Welcome!

We can't wait for you to join us in a few days. Before you arrive, we wanted to give you and your families a sense of what orientation week at Patrick Henry College typically entails. We want you to know it's not just a series of instructional lectures and inspirational speakers. It's a time of transition—a time to celebrate a new season of life, growth, and community in Christ.

If you're an incoming freshman, we couldn't be more pleased you chose Patrick Henry College. As you'll soon learn, we're a tight-knit community rooted in Christ and dedicated to exploring the good, the true, and the beautiful. Education is an inherently soul-shaping endeavor where you'll be exposed to some of the greatest ideas in history, philosophy, storytelling, politics, literature, science, mathematics, business, and beyond. We also sincerely hope orientation provides you with the space and time you need to say goodbye to the last seasons of life, and get a taste of the good things to come in this new season at Patrick Henry College.

Here's a taste of what's in store for Orientation

To parents, we are grateful you've entrusted your children to us for these four critical years. You can rest assured knowing that we, Patrick Henry College, are wholly dedicated to our three institutional distinctives: (1) high academic rigor, (2) fidelity to the spirit of the American Founding, and (3) an unwavering biblical worldview. These three elements will define your child's education here as they transition into adulthood.

Dr. Mark Mitchell, Dean of Academic Affairs, gave the following presentation at orientation a few years ago. We thought you might want to hear his message to that class.

Here's what you can practically expect from orientation at Patrick Henry College.

1. Community

From day one, you'll be spending the majority of your time with other incoming students and their families. Between meals, tours, lectures, worship, and social time, you'll begin forming bonds that will potentially last for years (even decades) to come. Families travel across the country to converge at this event, so be prepared to meet individuals who come from vastly different backgrounds (not to mention College staff and faculty).

Tangentially, the Patrick Henry College coffee shop will be open all throughout orientation week, so be sure to grab a cup of coffee with your new friends.

2. Closure

While you'll inevitably be meeting new people all week, we've intentionally built-in time for you to be with your family and say goodbye. We understand the complex emotions many individuals feel during this season of change, and we hope to make the transition as easy as possible for you.

Many students and graduates cherish their memories of the final "send off" night. On the last day of orientation, after an evening gathered for dinner and talks from the College's leadership, families are encouraged to spend a few minutes praying with their child before saying their final goodbyes. For those students without parents in attendance, faculty members are scattered throughout the room and will be available to pray for the students instead.

After the parents leave, the freshman class is invited to meet on the steps outside of Founders Hall for a time of worship, led by other students. 

Parents, if you're looking to buy Patrick Henry College branded merchandise, the Book Store will be stocked and open all week. We have everything from shirts and jackets, to mugs, notebooks, bumper stickers, and more, so be sure to stop by.

3. Education

Last, but by no means least, students and families alike will have the opportunity to attend several informational lectures. Freshmen, you'll be learning all the tricks of the trade—how to succeed in campus life, how to navigate your academic career, how to remain safe on campus, and so much more. Parents, you'll have a chance to learn more about the College's history, leadership, and goals, among other things.

Thanks again for choosing Patrick Henry College. We're looking forward to seeing you soon.

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If you haven't already, take some time to explore the Orientation 2021 page.