Students on a water taxi look across the Potomac at the Lincoln Memorial.

Pre-Orientation Programs

Get to know your new home before the semester begins!

Contact Us

202-885-3303

orientation@american.edu

Mary Graydon Student Center, Room 328 on a map

Orientation 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United States

Pre-Orientation Programs

Pre-orientation programs support your transition to college by fostering early connections, engagement, and a sense of belonging. These programs provide opportunities provide you with the opportunity to gain exclusive access to university and DC leadership, immerse yourself in a key focus area of your choice, and make friends with fellow first-year student who share a common interest.

At American University, pre-orientation programs will take place before New Student Orientation from August 22–24, 2026. These programs require a small participation fee and offer an enriching experience in various thematic areas.

Please note: Due to scheduling conflicts, students that are participating in living-learning communities (LLCs) are ineligible for pre-orientation programs. Students participating in University College cannot participate in Pre-Orientation Programs.

By participating in one of our programs, you will get to experience...

early move-in for the Fall semester
exposure to DC area leaders
early bonding with friends of shared common interest
meals and exclusive swag!

Registration for Pre-Orientation Programs are now open. Register Here!

AU Outdoors

AU Outdoors is a pre-orientation program for incoming first-year students that gives you the chance to connect with the local natural landscape. The trip is planned to accommodate a variety of skill and outdoor experience levels, including those new to outdoor activities. This pre-orientation program provides you the opportunity to meet new friends, enhance leadership skills, and appreciate the local landscape. A hiking trip through Shenandoah National Park will be included as part of the program.

Cost: $275

Civics in Action

Civics in Action connects students to the heart of Civic Life in DC and beyond. This program brings students of diverse experiences to engage in dialogue across differences, building strong social bonds and appreciation of diverse perspectives. Students will have exposure to all levels of civic engagement, at the university, city, and national level through meaningful excursions, allowing you to feel comfortable integrating into the civic community in Washington, DC.

Cost: $215

Venture to Volunteer (V2V)

Venture to Volunteer (V2V) is a multi-day experience for first-year and transfer students that blends non-profit service with exploration of DC neighborhoods, history and culture. This event has previously been known as Explore DC (EDC).

It's a chance to get to know your new city - from learning the logistical ropes (like transportation and food), to engaging with issues faced by community members (and the ways they're making a difference), to first-hand experience of DC's rich cultural, historical and community resources. A long-time AU tradition, it's part of AU All American Welcome and sponsored by CLCE. There's no better way to start life at AU!

Cost: $100

District Scholars*

District Scholars are an incoming cohort of students from the local Washington, DC area who have been awarded a fully funded scholarship to attend American University. As a cohort-based experience, the District Scholars program emphasizes collective identity, mutual support, and shared accountability, while also recognizing the diverse lived experiences, academic interests, and personal goals of each student. The Pre-Orientation Program serves as the first formal touchpoint in a broader District Scholars experience, introducing students to campus resources, academic expectations, and community norms while intentionally validating students’ identities, histories, and connections to the DC community.

*Note: this pre-orientation program is only available for District Scholars students. If you are not a District Scholar, you will not be able to participate in this Pre-Orientation Program.

Cost: $20

Questions?

Visit our FAQs page or send us an email at orientation@american.edu.