Summer Orientation

We are excited to offer an orientation experience each summer at Rhodes College called Open Rhodes. Our orientation program features both virtual and in-person experiences to help each new class of students prepare for their transition to the Rhodes Community in the fall.

To be more inclusive of student and family needs, we will host four in-person sessions and one virtual session of Open Rhodes.

Dates for Open Rhodes 2023:

• June 5-6 (Mon/Tues)
• June 8-9 (Thurs/Fri)
• June 12-13 (Mon/Tues)
• June 14 (Virtual Session, Wed)
• June 15-16 (Thurs/ Fri)

You may register for your preferred Open Rhodes session via your Rhodes portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Attend? 
Open Rhodes is a mandatory experience for all students enrolling at Rhodes for the first time in the fall of 2023. Class of 2027 and transfer students should plan to participate.

How Do I Sign Up? 
Students will only be able to register after they have paid their new student enrollment deposit by going to the registration calendar in their Admission Portal.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to register as soon as possible. An email confirmation will be sent to the student′s email address with their assigned registration date.
Below is the schedule for Open Rhodes. This schedule is tentative and subject to change.

When Is The Deadline to Register For Open Rhodes?
Students must register for Open Rhodes by Monday, May 22, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

How Do I Change The Date of My Open Rhodes Registration?
Students may register for their new desired Open Rhodes date. After doing so, please send an email to orientation@rhodes.edu to cancel your previous registration date.

Do Parents and Families Need to Attend Open Rhodes?
Parents and family members are welcomed but not required to attend. Each student is allowed two guests.

Do Students Stay Overnight On Campus?
Yes! Students participating in Open Rhodes in-person will stay overnight in an on-campus residence hall during their stay.

What Do I Need To Pack For My Overnight Stay?
Each room will provide a pillow, pillowcase, mattress pad, fitted sheet, flat sheet, and blanket. You will want to pack lightly. Consider packing the following:
•    Towel
•    Toiletries 
•    Casual clothing and comfortable shoes
•    Backpack, notebook, pens/pencils
•    Umbrella or rain jacket (in the event of rain)
•    Sunscreen
•    Laptop (Highly recommended)
•    Chargers for electronics
•    Necessary medications
•    Any documentation needed for on campus employment (e.g., passport, etc.)

Do Parents and Families Stay Overnight On Campus?
Unfortunately, no. Parents and families participating in Open Rhodes in-person will need to secure lodging in the Memphis area. Memphis hotels offer a wide range of levels of service and price. Here are a few suggestions; when making your reservation, be sure to inquire about a Rhodes rate. 

What If I Arrive After Check-In?
No worries! Please send an email to orientation@rhodes.edu and someone will greet you upon your arrival to get you acquainted with the remainder of your day.

Do Students Register For Classes At Open Rhodes?
No. Students will meet with a faculty member during Open Rhodes to discuss their schedule for the fall. Once the last in-person Open Rhodes session concludes, students will register on their own during the first-year registration period the week of June 19.

What If I Need to Leave Early?
If you are a student participating in-person during Open Rhodes and you foresee yourself missing the advising period on day two, please email orientation@rhodes.edu to inquire about your next steps.

When Is New-Student Move-In?
New student move-in will take place on Friday, August 18! Details regarding arrival time and logistics will be sent to students directly closer to the move-in date. 

Should you have additional questions or need assistance, please contact the Office of First Year Experience & Transitions at 901-843-3584 or e-mail us at orientation@rhodes.edu.