Navigating Freshman Year at Cal Lutheran: A Sample Schedule and Orientation Guide
California Lutheran University (CLU), also known as Cal Lutheran or Cal Lu, is a private, nonsectarian university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Founded in 1959, it holds the distinction of being California's first four-year liberal arts college and the first four-year private college in Ventura County. Located on a sprawling 290-acre campus in Thousand Oaks, it offers a welcoming environment for incoming freshmen. This article provides a glimpse into a sample freshman schedule and highlights key orientation events designed to help students transition into university life.
Move-In and Welcome
The freshman experience begins with moving into the residence halls.
Residential Move-In: New students residing on campus start their journey by moving into their assigned residence halls. This period, typically from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at Ullman Commons, allows students to settle into their new living spaces and familiarize themselves with their surroundings.
Orientation and Getting Acquainted
Orientation is a crucial period for new students to acclimate to the campus, meet fellow classmates, and learn about the resources available to them.
Commuter Student Orientation Check-In: Commuter students have their own dedicated check-in experience at Kingsmen Park from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.
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Coffee and CommuniTEA: A welcoming event for commuter students is held in the Kingsmen Pavillion (outdoor classroom) in Kingsmen Park from 9:00 am to 10:30 am.
Info Tent: Throughout the day, an information tent is set up near the Flagpoles from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm to answer questions and assist with late orientation check-ins.
Peer Advisor Led Classroom/Campus Tours: From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, peer advisors offer tours of the campus, highlighting classroom locations and key landmarks. The tours start at The Habit Lawn.
Engaging with Faculty and the University's Mission
Cal Lutheran emphasizes a strong connection between students and faculty, and its Lutheran liberal arts foundation.
TED Talk: Empoderando el Futuro de su Hijo: A TED Talk conducted in Spanish by Homero M., held in the Lundring Events Center from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.
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Faculty TED Talk: Curiosity: A faculty TED Talk focuses on the importance of curiosity in navigating disagreements and building connections. This event takes place in Samuelson Chapel from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.
More Than a Major: What You Gain from a Lutheran Liberal Arts Education: A moderated panel discussion explores the benefits of a Lutheran liberal arts education, held in Samuelson Chapel from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.
Your Journey Begins Here: Where Dreams Take Flight: An inspirational talk encourages students to embrace their college experience with an open mind and heart, reminding them of the support available at Cal Lutheran. It takes place in Kingsmen Park from 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm.
President's Welcome and Opening Convocation: A formal welcome to the Cal Lutheran community from the University President and faculty, held in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center from 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm. This event marks the official start of the academic year.
Building Community
Creating a sense of belonging is a key aspect of the freshman experience.
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Commuter Student Social: A social event specifically for commuter students, providing tips and tricks for commuting and connecting with commuter Peer Advisors. It takes place in the Student Union from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Residence Life First-Year Student Hall Meetings: Students living in residence halls meet with their residence hall staff to learn about campus living. These meetings are held in the Assigned Residence Halls from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Student Dinner in the Commons: A dinner event in Mt. Clef Ridge, providing an opportunity for students to socialize and connect over a meal from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Academic Immersion
The academic journey begins early, with introductory sessions and seminars.
Break: A short break after the Hike to the CLU Rocks, allowing students to rest or head back to their rooms. It takes place from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.
First Year Seminar Lunch: A lunch in Kingsmen Park with First Year Seminar faculty, providing a chance to meet peers and ask questions from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Meet Your Peer Advisor for Freshman Seminar: Students meet their Peer Advisors in Kingsmen Park before heading to their First Year Seminar Classrooms from 12:30 pm to 12:45 pm.
First Year Seminar: The first First Year Seminar class, providing an introduction to academic life and a chance to connect with faculty mentors. It takes place in Designated FYS Classrooms from 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm.
Health and Safety
Cal Lutheran prioritizes student well-being and safety.
Building a Culture of Care: A session focused on educating students on awareness, prevention, bystander intervention, resources, and University policies and procedures. It takes place in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center from 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm.
Social Activities and Relaxation
Balancing academics with social activities is essential for a well-rounded college experience.
Break / Student Union Drop-In: A break period for students to relax and socialize in the Student Union from 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm.
Gumby Grub Dinner: A dinner event to close out the day. It takes place from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
A Look at Cal Lutheran's History and Development
To understand the present, it's helpful to look at the past. Cal Lutheran's journey began with a vision and the dedication of many individuals.
Early Vision and Founding: The dream of establishing a Lutheran college in California dates back to the early 20th century. Despite initial setbacks, the vision persisted, culminating in the founding of California Lutheran College in 1959. Key figures like Gaylerd Falde and Dr. Orville Dahl played instrumental roles in realizing this dream.
Land Acquisition and Early Construction: The college's establishment was made possible by the generous donation of land by Richard Pederson, a member of the Norwegian Colony in the Conejo Valley. The initial campus construction, costing $2.1 million, included essential facilities such as dormitories, administrative offices, and classrooms. The college opened its doors in September 1961 with an initial enrollment of 330 students.
Growth and Development: Over the years, Cal Lutheran experienced significant growth in student population, academic programs, and campus infrastructure. The Community Leaders Club was established to foster closer ties between the college and the town of Thousand Oaks. The Pearson Library was established thanks to a $1 million donation from Clifford and Alma Pearson in 1985.
Challenges and Resilience: The college faced financial challenges in its early years, including significant debt. However, through prudent fiscal management and the support of national church bodies, Cal Lutheran overcame these obstacles and continued to thrive.
Notable Figures and Events: Cal Lutheran has hosted numerous prominent figures, including presidents Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, Bob Hope, and Nicaraguan president Violeta Barrios de Chamorro.
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