Orientation Programs
The Office of Academic and Advising Services serves traditional, undergraduate students on the Mercer-Macon campus. Mercer University provides entering students with a comprehensive orientation program designed to ease the transition from high school to college or from another institution to Mercer University. New Student Programs offers new students information on academic policies and procedures, as well as campus resources and services.
2026 Orientation Dates
Spring Bear Beginnings
For all new students beginning in the spring semester:
- Friday, January 2 – Sunday, January 4, 2026 (before classes beginning on Monday, January 5th)
- View the Spring Bear Beginnings Schedule here.
May Orientation
For all new students beginning in the summer terms
- Friday, May 15, 2026
Summer Orientation
For all new first-year students beginning in the fall semester
- Session #1: Friday, June 12, 2026
- Session #2: Monday, June 15, 2026
- Session #3: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- Session #4: Friday, June 19, 2026
- Session #5: Monday, June 22, 2026
- Session #6: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
- Virtual Session: Friday, June 26, 2026
Transfer Orientation
For all new transfer students beginning in the fall semester:
- Friday, July 10, 2026
- New transfer students will attend an afternoon session. Check-in will begin at 1 pm.
- Virtual Session: Monday, July 13, 2026
Opening Days
For all new first-year students beginning in the fall semester:
- August 14 – 15, 2026
Bear Beginnings
A mandatory, fall orientation program for all new first-year students:
- August 16 – 17, 2026
Transfer Check-In
A check-in for all new transfer students beginning in the fall semester:
- August 17, 2026
- Featuring morning and afternoon activities