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Why Cultural Orientation?

Register now to participate in Sierra Nevada College’s first ever Cultural Orientation program and share in an once-in-a-lifetime experience with other incoming SNC students! Cultural Orientation serves as an introduction to life at SNC and the intellectual and recreational opportunities of the Lake Tahoe basin where you will be living. The Cultural Orientation program is a perfect place to form new friendships, discuss hopes and fears about college life, and enjoy an enriching experience only available at SNC’s unique location in the Northern Sierras.

Goals

• Ease transition into college.
• Become familiar with cultural and recreational opportunities in Lake Tahoe.
• Create opportunities to discuss college life and the unique features of an SNC education.
• Greater awareness of the rich cultural history of Lake Tahoe and Western Nevada through engaging experiences.

Course Content

Cultural Orientation is a great opportunity to experience a wide range of unique activities that only the Lake Tahoe area provides.  Over the four days students will attend a rich combination of history, art, and music events providing them with a well rounded overall cultural experience. Through this shared journey of discovery and travel, participants are better prepared for a successful transition into college life and beyond.

Dates & Times

Special early check-in only for new students participating in the Cultural Orientation course will take place in Patterson Hall from 9am to 3pm on Thursday, August 8th. These few hours are for students to simply check into their dorm room and quickly drop off their belongings. Students will have ample time to unpack and set up their room once they return from the course on Sunday afternoon. Cultural course instruction starts promptly at 3pm on August 8th and students will be under the guidance of the trip leaders from this time until after dinner on August 11th.

Location

Orientation starts on the SNC campus and then branches out to the surrounding greater North Lake Tahoe area. Participants spend four days exploring the arts, culture and history from the shores of Lake Tahoe to the former western frontier town of Truckee to the “Biggest Little City in the World” Reno.

Trip Leaders

Our trip leaders are a dedicated group of Tahoe enthusiasts comprised of faculty, staff and students who know the basin and surrounding areas. SNC Cultural Orientation leaders take great pride in providing a meaningful experience for their participants.

Cost

The cost of $200 covers transportation, entry into venues, equipment rentals and some meals.

Thursday, August 8th
9:00am-12:00pm	Check-in for Cultural Orientation Students: Patterson Hall Lobby
1:00pm-2:00pm	Welcome and Overview of Cultural Orientation: Patterson Lawn
2:00pm-2:45pm	Faculty Workshop #1: Dr. O’Bryan
	Hear firsthand the story of the infamous Donner Party narrated by our very our SNC Humanities Department Chair, Dr. Dan O’Bryan.
3:00pm-6:00pm	Donner State Memorial Park: Meet in Patterson Hall Lobby
	Kick off Cultural Orientation learning about the infamous Donner Party and then enjoy the rest of the afternoon hanging out at Donner Lake.
6:00pm-8:45pm	Truckee Thursday
	Spend the evening exploring historic downtown Truckee and enjoying the street fair, farmers market, and live music.
9:00pm-10:30pm	Campfire Circle: Patterson Hall or Patio
	Reflect on the day’s activities through journaling and working on the postcards from the field project. Wrap up the evening playing campfire games and sharing stories.
Friday, August 9th
9:00am-3:00pm	Kayaking or Paddleboarding to Thunderbird Lodge for a Tour: Meet in Patterson Hall Lobby.
	Spend the morning paddling on Lake Tahoe to historic Thunderbird Lodge for a guided tour.
4:00pm-4:45pm	Faculty Workshop #2: June Saraceno
	Get the inside scoop on the Shakespeare classic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by SNC English Program Chair, June Saraceno prior to seeing it live that evening at the Tahoe Shakespeare’s Festival.
5:00pm-9:00pm	Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival – A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Meet in Patterson Hall Lobby
	Head back to Sand Harbor State Park to catch a one of a kind performance on the shore of Lake Tahoe as the sun sets over the lake.
9:00pm-10:30pm	Campfire Circle: Patterson Hall or Patio
	Reflect on the day’s activities through journaling and working on the postcards from the field project. Wrap up the evening playing campfire games and sharing stories.
Saturday, August 10th
9:00am-9:45am	Faculty Workshop #3: Russell Dudley
	Get the inside scoop on the art work you will be viewing by SNC Fine Arts professor, Russell Dudley.
10:00am-1:00pm	Nevada Museum of Art: Meet Patterson Hall Lobby
	Tour all the museum has to offer. Enjoy the art and explore the exhibits
1:00pm-6:00pm	Floating on the Truckee
	Enjoy a fun afternoon cooling off on the Truckee River as we float a half-day beginner section suitable for all ability levels.
9:00pm-10:30pm	Campfire Circle: Patterson Hall or Patio
	Reflect on the day’s activities through journaling and working on the postcards from the field project. Wrap up the evening playing campfire games and sharing stories.
Sunday, August 11th
9:00am-1:00pm	Closing Cultural Orientation Activity
3:00pm-5:00pm	Lake Tahoe SummerFest: Tent on SNC Campus
	Unwind in the afternoon and enjoy the SummerFest Concert held on campus. A variety of classical music will be performed by instrumentalists from the New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Seattle Symphony and other orchestras from around the nation.
6:00pm-9:00pm	Pizza and joint Wilderness and Cultural Orientation presentations

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