Hollywood Sign Hike
Two days after first-years move into their residence halls in August, they embark on Orientation Adventure (OA) trips. Launched in 1995, the program aims to help new students get acquainted with each other and their SoCal surroundings. For three days, students experience wilderness, cultural and entertainment options in L.A. and beyond, from bouldering in Palm Springs, to hiking the Sequoias, to camping in San Bernardino National Forest. As Outdoor Education Center Manager Connor Bigenho put it, “it’s the first-year students’ first chance to make some friends, and make some memories.”
A sample of feedback from this year’s OA-ers:
At other schools, orientation is just another thing you do on campus; here you get to actually know your classmates by going on an adventure together.”
OA-ers at Camp Arbolado, a wilderness retreat in Angelus Oaks.
It was so great to be able to soak in nature with a bunch of new people.”
Bonelli Bluffs in San Dimas
You can really be present with others when you’re in a different environment like this.”