First Connection

2024

• July 5: Last day to apply
• August 15: Arrival to campus
• August 15-17: First Connection Program
• August 17-21: New Student Orientation

1. Student Affairs is working to reimagine and fashion a welcome experience for New Students. Student Affairs is collaborating with a wide array of campus constituents on creating this. We are currently in a small group phase. 
2. Our plan embraces a Transformational Student Experience. Areas of focus:

3. 1. Orienting new students to campus and Lake Forest College
   2. Creating a tight knit community of First Year Students 
   3. Meeting CAS Standards for New Student experiences, educating students and families
   4. Honoring the experiences of a diverse group of First Year Students
   5. Developing tracks + cohorts for students to experience 
   6. Supporting students (particularly traditionally marginalized groups) to develop support systems and connections to resources

4. Student Affairs is working with the Office of Communications and Marketing to share updates with campus
5. This is a multi-year, phased-in roll out.

4. We are planning workshops with constituents in April and July. More info to come!

• Is there a cost to attending First Connection?
  No, the program is free for participants. All activities and meals are provided free of charge for First Connection attendees.
• Can students who commute attend?
  Yes! Commuting students are invited and welcome to attend First Connection. Our office will work with you to arrange for parking on campus during the program.
• Can transfer students attend?
  Yes! Our program welcomes transfer students; our First Connection mentors often incldue transfer students who can help you get acquainted with life at the College.
• Can students arrive early?
  No. Our residence halls will not open for incoming first-year students until the first day of the program, when students are shceduled to move in.
• Can students arrive late?
  Although we do not recommend arriving after the program has started, we understand there can be travel delays. If you are unable to arrive in time for the first day of the program, pelase let us know ahead of time!

• Are international students required to attend First Connection?
  Yes! International students must attend the program.
• Do international students still need to submit the application?
  Yes! The application will serve as your registration for the program. Please submit it ASAP to ensure you receive any communications from our First Connection team in a timely manner.
• Can international students arrive early?
  No. Students are not able to move into the residence halls early. Students who are arriving to the United States ahead of the check-in day can find accommodations near O'Hare Airport and join us on check-in day at ORD for the airport shuttle. Otherwise, students can find accommodations near campus, and arrange for transportation to campus on check-in day. Please note the College will not cover the cost of alternative transportation or any accommodations for students.
• What airport should I fly into?
  Students should arrange to fly into O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Our office will provide transportation from ORD to campus on check-in day, between 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• How do I get from the airport to campus?
  Our office will provide transportation from ORD to campus on check-in day, between 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Please be sure to complete the arrival form sent to you via email after you register to ensure we have your flight information!