1821 Experience Pre-Orientation Program

Registration coming soon!

The Office of Student Inclusion & Belonging (OSIB) hosts the 1821 Experience Pre-Orientation Program (POP) 5 days prior to the general orientation for incoming students. We invite incoming students to take this opportunity to ease into the Pride family by joining the 1821 Experience Pre-Orientation Program from Thursday, August 14 – Monday, August 18, 2025! 1821 students have the benefit of joining a small group of their peers for 5 days of workshops and activities designed to assist new students with transitioning to college life and preparing for a successful undergraduate career. Move in early, meet new friends, explore campus, and connect with student leaders. Learn more about, “We’re All Widener: You Belong Here,” an expression created by students that exemplifies the university’s commitment to belonging and respect for all members of the Widener community. Students participating in the 1821 Experience POP get an introduction to first-year seminar. Eligible students continue into the 1821 Experience section of First-Year Seminar for the Fall semester. 

Both residential and commuter students are eligible to participate! Residential students participating in the 1821 Experience Pre-Orientation Program can also select to live in the 1821 Experience Living Learning Community (LLC) for their first year on campus. The 1821 Experience LLC is located in Sharples Hall. The LLC has been designed to provide activities and programs that support first-year students in a community environment during their entire first year living in the residence halls.

ALL students are welcome; international, first generation, and students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply! The participation fee for the 1821 Experience Pre-Orientation Program is $200. The program fee is non-refundable. Registration and space are limited. If you are approved to participate, you will be informed by July 1st and provided instructions on how to submit payment.

Have more questions about the program? Please contact the OSIB Assistant Director – Kortne Smith at kasmith1@widener.edu