Setting Sail
All students attend Setting Sail in June and begin the transition to campus life. You’ll bond with your fellow Captains in a fun, hands-on experience that provides important information, including your fall class schedule. Setting Sail is required for all first-year students.
Families and guests play an active role during Setting Sail, attending informative sessions about campus life, financial aid and how to support their student academically.
Students admitted to the President’s Leadership Program (PLP) must also attend Leadership Adventure. You will attend session 1 or 3 of Setting Sail, and then remain on campus through the remainder of that program. PLP students will automatically be registered for Leadership Adventure when they register for Setting Sail.
Setting Sail 2025
- Session 1: June 12-13
- Session 2: June 16-17
- Session 3: June 23-24
- Session 4: June 26-27
All Incoming PLP students are required to attend one session of Leadership Adventure.
Leadership Adventure 2025 will take place on the following dates:
- June 13-16 (following Setting Sail Session 1)
- June 24-27 (following Setting Sail Session 3)
You will be prompted to choose your Setting Sail date through the Admitted Student System. You will also be able to register any parents / guests who want to attend Setting Sail. You can access the Admitted Student System after you receive an acceptance to the university.
We'll send you a complete packing list in a confirmation email as we get closer to the event date. Be sure to bring:
- Sheets, a blanket or sleeping bag and towels
- Toiletries
- Clothing
- Comfortable shoes
- Chargers for electronics
- Water bottle
- Any required medication
The enrollment deposit is mandatory for all incoming freshmen, and is non-refundable. In addition to confirming your decision to join Christopher Newport and reserving your spot in the incoming class, the deposit covers orientation and welcome week food, room, and programming expenses. You can pay your enrollment deposit through the Admitted Student System.
Remember: your admission offer is only guaranteed until the deposit deadline. Students who submit a deposit late may be put on a waiting list.
Yes, each incoming student will stay in one of our residence hall rooms with a roommate and will share a restroom with two other students. Please be sure to bring any bedding, towels or linens required during your stay.
We do not provide housing for any guests. There are several hotels in close proximity; please see our accommodations page for additional information.
Yes, Setting Sail is required for all students. We expect commuters to stay on-campus in the provided housing during Setting Sail, even if they live in close proximity to campus. For an exemption to this policy, please contact us at orientation@cnu.edu.
No. Campus parking is available for visitors during orientation sessions. If you plan to have a car on campus during the academic year, you must purchase a parking decal for your car.
Our student directors are here to help you! We are current Christopher Newport students and are here to assist you in any way we can. Feel free to contact us at (757) 594-7767 or orientation@cnu.edu.