Experience Whitman
During New Student Orientation, all incoming students will have an opportunity to spend time together—meeting new friends and engaging in an extended activity.
Experience Whitman is part of the orientation schedule on Saturday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 30., and will give students sustained time together centered around a shared theme or activity. While most groups stay on or near campus, a few programs will leave campus overnight.
Below is the list of possible activities. Choose your top four options.
Act & Argue: Persuade, Perform & Prevail
Step into the spotlight and experience a whirlwind of debate, drama and critical thinking! From fiery debates to theatrical improv, this program is all about bold expression and fearless persuasion. If you’re ready to sharpen your wit, boost your confidence and find your voice, join us for Act and Argue!
Beyond Land Acknowledgment: Our Native American Culture, Land & People
Whitman College is moving beyond words to action. We are deepening our partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) upon whose ancestral homelands we were established and exist. Join us to learn more about the culture of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla tribes and how you can get involved in this ongoing, active reconciliation through our Native American Outreach Office’s activities and events.
Launching Into Leadership: Empower the Next Generation
Step into your leadership role and develop skills to help you navigate your college experience with confidence! Develop essential mentorship, teamwork and communication skills while charting your path to success in college.
Life, the Universe & Everything Else: Science in Motion
From stargazing to chemistry experiments, this STEM-powered program lets students explore the fascinating world of science hands-on. New students will engage in exciting experiments, climate solutions and discoveries that make learning an adventure!
Q-Camp: A Celebration of Identity & Community
Feel at home at Whitman! Experience a warm, welcoming space where queer students can connect, share their experiences and celebrate their identities through arts, movies and heartfelt discussions. This is more than an orientation—it’s a vibrant, supportive community!
WOOTs: Take College Outdoors!
Adventure awaits! You can choose from Whitman Outdoor Orientation Trips (WOOTs) for your Experience Whitman activity. On one of these unforgettable outdoor trips, you’ll camp under the stars, connect with new friends and ease into college life. If you love the outdoors, leadership and community-building, a WOOT is the perfect way to start your journey at Whitman!
Try rock climbing at Spring Mountain in the Blue Mountains. Camp out by the crag on Friday night, climb all day Saturday and return to campus Saturday evening. No rock climbing experience is required.
Come camp at the Umatilla Forks Campground in the Blue Mountains Friday night. On Saturday, you will hike to a nearby swimming hole and return to campus Saturday evening.
Come try out whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River! Camp by the river on Friday night, raft all day Saturday and return to campus late Saturday evening. Participants should bring dinner on Friday; breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday. No whitewater experience is required. Rafting and water equipment are included and available from the Outdoor Program.
Come try out flatwater kayak touring on the Palouse River! Camp out by the river at Lyon’s Ferry on Friday night, paddle all day Saturday and return to campus Saturday evening. No kayaking experience is required. Kayaking and water equipment are included and available from the Outdoor Program.
Come camp Friday night at around 7,000 feet near Anthony Lakes in the Elkhorn Mountains of Oregon. You will hike nearby on Saturday and return to campus Saturday evening. This trip will be camping near its sister trip, Where You Been Lakely?
Come camp Friday night at around 7,000 feet near Anthony Lakes in the Elkhorn Mountains of Oregon. You will hike nearby on Saturday and return to campus Saturday evening. This trip will be camping near its sister trip, Epic Elkhorn Escape.
Come camp on Friday night near beautiful Jubilee Lake in the Blue Mountains. On Saturday, you will try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) in the morning and then hike around the lake in the afternoon. You will arrive back on campus on Saturday evening. No SUP experience is required. This trip will be camping near its sister trip, That’s Me, Jubilee.
Come camp on Friday night near beautiful Jubilee Lake in the Blue Mountains. On Saturday, you will hike around the lake in the morning and try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) in the afternoon. You will arrive back on campus Saturday evening. No SUP experience is required. This trip will be camping near its sister trip, SUP Dawg.
This trip will travel 2.5 hours to beautiful Wallowa Lake in eastern Oregon and car camp at Wallowa Lake State Park. Trip participants will take the tram up Mt. Howard to do a day hike and enjoy wonderful views of the Wallowas and Wallowa Lake. The Wallowa Lake Tramway is an aerial cable gondola lift near Joseph, Oregon. The tram runs from the floor of the Wallowa Valley to the top of Mount Howard. It travels to an elevation of 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level and allows for views of the Eagle Cap Wilderness area and the rest of the Wallowa Mountains.
This trip will travel 2.5 hours to beautiful Wallowa Lake in eastern Oregon and car camp at Wallowa Lake State Park. Trip participants will take the tram up Mt. Howard to do a day hike and enjoy wonderful views of the Wallowas and Wallowa Lake. The Wallowa Lake Tramway is an aerial cable gondola lift near Joseph, Oregon. The tram runs from the floor of the Wallowa Valley to the top of Mount Howard. It travels to an elevation of 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level and allows for views of the Eagle Cap Wilderness area and the rest of the Wallowa Mountains.