• Opening Days
  • About
  • Schedule of Events
  • Opening Days Parent & Family Meal Tickets
  • 2009 Leaders
  • New Student Profile
  • Orientation Questions
  • Accommodations & Travel
  • Summer Kickoff Dates
    
  • For Parents & Family
  • For Transfers & Non-Traditionals
  • June Mailing
• Jump Start
  • NSOCO
    • Schedule
    • 2009 Leaders
    • FAQ
  • Ohana
    • Schedule
    • 2009 Leaders
  • Steppin' Out
    • Schedule
    • Leaders
    • FAQ
    • Hike Options
    • Rafting [pdf]
• Leadership Opportunities
• Sponsoring Departments
  • Student Activities
  • Community Service Learning
  • Multicultural Affairs
  • Campus Recreation

Welcome!

Welcome incoming students to the 2009 Opening Days website! As you prepare for the move to Willamette, this website will provide you with information about Opening Days, the new student orientation program that all incoming students go through. The program, most often referred to as OD, has been tailored to provide first year, transfer, and international students with the knowledge and confidence to succeed during their time at Willamette.

The program strives to provide a highly personal experience by placing students in groups of 10-15 other incoming students which are facilitated by two student leaders. The groups serve as a safe environment where students are encouraged to make connections with one another in a setting outside the classroom.

2009 OPENING DAYS LEADERSHIP TEAM
Rachael Peterson '10, Emma Larkins '11 (Coordinator),
Jessie Myers '10 and Christina Peaslee '10

The OD staff is largely comprised of student leaders who are passionate about Willamette and helping new students navigate through their first days on campus. OD leaders are sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have nominated by professors, staff members, coaches, and their peers. The staff reflects the diversity of activities, interests, and majors available to students. It is this commitment made by a diversity of students which allows the program to remain relevant and useful to students. Each OD leader is committed to the idea of “once an OD leader, always an OD leader.” Even after the first few days of OD are over, your leaders will continue to serve as valuable resources and voices of experience.

While you enjoy your summer, you will be receiving a great deal of information about Opening Days including profiles of your leaders. You will have more than likely received phone calls, letters or even emails from your leaders at that point. You will also receive information about Jump Start, another opportunity to make connections before school begins. I think that many students would agree that the transition is much less difficult if you get to know your leaders before arriving on campus.

You can profiles with information about your leaders on the website which is a great place to start. Aside from this, the website also provides an itinerary for the orientation, information on transportation and lodging around Salem, as well as Frequently Asked Questions. As with any program, plans may change or be adjusted in which case this website will be a valuable resource for updated information.

On behalf of the entire 2009 Opening Days staff, we hope that you enjoy your summer and cannot wait for your arrival in August!

All the best,

Emma Larkins ‘11
Opening Days Coordinator 2009