Sonoma State University

Summer Orientation Schedule

Thursday, February 5, 2026, 2:43pm

TO: All Employees
FR: Paul Edwards, Interim Vice President, Strategic Enrollment Management; Kelley Kaslar, Director of Student Recruitment and Orientation

Dear SSU Staff and Faculty,
As we look ahead to Orientation 2026, we’re excited to share several updates designed to support campus efficiencies, preserve our valuable human resources, and create an even more vibrant and engaging experience for our newest Seawolves.

After careful planning and collaboration, we will be streamlining our summer orientation schedule by reducing the number of in-person orientation days from eight to four. This will be accomplished by combining orientation sessions into fewer, fuller days, with two sessions held per day and intentional overlap during key agenda moments to increase energy, engagement, and shared impact -- while minimizing strain on campus operations.

What’s changing -- and why it matters:

  • Greater campus efficiency: Fewer in-person days mean more strategic use of space, staffing, and resources.
  • Preserved human resources: By consolidating schedules, we reduce repetitive staffing demands while still delivering a high-quality experience.
  • A more vibrant student experience: Larger orientation days create a dynamic, energetic atmosphere that helps new students build community from day one.

Orientation 2026 Schedule (All held in Stevenson Hall):

  • June 12, 2026 – Transfer Summer Orientation
    Group A: 8:30 a.m. -- 2:30 p.m. 
    Group B: 12:30 p.m. -- 6:30 p.m.
  • June 26, 2026 – Transfer Summer Orientation
    Group A: 8:30 a.m. -- 2:30 p.m. 
    Group B: 12:30 p.m. -- 6:30 p.m.
  • July 10, 2026 – Freshman Summer Orientation
    Group A: 8:30 a.m. -- 2:30 p.m. 
    Group B: 12:30 p.m. -- 6:30 p.m.
  • July 17, 2026 – Freshman Summer Orientation
    Group A: 8:30 a.m. -- 2:30 p.m. 
    Group B: 12:30 p.m. -- 6:30 p.m.

To support this enhanced model, some departments may be requested to remain open later on orientation days. We are committed to communicating these needs well in advance and working collaboratively to ensure departments feel supported and prepared.

We are confident that this new approach strikes the right balance between operational sustainability and an exceptional welcome experience for our students. Thank you, as always, for your flexibility, partnership, and continued commitment to student success at Sonoma State.