New student move-in is Monday, August 30 from 8:30am – noon.
Core 123
Join the EAGLES with Experience, Adventure, Group Leadership, Environment, and Style. Core 123 immerses you in SNU 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 you choose - River Camp or Mountain Camp. You’ll take off on a student-led exploration of your new backyard, in the company of your fellow SNU 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
During the second week, you’ll dive into the teaching and learning styles that give an SNU Tahoe education so much impact. Your first week of classes will immerse you in the core ideas that ground your education: leadership, sustainability, and creativity. Here you will explore the knowledge, skills, and experiences to become a creative and confident thinker.
These first two weeks will prepare you to find your home at SNU.
SNO - Choose your adventure
River Camp
Explore the natural and cultural wonders of the Sierra Foothills
- Whitewater raft on the friendly but exciting South Fork of the American River.
- Visit both natural and cultural historical sites.
- Spend four nights camping at a beautiful riverside campground complete with the comforts of home - like hot showers.
- Build new relationships with your fellow students and peer mentors.
- Participate in a local river clean-up project.
Mountain Camp
A five-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 environment.
- Learn new skills to thrive in the wild.
- Meet backcountry rangers and participate in a service project.
Placement Testing and Advising
All students who need advising, to register, or to take a placement exams should arrive promptly at 8:30 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 SNU. The North Lake Tahoe Express provides scheduled shuttle service, reserve in advance.
Driving Directions: click HERE
Fall 2021 New Student Orientation Schedule
Monday August 30 |
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| 8:30am-10:30am | New Student COVID-19 Testing: Patterson Lawn. All new residents will be tested upon arriving to campus at their SNO group's designated time. Group A - 8:30am; Group B - 9am; Group C - 9:30am; Group D - 10am; Group E - 10:30am |
| 8:30am-11:30am | Free Continental Breakfast: Patterson Lawn |
| 8:30am-11:00am | Admissions Check-In: Patterson Patio. After completing their COVID-19 test, new students will check-in with Admissions to get their welcome packet. IT Help Desk will be available for laptop connectivity and Henry Conover will be on hand for advising and registration questions. |
| 8:30am-11:00am | Residence Halls Open for Mandatory New and Transfer Student Move-In: Patterson Hall Lobby. Due to COVID-19 and to keep our campus safe, only residents will be allowed inside campus buildings for move-in. |
| 8:30am-11:00am | Student Account and Financial Aid Information Session: Patterson Lawn With Jackie Dontcho. MANDATORY for PARENTS. |
12:00pm- 12:15pm | Welcome Address with Sierra Nevada University President Dr. Robert Valli: Patterson Lawn |
| 12:15pm-1:00pm | Eagles Have Landed Lunch: Patterson Lawn. New students and their families are invited to enjoy a complementary meal after the President’s address. |
| 1:00pm-2:00pm | New Student Orientation Sessions: Patterson Lawn Bring your laptop!
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| 2:00pm-10:00pm | Sierra Nevada Orientation (SNO) Courses Begin: Check-in on Patterson Lawn. Come find out where all the students like to go to enjoy the lake. Leisurely walks for all SNO campers to some our favorite local beach spots! |
Tuesday, August 31 |
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| 7:00am | Mountain Campers depart for Desolation Wilderness Trailheads: Meet on Patterson Lawn |
| 9:00am | River Campers departs for South Fork of the American River: Meet on Patterson Lawn |
| All SNO Participants will be in the field from Tuesday, August 31 - Saturday September 4, and in classroom sessions Tuesday September 7 - Friday, September 10 | |
Tuesday September 7 - Friday September 10 |
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| 9:00am-3:45pm | SNO Core 123 Class Sessions: Patterson Lawn |
| 4:00pm-5:30pm | Freshman Assessment Testing: Prim Library |
Patterson Dining Hall Meal Times: Breakfast 7:00am-10:00am; Lunch 11:45am-2:00pm; Dinner 5:00pm-7:00pm