Jump Right in to Your College Journey!

Join one of fourteen one-day programs offered on a variety of topics before Orientation. Jumpstart is a cross-campus program that helps new students explore the local community, discover campus resources, and meet new friends.

August 2026 Jumpstart Program for New IC Students

There is no cost for new first-year and transfer students to participate in Jumpstart, but there is an application process and you must be accepted into the program to participate. Applications will open on May 1 and will close on July 1. (The Jumpstart spaces are NOT filled on a first-to-apply basis.)

All accepted Jumpstart participants will get to move in to their residence hall rooms on Monday, August 17!  The Jumpstart program will begin with dinner on that Monday night, and will run through the evening of Tuesday, August 18.

Read about each program and its distinct focus, then choose your favorites to rank on the application! 

NOTE: You must have IC credentials to apply. If you've confirmed your enrollment and are looking to submit your Jumpstart application, look for your IC credentials to be sent at the beginning of April.

Important Dates for Jumpstart 2026

Application, selection, and event information for summer 2026:

May 1: Online application opens at 9:00am EDT. 
July 1: Online application closes at 5:00pm EDT.
July 9: All applicants are notified of their selection status. Check your @ithaca.edu email on this date for your notification.
August 17: All Jumpstart participants move in to their campus housing assignments between 9am to 4pm; 5:00-7:00pm welcome program and dinner hosted by Jumpstart staff; 7:00-8:00pm individual programs meet.
August 18: Jumpstart programs run all day! Closing event in the evening after dinner.
August 19: Move-in for new students who are not participating in Jumpstart, followed by Ithaca College orientation program.

Contact Us

Please contact the Office of Student Engagement if you have any questions.

Thank you to the following departments for sponsoring Jumpstart programs:
Advancement
Campus Recreation
Center for Career Exploration & Development
Center for Student Success
Energy Management and Sustainability
Information Technology
LGBT Center for Education and Outreach
Media Arts, Sciences and Studies
Religious and Spiritual Life
Student Engagement
Unity Center

(607) 274-3222