Summer Orientation
Summer Orientation is your first formal step to becoming a Lees-McRae College Student. All incoming freshmen and transfer students must attend one of the sessions listed below.
2013 Summer Orientation Dates
June 28-29, or July 26-27
New freshmen and transfer students attend one of these sessions in order to take placement tests, meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, and meet upper-class peer advisors.
If you have questions regarding Summer Orientation, please contact your admissions counselor or call the Admission Office at 828-898-8723.
Click here to register for a Summer Orientation Session »
Click here to make your Summer Orientation payment »
What to Expect: Students »
What to Expect: Parents »
What to Expect: Students
The goal of Elevate- LMC New Student Orientation is to help incoming students prepare academically, socially and mentally for college life at LMC. During the summer orientation program, students will experience the following:
Click here to view tentative schedule.
Placement Testing
Placement testing is used at Lees-McRae College to determine students’ existing skill levels in English, Reading, and Math to ensure that each student is placed in appropriate courses. The test is not pass/fail and High School GPA and other information is also considered in discussion with the student when creating course schedules for the Fall semester. Our aim is to ensure that all students have a successful start to their college studies by enrolling in the classes appropriate to their skills and knowledge.
All students with no college transfer credits take three placement tests at Summer Orientation- English, Reading, and Math. Placement tests are completed on the first day of summer orientation during one of three scheduled two-hour sessions. However the test is untimed and students should take as long as they need to complete the test and adjust the rest of their schedule accordingly. Students with college transfer credit will be considered individually and will take only the placement tests for which they do not have existing relevant college credit. Prior knowledge of AP test scores and grades for courses taken as dual enrollment credit at a Community College is helpful in determining what each student needs to take, so please share this information with your admissions specialist prior to Summer Orientation and bring the appropriate documentation with you on the day.
The college uses the ACT COMPASS placement tests. The tests are taken on a college computer, and practice questions and preparatory information can be found at http://act.org/compass/student/index.html. You do not need to bring a calculator for the Math test; the calculator tool on the computer is adequate for the purposes of the test. Scratch paper and pencils will be provided.
Advising and Registration
On the second day of summer orientation, you will meet with an academic advisor and register for fall classes. You will receive your class schedule before you depart summer orientation and can visit the LMC bookstore to get a jump start on purchasing your books and supplies.
All incoming freshmen take First Year Seminar (FYS) during their first semester. Prior to attending summer orientation, you will select your top three choices of topics for FYS. If you know your intended major, you will include the relevant introductory courses for your major in your Fall schedule. In addition, you may take one or more courses towards meeting the college’s Core Curriculum requirements. Dependent on your placement test scores, you may also take courses for elective credit towards graduation which prepare you for courses you will take in the future that require math, reading and writing skills at the college level.
Parking Permit Registration
Students planning to bring a car to campus in the fall will have the opportunity to register vehicles and pick up your parking decals during summer orientation. Please bring vehicle identification details (make, model, year, color, tag number) and a valid driver’s license. To access the vehicle registration form, click here.
Student ID Registration
Nothing says you’re officially a student quite like a college ID! Students will have their photo taken and receive their LMC student ID during fall orientation.
Student Life
Students will meet fellow incoming and current students as they experience all that LMC has to offer. From learning about clubs and organizations to experiencing campus activities and the residence halls, students will get the full LMC experience!
Career Exploration
Not certain about what you want to study or which career path you’ll choose? Students will have the opportunity to participate in career exploration activities as they begin to make future plans.
Fresh Tracks
Fresh Tracks is a four day and three night backpacking, rock climbing, camping, lake kayaking, and hiking trip designed to introduce incoming freshmen to the beautiful mountains surrounding the Lees-McRae College campus. New students will also have the opportunity to meet and share adventures with other incoming students and begin to build friendships before the fall orientation when they move into their residence halls.
Fresh Tracks is an optional component of summer orientation. Cost is $95.
More information on Fresh Tracks can be found here »
What to Bring
Students will stay in the residence halls on Friday evening. (Parents are welcome to stay at nearby hotels.) The following items will help ensure that you have a comfortable and fun stay on campus:
- Bedding (extra long twin sheets, light blanket, pillow, pillowcase)
- Change of clothes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket or sweatshirt (summer evenings can be cool)
- Shower Items (towel, flip flops, toiletries)
- Small fan (optional)
If you have not already submitted your required paperwork, please bring:
- Health and Immunization Form »
- Resident Information Form »
- Financial Aid Forms
- Vehicle details for Parking Permit registration (make, model, year, color, tag number)»
- Driver’s License
What to Expect: Parents
We recognize that transitioning your students to college can be a stressful and emotional time for families. During Elevate- LMC New Student Orientation, parents and families will have the opportunity to interact with other parents of incoming students, connect with the LMC Family Association, to better understand what your student will be experiencing as a student and how you can support your student’s academic and social growth.
Orientation Schedule
We’ve developed a special schedule for Friday and Saturday mornings with parent specific topics including Preparing for College Life, Student Life and Development, Academic and Career Resources, Student Health and Wellness, Tuition Payments and Financial Aid and more. Your afternoons and evenings will be free to explore the greater Banner Elk and High Country areas.
Meals
An optional breakfast is provided on Saturday morning in the MacDonald Dining Hall. Otherwise, lunches and dinners will be on your own as you experience Banner Elk and High Country restaurants.
Accommodations
Your students will be spending Friday night in a residence hall on campus. Families are welcome to stay at one of our local hotels, inns or bed and breakfasts in the area.
Other Resources
The LMC Family Association invites you to visit the online Family Resource Center for helpful information regarding area lodging, retailers, banks, hospitals, and more.