Ignite Leadership

Ignite Leadership is an immersive and interactive 5-day, optional experience for incoming students dedicated to building community prior to the start of Orientation. Through both large and small group activities, incoming students set goals for the upcoming academic year, explore the Emory campus, engage with staff and faculty from different areas on campus, and grow a sense of belonging through social opportunities and peer-to-peer mentorship. 

(If you are an incoming first-year student on the Oxford campus, you can view more information on the Oxford Orientation website, under Pre-Orientation Programs.)

What does it mean to be a leader?

Dive into Atlanta's rich history and culture as we explore and learn about prominent community and worldwide leaders whose legacies continue to develop our understanding of leadership. Together, we'll examine where leaders come from, where leaders go, and how leaders can make an impact on their communities. Hosted by the office of Student Involvement, Leadership, and Transitions (SILT), this pre-orientation program is a great option for students looking to reflect on the way they shape and are shaped by their communities to create a roadmap of their journey as a leader at Emory.

Total Number of Ignite Leadership Participants: 150

Type of Registration: First come, first served

Cost: $275

Program Contact: ignite@emory.edu 

(If you are an incoming first-year student on the Oxford campus, you can view more information on the Oxford Orientation website, under Pre-Orientation Programs.)

Pre-Orientation Frequently Asked Questions

Students may only register for one program. If you change your mind about the program you want to attend, you can change (or cancel) your registration by June 22, 2026 to receive a full refund. Please complete the change/cancellation form here.

Requests to move between programs must be submitted before June 22 and are subject to space availability. 

Cancellations submitted after June 22 are not eligible for a refund. However, you should still notify the university if you are unable to attend so that space may be offered to another student. 

Yes. Even if you are past the refund eligibility date (June 22), we ask that you notify us as soon as possible so that we may adjust program plannign and offer space to other students who may be on a waitlist.

If you choose to withdraw from Emory over the summer, you must still cancel your Pre-Orientation program registration prior to June 22 to receive a refund PRIOR to withdrawing. 

Students who withdraw before completing the cancelltion and refund process will forfeit their pre-orientation registration fee. 

Students participating in Ignite, SOAR, and WISE will move into their assigned residence hall on Monday, August 17, 2026. 

Students participating in FirstSTEM and International Student Welcome will move into their assigned residence hall on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Participants of pre-orientation programs will stay on campus in their assigned residence hall for the duration of the program, except for students participating in SOAR who depart on their trips Tuesday morning and return on Friday, Aug. 21.

For traveling ease, some students bring only what they need for the week of Pre-Orientation and have their family bring the rest of their belongings on Saturday Move In (August 22, 2026.) For others, it may be easier to move everything all at once during Pre-Orientation. We encourage you to do what is best for your student and family.

Although the details are still being finalized and individual Pre-Orientation Programs may communicate their own specific plans for the day, the primary focus of Monday, August 17, 2026 will be moving in.