare you for the rest of your time at Open Rhodes and acquaint you with campus life and resources.

Lunch (12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.); Refectory 
Enjoy lunch in the Refectory!

Lynx Athletic Meeting (12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.); Refectory-Hyde Hall 
New student-athletes will grab lunch and head to Hyde Hall to meet with Athletics staff.

Health Profession Advising (HPA) Session (12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.); Kennedy Hall, Room 208
Students interested in Health Professions can meet with HPA advisors to learn about the academic track for pre-health!

Residence Hall Open House (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.); Glassell Hall
You will have a chance to tour a first-year residence hall to gain a sense of on-campus housing.

Registration 101 (1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.); Barret 051
The Registrar’s office will provide you with all you need to know in preparation for your course registration process. 

Lynx to Academic Success (1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.); Various Computer Labs
Your Lynx Leaders will help you create a saved schedule for fall registration that you will discuss with your academic advisor.

Individual Advising (2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.); Various Locations
Students will be assigned to meet 1:1 with a faculty member to discuss course selections.

Resource Fair: (3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, Multi-Sports Forum
Explore the many Student Life departments, community organizations, and support services Rhodes has to offer! 

Closing Remarks (5:00 p.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center,McCallum Ballroom
It’s not goodbye but see you later! Remarks will provide you with next steps as you prepare for August Move-In.

Open Rhodes Cool-Down (5:15p.m. – 6:00 p.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, Front Lawn/Lair Patio (optional)
Enjoy frozen treats and games while mingling with the Class of 2028 families and supporters, college leadership, faculty, staff, and Alumni Relations!

 


 

Family/Supporter Schedule

Family/Supporter Check-In (9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center Lobby 
Check in with staff in the lobby and head to the McCallum Ballroom on the second floor to begin your Open Rhodes experience!

Welcome from the President (9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, McCallum Ballroom
President Jennifer M. Collins will extend a formal welcome to Rhodes.

The Rhodes College Academic Experience (9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, McCallum Ballroom 
Provost Timothy Huebner will formally welcome you to Rhodes College. Faculty from across departments and programs will discuss the academic opportunities available to you. 

From Home to Rhodes (10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, McCallum Ballroom 
The transition from home to college marks an important milestone on the path from adolescence to adulthood. This session will be led by the Counseling Center and will discuss supporting your family and student through the transition. 

Lunch (12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.); Refectory 
Enjoy lunch in the Refectory!

Lynx Athletic Meeting(12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.); Refectory-Hyde Hall 
New student-athletes/families will grab lunch and head to Hyde Hall to meet with Athletics staff.

Health Profession Advising (HPA) Session (12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.) 
Students interested in Health Professions can meet with HPA advisors to learn about the academic track for pre-health.

Residence Hall Open House (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.); Glassell Residence Hall
Tour a first-year residence hall to gain a sense of on-campus housing.

Lynx Student Session (1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, McCallum Ballroom
Hear from a panel of students about their transition to Rhodes.

Lynx Life Session (1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, McCallum Ballroom
Join the Deans of Student Life to discuss preparing for campus life.

Parent Straight Talk Session (2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, McCallum Ballroom
Join us for a session just for parents where current parents answer questions to help you (and your student) make the best of your Rhodes experience.

Resource Fair: (3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, Multi-Sports Forum
Explore the many Student Life departments, community organizations, and support services Rhodes has to offer! 

Closing Remarks (5:00 p.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, McCallum Ballroom
It’s not goodbye but see you later! Remarks will provide you with next steps as you prepare for August Move-In.

Open Rhodes Cool-Down (5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.); Bryan Campus Life Center, Front Lawn/Lair Patio (optional)
Enjoy frozen treats and games while mingling with the Class of 2028 families and supporters, college leadership, faculty, staff, and Alumni Relations!

Virtual Open Rhodes Schedule

Wednesday, June 12 and Tuesday, July 16

*Please note: a Zoom link will be emailed to students before the Open Rhodes session.

All times Central Standard Time

Welcome & the Rhodes College Academic Experience (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)  
President Jennifer Collins will formally welcome you to Rhodes College, followed by Provost Tim Huebner and faculty from across departments and programs, who will discuss the academic opportunities available to you. 

Lynx-to-Lynx Student Session (11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
Your Lynx Leaders will guide you through a fun and interactive session that will acquaint you with campus life and resources. 

Lunch (12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
Enjoy a break to eat lunch!

  • Health Profession Advising (HPA) Session (12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
    Students interested in Health Professions can meet with HPA advisors to learn about the academic track for pre-health! 

Registration 101 (1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
The Registrar’s Office will provide you with all you need to know in preparation for your course registration process.  

Lynx to Academic Success (1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.)
Your Lynx Leaders will help you create a saved schedule for fall registration that you will discuss with your academic advisor.

Closing Remarks (3:00 p.m.)
It’s not goodbye, but see you later! Remarks will provide you with next steps as you prepare for August move-in!

Individual Advising- Will be scheduled individually
Students will be assigned to meet 1:1 with a faculty member to discuss course selections. Advising times will be scheduled individually between the student and the advisor.