Batten University and the Batten Honors College make it a priority to welcome and prepare incoming scholars through engaging, collaborative, and fun activities and presentations. Students arrive in June for Marlin Nation Orientation, then return in August for the BHC Orientation before classes begin.
Marlin Nation Orientation
Every incoming first-year student at Batten University arrives on campus in late June for Marlin Nation Orientation. Batten Honors College scholars participate alongside the full incoming class — meeting future friends, exploring campus organizations, learning about the move-in process, understanding campus resources, and attending a dedicated BHC breakout session.
Meet the Community
Connect with your incoming class, explore student organizations, and get your first look at life at Batten University.
BHC Breakout Session
A dedicated session for incoming Batten scholars to connect with the BHC team, ask questions, and get a preview of what the program has in store.
Batten Honors College Orientation
First-year BHC scholars move in and experience campus several days before the rest of the university community arrives. The BHC Orientation gives students time to acclimate, discover campus resources, and build a strong community with their peers before their first semester begins.
Through a service learning project, excursions in the surrounding area, and interactions with local community members, scholars develop a real understanding of the BHC mission — and arrive at the first day of classes ready to live it.
BHC scholars then join the rest of the first-year class for the second portion of Marlin Nation Orientation, engaging with the broader university community through campus activities and events.
Service Learning Project
Scholars roll up their sleeves from day one — a hands-on service project puts the BHC mission into action before the first class is ever taught.
Local Excursions
Explore the Virginia Beach and Norfolk area — scholars get to know the region that will be their home for the next four years.
Community Connections
Direct interactions with local community members help scholars understand the real-world context of the BHC mission before classes even start.
Ready to join us?
The first step is the application. The orientation is just the beginning.