Why does ICU hold a New Student Retreat?

The New Student Retreat is an orientation program attended by students and faculty members. Organized and carried out by a student steering committee comprising new student volunteers, it is held off-campus over two days and one night. It had previously been held in mid-May for April entrants, but from the 2019 academic year, it will be held in early October for all students entering in April and September of the same year.

The Retreat brings students and faculty together in a friendly atmosphere with the aim of giving students a deeper understanding of the curriculum, as well as the ideals of the university and its liberal arts education. It includes keynote lectures, special programs devised by faculty, group discussions within those programs, and recreational activities.