1. Admissions
  2. Undergraduate Admissions
  3. Incoming Student Orientation
Students hiking during a Sierra Nevada College orientation trip
Welcome new students!
Get ready for a rich and exciting collegiate experience.

Incoming Student Orientation

Core 123

Join the EAGLES with Experience, Adventure, Group Leadership, Environment, and Style. Core 123 immerses you in SNC Tahoe’s transformative way to learn. You will explore your interests, get the tools to shape your future, and become part of a community like no other.

Phase 1

You will start with a five-day Sierra Nevada Orientation (SNO) adventure – Base Camp, River Camp, or High Camp. Choose the adventure, in forest cabins, on the river, or in the mountains, that fits your style and interests. You’ll take off on a student-led exploration of your new home, in the company of your fellow SNC students and peer mentors. SNO adventures are more than a class, they’re an experience. Learn new skills, work on projects with impact, and sow the seeds of relationships that will enrich your life through college and beyond.

Phase 2

After you return to the Incline Village campus, you’ll dive in to the teaching and learning styles that give an SNC Tahoe education so much impact. Your first week of classes will immerse you in the core ideas that ground your education: entrepreneurship and business leadership, science and sustainability, and communications and creativity. Here you will find the knowledge, skills, and experience to become a creative and confident thinker.

These first two weeks will prepare you to find your home at SNC.

SNO – Choose your adventure

Camp Request

Base Camp

A cabin at the Sagehen Creek Fieldstation near Truckee CA

Exploration under the pines at the Sagehen Creek Fieldstation forest camp.

  • Visit farms, forests, and fields to explore community, sustainability and creativity.
  • Sleep in cabins with shared bathrooms.
  • Explore new and creative ways to use found materials.
  • Harvest and prepare your own farm-to-table feast
River Camp

Sierra Nevada College students in Class III rapids on the American River near Coloma CA

Whitewater rafting and river protection on the American River around Coloma CA.

  • Navigate a Class III river
  • Camp among the oaks and willows on its shore.
  • Build new relationships around the campfire.
  • Learn local culture and natural history.
  • Work on a sustanability service project.
High Camp

Students participate in Wilderness Orientation, a backpacking trip into Desolation Wilderness as a way to introduce new students to each other and to the Tahoe Basin

A four-day backpacking expedition in the majestic Desolation Wilderness above Lake Tahoe.

  • Backpack with everything you need for 4 days.
  • Unroll your sleeping bag under the stars.
  • Connect with yourself, your team, and the wilderness.
  • Learn how to survive and thrive in the backcountry.
  • Become a steward of the land.

Arrival Dates & Times

New incoming student move-in is Tuesday, September 3 from 9 am - 2 pm. All students needing advising, registration, or taking placement exams should arrive promptly at 9 am.

If you are unsure if you will be taking a placement exam, please call the Admissions Office. Students must submit a nonrefundable $150 deposit and the Admit Student Reply Form before they will be mailed an orientation and advising packet.

Getting Here

By Air: The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the closest commercial airport, approximately 30 miles from SNC. The North Lake Tahoe Express provides scheduled shuttle service, reserve in advance.

Driving Directions: click HERE

Fall 2019 New Student Orientation Schedule

Tuesday September 3
7:30am- 6:00pm SNC Campus Store Open: Prim Library First Floor
8:30am-10:30am Free Continental Breakfast: Patterson Hall Lobby
8:30am- 12:00pm Late Placement Testing, Advising, & Registration: Prim Library 3rd Floor, Office 304
9:00am-2:00pm Admissions Check-In: Patterson Hall Lobby
Get your welcome packet, IT Help Desk available for laptop connectivity
9:00am-2:00pm Residence Halls Open for Mandatory New and Transfer Student Move-In: Patterson Hall Lobby
9:00am-2:00pm Financial Aid Check-In: Patterson Hall Lobby
11:00am-11:30pm SNC Tahoe Campus Tour: Patterson Hall Lobby
11:45am-2:00pm Lunch: Patterson Dining Hall. Students please get your ID/meal card from the Registrar's office beforehand.
2:00pm-3:00pm Residence Life Information Session for New Students: TCES 139/141 with Lizzie Thibodeau. MANDATORY for STUDENTS. Parents welcome.
3:00pm-3:30pm Student Account and Financial Aid Information Session: TCES 139/141 with Jackie Dontcho and Judy Roberts. MANDATORY for PARENTS.
3:00pm-4:00pm Orientation Adventure Courses Check-in: Patterson Patio & Lawn
4:00pm-4:30pm SNC Welcome Address: Patterson Lawn
4:30pm-6:00pm Eagles Have Landed BBQ: Patterson Hall & Patio. New students and their families are invited to enjoy a complimentary BBQ and meet SNC faculty and staff.
6:00pm-9:00pm High Campers Meet to Pack for Trip: Patterson Lawn
6:00pm-9:00pm Sunset Walk to Hidden Beach: Come find out where all the students like to go to enjoy the lake. A leisurely 2 mile walk to our favorite local beach spot!
9:00pm-9:30pm Ice Cream Social & Meet Your Residence Advisor (RA): On your dorm floor

 

Wednesday, September 4
7:00am High Campers Depart: Patterson Lawn
7:00am-9:00am Breakfast: Patterson Hall
9:00am River Campers & Base Campers Meet to Begin Trips: Patterson Lawn
All SNO Participants will be in the field from Wednesday, September 4 - Sunday, September 8, and in classroom sessions Monday, September 9 - Thursday, September 12

 

Monday, September 9
7:00 - 9:00 pm Capture the Flag: Meet in Patterson Lobby

 

Tuesday, September 10
6:00 - 9:00 pm Roller-Skating and S'mores, the Village at Northstar: Meet in Patterson Lobby

 

Wednesday, September 11
7:30 - 8:30 pm Student Activities and Outdoor Adventure Fall 2019 Trip Information: TCES 139/141. Come find out what OA trips and student activities are coming this fall. Get first priority to sign up for all September activities!

 

Thursday, September 12
5:00 - 7:00 pm Student Government Association Student BBQ and Club Rush: Enjoy a free BBQ, learn about SNC clubs and local vendors, and enjoy lawn games on Patterson Lawn, courtesy of your SGA!

 

Friday, September 13
9:30am-10:00am Incline Hospital, Fire Department and Sheriff's Department Introductions: Patterson Hall
10:00am-12:00pm MANDATORY New Student Orientation Sessions: TCES 139/141 Bring your laptop!

  • Session #1: ITS Connectivity, Email, and Printers with Forest Goodman
  • Session #2: Academic Policies with Jane Rainwater
  • Session #3: Financial Aid, Student Accounts, SNCSIS, and Textbooks with Judy Roberts, Jackie Dontcho and Annamarie Jones.
  • Session #4: Student Activities and Academic Support with Will Hoida and Henry Conover
  • Session #5: SNC Tahoe Scavenger Hunt
Patterson Dining Hall Meal Times: Breakfast 7:00am-10:00am; Lunch 11:45am-2:00pm; Dinner 5:00pm-7:00pm
SNC Tahoe Business Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
SNC Campus Store Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm. Located on the first floor of Prim Library.

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