Coker Connection
Your College Orientation Starts Here
Coker University is excited to introduce new undergraduate students to Coker Connection.
Coker Connection is an orientation experience designed to give new students a head start on their Coker experience. Students will have the opportunity to meet with people from all over campus. From faculty to campus safety and current Cobras to the dining staff – our campus can’t wait to meet you and introduce you to all the great things that await you in the fall.
But we don’t stop there…at our overnight experience, you’ll interact with current Cobras and meet your new classmates. We believe this orientation is an important first step in your Coker journey. We are excited to be on this adventure with you!
Orientation Fee Notice
All students will be charged a $125 orientation fee, which will be applied to their student account regardless of attendance.
All students will need to complete the online pre-orientation modules prior to attending orientation. You will receive an email with instructions by April 1 so you have plenty of time to complete this “course” before coming to campus.
Day Students – Starting in the Fall
For students depositing after July 1 or if you have not registered for an orientation, please get in touch with the Admissions Office at (843) 383-8050 to schedule an upcoming date.
Non-traditional Students
If you’ll be starting in the fall and are older than 23, you do not need to attend one of the traditional orientation dates listed above. There will be a one-day orientation on July 25, 2025 from 9 a.m. until noon.
Supporter Schedule
For the overnight sessions, supporters will check in at noon with their student, then they can explore Hartsville and have free time. The next day, they will have sessions from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., including lunch on campus with their student.
For the one-day sessions, supporters will have time to explore downtown Hartsville from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. after checking in with their student. They will then attend sessions from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., which will include lunch with their student.
Supporter Schedule for July 12 Orientation
- 9 a.m. – Check-in with your students and then head to downtown Hartsville to explore!
The university store will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for any swag you’d like!
The Farmers’ Market is open downtown until 1 p.m.! - 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Parent/Supporter Q&A Session (The Support Tribe Gathering)
Structured Q & A from key staff members: Address Common Questions and Concerns
Please feel free to ask any questions during this time, we want to make sure you feel comfortable and assured after today!
Location: Davidson Hall auditorium (The big, white building in the center of campus with pillars) - 1 to 1:45 p.m. – Enjoy lunch with some of our faculty and staff members!
Location: Dining Hall Tent – Make a left out of the front of Davidson Hall, follow the path toward the big, white tent! - 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. – Supporter tour led by admissions staff
See all of the common spots on campus, including our residence hall rooms!
Location: starting outside of Dining Hall, ending at LITC - 2:30 to 3 p.m. – Networking & Support/Cobra Hang Out
Support circle or networking time where supporters can chat with each other
Encourage the exchange of contact information for mutual information
Location: LITC - 2:30 to 6 p.m. – Survivor to Scholar
Students who haven’t completed ACT/SAT and course forms can stay and work on them.
Connect with various offices as needed.
Location: LITC computers, SS area
Important Info for Incoming Students Living 300+ Miles from Campus
If you’re a new student starting this fall and live more than 300 miles from campus, you do not need to attend an in-person Coker Connection session. If this applies to you, you’ll receive follow-up communication with the next steps soon. In the meantime, please complete all required items in the Coker Connection Brightspace course.
Online and Bridge Students
New students who take classes online will complete the Virtual Coker Connection course in Brightspace. The Virtual Coker Connection course will introduce you to Coker University and provide an overview of campus resources through videos, webpages, and more. You will learn about the Student Success Center, Academic Expectations, Life as a Cobra, Technology at Coker, and Campus Resources.
You can access the course by logging into your Brightpace account and selecting Virtual Coker Connection under Courses.
Please note that this course is self-paced, and you do not have to complete it in one sitting. You can log in and out as needed.