New to Campus Information

PATHWAY TO PRINCIPIA, PRE-ORIENTATION PROGRAM

Pathway to Principia is an online program that all new students complete before they arrive to campus. The program opens in mid-May for incoming fall students and mid-December for incoming spring transfers. Students should check their Principia email account for a message from Advising to get started. 

Through guided modules, you’ll learn about student services on campus and how to complete various pre-orientation tasks. At the end of the course, students will be able to submit their Housing & Interest Form which is used for housing and roommate assignments.

Those who complete all module assignments in the Pathway to Principia program by the posted deadline will receive their housing information before arriving to campus. 

Learn More About Pathway to Principia

New International Student Orientation starts a few days before Panther Week. If you are a new international student, please plan arrive on campus either August 9 or 10. If you need assistance getting from the airport to campus, please contact our International Student Programs & Services Director at roseborn.luckett@principia.edu.

Our Fall 2025 NISO schedule will be posted soon!

This fall, all new students will kick off their college experience with an off-campus retreat called "Skills for Bridging the Gap" at CedarS Camps in Lebanon, MO. Designed by Interfaith America, this program helps students connect across deep divides by exploring different religious and spiritual perspectives through fun and interactive workshops.

Students will learn how to listen deeply, share their values, navigate tough conversations, and build lasting friendships. Besides the workshops, students will have time to enjoy activities like arts and crafts, sports, pool and lake swimming, kayaking, archery, zip-lining, horseback riding and more —all while staying in air-conditioned cabins. With meals catered to all dietary needs, and a special Principia blanket as a keepsake, this retreat is to help new students build sense of belonging in our community and set the stage for a successful college journey.

You can read more about our fall retreat here.

Fall Orientation/PANTHER Week

Our new student orientation provides incoming students with a unique experience—one where you can explore and become part of a supportive community of practice and take part in a higher degree of opportunity, understanding, friendship, practice, and success. You will learn more about our unique, whole-person approach to education and the campus community, including its resources, facilities, and standards.

During the week, you will also . . . 

• Move into your house and meet your Resident Counselor & Resident Assistants

• Receive Principia ID cards and get to know your way around campus

• Receive helpful information about meal plans, student employment, billing, financial aid, internships/career guidance, and much more

• Meet professors and learn more about our academic programs

• Meet with the Academic Advising Office

• Participate in various activities to help you get acquainted with the College community

Panther Week orientation is required for all new students, including transfer students. If you have a conflict that prevents you from attending the entire orientation, including the class retreat, or any questions regarding orientation and housing please contact our Interim Dean of Students, Mark Hagenlocher at 618.374.5162.

Fall Panther Week Calendar

Spring Orientation

Our abbreviated Spring Orientation provides incoming transfer students with the opportunity to explore and become part of a community of opportunity, understanding, friendship, practice, and success. You will learn more about our unique, whole-person approach to education and the campus community, including its resources, facilities, and standards.

During the week, you will also . . . 

• Move into your house and meet your Resident Counselor & Resident Assistants

• Receive Principia ID cards and get to know your way around campus 

• Receive helpful information about meal plans, student employment, billing, financial aid, internships/career guidance, and much more

• Meet professors and learn more about our academic programs

• Meet with the Academic Advising Office

• Participate in various activities to help become acquainted with the College community

Spring Panther Week orientation is required for all new students. If you have a conflict that prevents you from attending the entire orientation, or any questions regarding orientation and housing please contact our Interim Dean of Students, Mark Hagenlocher at 618.374.5562.

Spring Orientation Schedule

Principia does not offer transportation assistance for new domestic students. For directions to the campus, please go here.

New international students should contact our International Student Programs & Services Director, Roseborn Bonsi-Luckett, with their arrival time information and if they need assistance from the airport or Alton train station. Roseborn can be reached at Roseborn.Luckett@principia.edu.