Student posing with Buzzy outside of Slayter Hall, the student union.

Students welcoming first-year students to campus at move-in.

DJs play music while students spray glow paint into the air at Orientation weekend welcome party.

First-year students walking from Swasey Chapel to Induction Ceremony

First-year students having a water balloon fight.

First-Year Experience

The Office of First-Year Experience guides new students through their transition into the Denison community by creating a space to embrace the academic, social, and residential challenges and opportunities embedded in a four-year liberal arts college experience.

Kate Tull , Associate Director of Orientation & First Year Program

Andrew McNutt , Assistant Director of First-Year Experience

Your first year starts here!

Your first week on The Hill

Your exciting first week at Denison offers a comprehensive introduction to campus life beginning with move-in day, new student orientation, and our annual induction ceremony, where we formally welcome you — our newest Denisonians!

New Student Orientation

As you enter your Denison education, you’ll participate in programs that build connections, help you get to know the campus, and have fun!

Family Orientation Programming

Families and supporters are invited to join their students on campus for move-in day and family orientation programming.

Induction Ceremony

The president formally welcomes the new class into the Denison community, surrounded by faculty, staff, parents, and family.

Your first Year on The Hill

The fun continues throughout your entire first-year on The Hill! As you are finding your place in the Denison community, you can look forward to something fun and engaging happening from the Office of First-Year Experience. We partner with offices all across campus to provide events for students to meet new people, connect with campus resources, and even grab unique Denison giveaways.

Cap off your week by connecting with campus resources

Fizz Fest with Community Values and Student Conduct
Find a Job with Student Employment
Find What CLICs with the Community Leadership & Involvement Center
Ice Cream Social with Fraternity and Sorority Life
Winter Wellness with the Hoaglin Wellness Center

Connect with fellow First-Years while adventuring Columbus and beyond:

Blue Jackets Hockey and Columbus Clippers Baseball
Broadway in Columbus at the Ohio Theatre
Columbus Museum of Art and the North Market
Movie Theatres and Restaurant Dinners
Hiking in Hocking Hills

Cheer on the Big Red at athletic competitions:

Walking tacos, snacks, and drinks
Spirit giveaways like cowbells, boomwhackers, and pompoms
Buzzy the Big Red Buzzard appearances

Follow @denisonfye on Instagram

Know before you go

The office of First-Year Experience is here to help you navigate campus, find a sense of belonging, and adjust to the rigor of a Denison education. Here are some helpful links get started.

Preparing for The Hill

First-year student support

Our programs help you feel at home and productive in your first year at Denison by creating a space to embrace the academic, social, and residential opportunities embedded in a four-year liberal arts college experience.

Need more info?

The Office of First-Year Experience is here to help!

Email firstyear@denison.edu

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First-Year Experience