Backstage Bucknell
Part of the Engineering Success Alliance (ESA), Backstage Bucknell is an invitation-only Pre-Orientation program where first-year engineers can create a supportive community and build a sense of belonging on campus.
Students who are invited to participate will receive a notification via email in the spring before their first semester.
What You’ll Do
Backstage Bucknell offers an array of activities designed to introduce first-year ESA students to College of Engineering faculty, staff and resources. You'll attend math and physics success sessions and pool your creativity in a group design challenge. Build a structure, then test its strength on a shake table. Or design rockets and send them soaring into competition with an air-powered launcher — all while making new friends who share your passion for engineering.
Take this opportunity to start building the academic foundation and inside track you need to make the most of your Bucknell experience — both as a student and in your career. ESA provides encouragement, resources and support all the way up to graduation and beyond, thanks to a vibrant network of ESA alumni.
Backstage Bucknell is scheduled for Aug. 15–19, 2025.
Whom it’s for
Backstage Bucknell participation is by invitation only to members of the Engineering Success Alliance. For more information about Backstage Bucknell or ESA, please contact jason.milner@bucknell.edu.
Cost
Free
Contact
Jason Milner, Engineering Success Alliance director
jason.milner@bucknell.edu
Pre-Orientation Move-In Day Schedule
| Friday, Aug. 15 | |
| 7–11 a.m. | Arrival and Check-in Outside Sojka Pavillion Students will receive their room key and BUID and check in with their Pre-O program leaders. After check-in, head to your residence hall to unpack your belongings and settle in. |
| 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Lunch Bostwick Marketplace, Elaine Langone Center All Pre-Orientation participants, their families and friends are invited to lunch as guests of the University (no charge). Pick up your lunch tickets at Pre-O check-in. |
| 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Resource Fair Ground Floor, Elaine Langone Center Representatives from a variety of campus offices will be present to answer your questions. Meet staff from Bertrand Library, Bucknell Nutrition, Bucknell Student Health, Campus Activities & Programs, Dining, Equity & Inclusive Excellence Offices, Global & Off-Campus Education, Public Safety, the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau, Undergraduate Fellowships and Research and more. |
| 12:30 p.m. | Program Meetings Meeting locations will be posted in June Parents and families are invited to join their student and attend these meetings. Program leaders will share details about program schedules and expectations and will be available to answer questions |
| 2 p.m. | Students: Programs Begin |
| 2 p.m. | Families: University Welcome Weis Center Concert Hall University officials welcome and advise family members on the first year at Bucknell. Light refreshments will be served before the welcome; parents and families are invited to stay after to mingle. |
More details about the move-in day schedule will be shared in early 2025.