From New on Campus to Regional Experts
First-year students go all in on orientation’s week-long exploration of their new community.
Washington College’s newest students recently participated in the Explore Orientation program, a one-of-a-kind, week-long immersion into the history, culture, and natural beauty of Chestertown, Maryland, the College's home, and the regional Eastern Shore. It is Washington’s most effective first-year program in helping students build friendships and learn more about the local region.
The program offers 26 different tracks designed to give students a wide range of choices
and unique experiences to jump start their college careers including sailing and kayaking
trips, local history tours, mural painting, deep dives into local food and arts, and
outdoor adventures in and around the Chester River and Chesapeake Bay. Guided by peer
mentors, college professionals and 
community partners, first-year students engage in rich new life experiences that they
immediately bond over. New and popular this year were Game On
Level Up!, GeoQuest, Seeds & Reeds, Wild Wellness, Leadership & Memory and the Pizza
Project.
“We often hear ‘How was your Explore?’ as a common conversation starter for
our first-year students,” said Tricia Connor Biles, assistant dean for student engagement and success. “The small group cohorts and special interest opportunities in the Explore program
cultivate a strong sense of belonging, acclimation to place, and community connection
for our students.”
"Explore really opened the doors for Chestertown for me,” said Kamron Wiggins ’28,
who participated in the River Arts Explore group and spent two
days making zines and collages drawing resources and inspiration from around town.
“It really showed me how Chestertown is a very open and active little town. It was
inspirational."
The Explore Orientation program is just one of the many ways that Washington College
helps its new students transition to college life. The College also offers other programs
and services, such as academic advising, peer mentoring, and health and wellness resources.
For more information on orientation and new student resources visit the First Year Programs and Orientation webpage.
- Dominique Ellis Falcon