WISE Interfaith Pre-orientation


Welcoming Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration (WISE):

Interfaith Pre-Orientation Program

August 2024

Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life (OSRL) and student leaders are excited to offer an interfaith pre-orientation program for incoming Atlanta-campus first-year students for August 19-23, 2024.

During the Emory Interfaith Pre-Orientation Program, incoming undergraduate students will engage in a five-day interfaith experience designed to ease the transition to college while also providing an opportunity to explore Atlanta, build spiritual and philosophical literacy and interfaith leadership skills, and connect with new friends as you settle into your new home at Emory. The program will provide participants with an introduction to interfaith life at Emory and in Atlanta.

We welcome first year students from diverse religious, non-religious, spiritual, and ethical identities. All are welcome. This year all expenses are paid by Emory OSRL. 

To register: Registration opens May 2024. Undergraduate students will then be notified whether they have been admitted. Please note that this program is currently only available for Atlanta-campus incoming undergraduate students. Space is limited so register soon. Students may be placed on a waiting list once capacity is reached. Please do not book travel arrangements until you receive a WISE admission email. For general questions regarding WISE, please contact OSRL Chief of Staff Zachary Cole at zachary.cole@emory.edu

Learn about all of Emory's pre-orientation programs here

Program Goals

During the programs, first year students will:

  • Explore Atlanta and the Emory campus through visits to vibrant religious and philosophical communities and service and social justice organizations
  • Grow your religious and philosophical literacy skills by experiencing different spiritual practices and meeting leaders from different backgrounds
  • Build leadership skills through workshops and small-group discussion
  • Connect with other first year students and peer leaders and build long-lasting friendships
  • Enjoy fun activities such as outdoor barbeques, campus scavenger hunts, and more!

Peer Mentor Position 2024

Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life invites undergraduate students to apply to be a part of the 2024 Welcoming Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration (WISE) Pre-Orientation peer mentor team. Peer mentors will assist with the recruitment of incoming student participants, facilitate reflection activities and co-lead program sessions, and help answer questions and inquiries from incoming student participants. We welcome students from diverse religious, non-religious, spiritual, and ethical identities to apply. 
During the program, participants will: 
  • Explore Atlanta and the Emory campus through visits to vibrant religious and philosophical communities and service and social justice organizations
  • Grow your religious and philosophical literacy skills by experiencing different spiritual practices and meeting leaders from different backgrounds
  • Build leadership skills through workshops and small-group discussion
  • Connect with other students and build long-lasting friendships
  • Enjoy fun activities such as outdoor barbeques, campus scavenger hunts, and more!

The position reports to the OSRL Program Coordinator and works closely with the OSRL staff. It is an opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills and meet other students with similar interests.

Apply and view the 2024 position description here. Deadline is February 25, 2024. 

Dates

August 2024 program dates:

  • Monday, August 19 - New Student Move-In
  • Monday, August 19 - Friday, August 23 – WISE program runs
  • Saturday, August 24 - Orientation Begins

Student Coordinator Position

The WISE Student Coordinator is a part-time role February through August 2024. In spring semester, the position requires 4-5 hours per week. For most of the summer it requires a few hours per month (can be remote), and then an increased time commitment and required on campus presence during final preparations August 12-14 and August 15-23 during the Peer Mentor training and WISE program. 

Learn more and apply here

Contact the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life


Email us: religiouslife@emory.edu

Give us a ring: 404.727.6226

Visit us: 

Office of Spiritual and Religious Life

Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307

Cannon Chapel, Suite 316, 515 Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322

Building Skyline overlooking a park