Pre-Orientation Welcome Program
Join us for POW!
“I met some of my best friends on campus from POW.”
Get a chance to meet other incoming students and participate in a lot of fun games and activities as part of POW (Pre-Orientation Welcome Program).
Incoming students can connect with their classmates at Saint Anne’s Shrine, an Edmundite retreat space on the water in the Lake Champlain Islands. This student-led adventure will include outdoor games, bonfires, time on the beach and so much more!
POW is offered on July 15-17 this summer. Participants will check-in will at 3:00 pm on the first floor of the Dion Family Student Center on the first day. The bus for Saint Anne’s Shrine will leave shortly after that. Pick-up will be at 2:00 pm from the same spot where you were dropped off, the Dion Family Student Center, on the last day.
Register now for POW!
The deadline to register is Thursday, July 2nd. Please note, you will need your admission login to access the form.
"POW is the reason I have my group of friends at St. Mike's. These friendships have lasted throughout my four years."
What is POW?
POW (pronounced POW! instead of P.O.W.) stands for Pre-Orientation Welcome Program. It is an optional program that takes place over three days in early summer to welcome incoming students and share a little of what life is like at college. POW gives new students the opportunity to make connections with other new students as well as upper-class current students, to interact with others in the St. Mike’s community, and enjoy the beauty and fun of Vermont in the summer. While there is a fee for attendance, financial aid is available for those who are in need.
POW FAQ
SO many things! Plan on lots of games and activities that you would expect at summer camp. We’ll try and do activities outside, weather permitting. There will be a bonfire and time at the beach if you want to swim, so don’t forget a bathing suit! There will also be time to connect with current St. Mike’s students where you can ask questions and learn about their college experience. Be ready to connect, reflect, and have a good time!
Nope! The cabins where we will be staying at Saint Anne’s Shrine have bunk beds that are super comfy and there will be pillows and blankets provided. There are also accessible ADA bathrooms and showers in every cabin.
Sure thing! You’ll be able to park in the Ryan Lot (right outside of the Dion Family Student Center), no problem.
If you’re flying into the BTV airport, call the Student Activities office beforehand (802.654.2568) and we’ll plan to send someone from the office to come pick you up. If you are carless, Megabus and Amtrak are also good options for the bus/train to get to the Burlington area.
If you’re coming up early, such as on Tuesday night, let us know and we’ll find a place for you to stay on campus for the night.
This is a substance-free program. We want you to be in the moment with us and the use of drugs or alcohol will only inhibit that. These substances will not be tolerated. If anyone is caught with drugs or alcohol they will be sent home.
Of course! The kitchen staff is awesome and we will be sure to have good food that will work with everyone’s dietary needs – whether you are gluten-free, lactose intolerant, or vegetarian/vegan. Just send us an email with your dietary restrictions or food allergies and we will be sure to accommodate you.
We want to make sure that all students are empowered and have access to the all experiences and opportunities on this POW trip. In addition to the cabins and main hangout spaces being ADA accessible, we also make individual accommodations as needed and as requested. If you have any questions or concerns, just send us an email.
We won’t be taking your medication from you – you keep it and take it as you need it. We just want to know what it is in case of an emergency, so please let us know on the registration form. Please also give us an emergency contact on the registration form too.
“I was nervous about starting college but, after POW, I knew a whole group of people who have been there to support me from day one."
Students wait to depart for POW Weekend.
Fun with bubbles during POW.
Saint Michael's students pose together during POW.
Roasting marshmallows during POW.
Saint Michael's students pose together during POW.
A view from Saint Anne's Shrine on Lake Champlain.
For more information
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call the Student Success Center at Saint Michael’s College at (802) 654-2900. You can also email Associate Director of Student Activities/Assistant Dean of Student Engagement James Baker (jbaker5@smcvt.edu) or Director of Student Activities Kerri Leach (kleach@smcvt.edu).