Your Kettering Experience Starts Here

parent and student at Kettering event

Start strong.

Your entry point to Kettering is designed to set you up for what’s next.

New Student Orientation is intentionally structured to cover the essentials—what to do, what to expect, and how to prepare for your first academic and Co-op terms—while helping you start navigating college expectations and building your peer network.
 

Advising & Pre-Registration (Required) 

Complete academic advising, plan your first-term schedule, review credits, accommodations, and understand expectations for both academics and Co-op. Take your student ID photo and apply for parking passes, too. 

We invite parents and supporters to attend Advising & Pre-Registration sessions dedicated to how to support your student’s transition to college, next steps, campus resources, and contacts your student should make with departments and student services.

Dates:

A-Section: June 5, 2026
Register Here

B-Section: August 28, 2026
Register Here

Time: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

*This experience is designed to be completed in person. Virtual options are available for students and parents unable to attend.

Camp Compass (Optional)

A two-and-a-half-day leadership experience offered prior to Move-In Weekend, designed to help you build connections and transition into the Kettering community.

Dates:

A-Section: July 6–8, 2026
B-Section: September 28–30, 2026

Cost: $250 (includes lodging, meals, transportation)
Space is limited.

Student rope climbing during Camp Compass

Move-In & Launch Weekend (Required)

A-Section Move-In: July 9–12, 2026
B-Section Move-In: October 1-4, 2026

This is your official start at Kettering. The Move-In & Launch Weekend experience includes move-in, Convocation, and required orientation sessions. Parents and supporters are encouraged to join you on Thursday for move-in, Convocation, and the parent and supporter reception that follows.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll connect with faculty, staff, and peers while gaining a clear understanding of campus expectations and resources. Here’s what you can expect.

  • Thursday: Move-in & check-in, campus-wide welcome lunch, New Student Convocation, and activities with student leaders
  • Friday: Academic and Campus Resource Fair, Unit Olympics, College Life presentation, and an evening activity sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life
  • Saturday: Service Saturday (community engagement), Farmers Market trip, and social activity 
  • Sunday: Orientation wrap-up, Bulldog Fest (student activities and organizations fair), and fraternity and sorority information sessions

International Student Orientation begins prior to all-student orientation and is required for all international students. Arrival and move-in dates for international students are earlier than for the all-new student orientation. Please check your Kettering email for information regarding dates and details. If you have any questions regarding international students and international orientation, please email international@kettering.edu.

New student check-in

Key Resources

Your enrollment deposit unlocks the following next steps!

Housing

All incoming first-year students live in Thompson Hall, where you'll create your living space, study, and begin to bring ideas to life.

Whether you choose a standard room or a Super Suite, community life is designed to support your success at Kettering.

Housing registration opens April 6, 2026 

  • A-section housing application deadline: June 7, 2026.
  • B-section housing application deadline: September 6, 2026.

Access Housing Portal

Student ID and Parking

During Advising & Pre-Registration, you will have your student ID photo taken (dress accordingly) and apply for your parking permit. 

You’ll pick up both your ID and parking permit during move-in. 

International Students

International orientation is required and begins prior to all-student orientation, with earlier arrival and move-in dates.

View International Student Details

Complete Your Next Steps

Start with Academic Preparation, then plan for Move-In and your first term. Log in to your student portal to access your personalized checklist and stay on track for your start at Kettering.

Questions?
studentsuccess@kettering.edu