EC Connection Pre-Orientation
EC Connection (Elmhurst Continued Connection) is a pre-orientation program designed to support incoming first-year and transfer students with their transition to Elmhurst University.
Specifically, this program will enhance intercultural awareness and appreciation among its participants by providing resources to successfully navigate the Elmhurst community, both inside and outside of the classroom. The program begins with the pre-orientation program and continues with mentorship, support, and resources from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion throughout the Fall Term.
Although EC Connection is open to all undergraduate students, we highly encourage historically underrepresented populations to apply. This includes, but is not limited to: students of color, students who identify as LGBTQIA+, first-generation college students, differently abled students, and international students.
Students who participate in EC Connection will:
- Learn about academic and co-curricular resources at the University.
- Build community with other incoming students.
- Engage in intercultural dialogue and identity exploration.
EC Connection was August 21–24, 2021. Stay tuned for next year’s dates. It is free to all students who register and commit to fully participating. As an added bonus, students with on-campus housing will be able to move into their assigned residence hall room early and be able to stay for Orientation.
Program Schedule
Saturday, August 21, 2021
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m.–Noon | Residents Move In |
| 4:00–5:00 p.m. | Family and Parent Orientation (Spanish-speaking session available)* |
| 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Dinner with Groups |
| 6:00–6:45 p.m. | Ice Breaker and Team Building Activities |
| 6:45–7:00 p.m. | Introduction to Skit Competition and Team Names |
| 7:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. | Break |
| 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Escape Room |
Sunday, August 22, 2021
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:30–9:55 a.m. | Breakfast and Team Meetings |
| 10:00–10:40 a.m. | Welcome from the EC Connection Team |
| 10:40 a.m.–Noon | Skit Practice |
| Noon-12:50 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00–2:55 p.m. | Identities Like Me Panels |
| 3:00–5:00 p.m. | Library Tours and Skit Practice |
| 5:00–5:45 p.m. | Free Time |
| 5:45–6:45 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7:00–9:00 p.m. | Movie Night |
Monday, August 23, 2021
| 8:30–9:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:45–11:00 a.m. | Scavenger Hunt |
| 11:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:30–2:00 p.m. | Team Building Activity |
| 2:00–4:00 p.m. | Diversity Workshop |
| 4:00–5:00 p.m. | Free Time |
| 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Dinner and Trivia |
| 7:15 p.m. | Skit Practice |
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
| 8:30–9:30 a.m. | Breakfast, Skit Practice and Team Meetings |
| 9:45–10:00 a.m. | Welcome from the President, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Vice President of Student Affairs |
| 10:05–11:05 a.m. | Banking and Money Management |
| 11:10–11:55 a.m. | Free Time |
| Noon–12:50 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:00–3:10 p.m. | Academic Sessions |
| 3:15–4:30 p.m. | Campus Tours |
| 4:30–5:10 p.m. | Skit Practice |
| 5:10–6:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:30–9:00 p.m. | Skits and Wrap-Up |
August 25–August 28, 2021
*Optional
Schedule subject to change.