Pre-Orientation Programs

At UVM, Pre-Orientation Programs (POPs) offer many opportunities for adventure and academic discovery. Small group sizes ensure meaningful connections and a sense of community, and all programs will have you back in time to join your group at New Student Orientation.
  • 1 in 5 New students participate in a POP at UVM
  • 98% of POP Students Have a Stronger Sense of Belonging
  • 30+ Program Opportunities Available

Pre-Orientation Programs (POP) Find the POP that's right for you!

UVM GO icon, open to First Year and Transfer students

UVM GO

UVM GO is open to both first-year and transfer students, offering programs in global learning, intercultural skills, and community building. Options include summer travel with UVM GO International and Cities, or early move-in with UVM GO Community. Students connect with peers, faculty, and experts.
UVM TREK icon, open to First Year and Transfer students

UVM TREK

UVM TREK is open to both first-year and transfer students, offering unforgettable experiences through Adventure TREK, with outdoor trips like backpacking, rock climbing, and kayaking, and Service TREK, focusing on community projects in housing, food systems, and conservation.
FreshFest Icon UVM Hillel, open to First Year and Transfer students

Fresh Fest

Fresh Fest is open to both first-year and transfer students, offering an immersive three-day early move-in adventure. Enjoy kayaking on Lake Champlain, maple creemees, downtown fun, and kosher-style meals while connecting with new friends and Hillel leaders in our renovated campus home.
UVM First Scholars icon, Open to First-Year Students

First Scholars

First Scholars is open to first-year students, providing a free opportunity for first-generation college students to build meaningful connections with peers, faculty, and staff while exploring academic and social resources at UVM through a first-gen lens.
UVM STEM Scholars icon, Open to First-Year Students

STEM Scholars

STEM Scholars is open to first-year students and prepares them for academic excellence, career success, research, and grad school. It begins with a six-week Summer Bridge, where students take a 3-credit course, intern in a lab, and strengthen key skills to confidently start their first semester.
UVM SESP icon, Open to First-Year Students

Summer Enrichment Scholars Program (SESP)

SESP is open to first-year students who identify as students of color, first-generation college students, or those from limited socio-economic backgrounds. It is a free two-week pre-college program that offers support for academic success, personal growth, identity, and cultural development.