Chimera Welcome Week (Fall) / Days (Spring) is a series of community events created to welcome new and continuing students back to campus with fun activities! Scroll down to see or click here for the PDF of the schedule!

We are so excited to welcome our new students to campus! We know that folks are excited, anxious, and nervous about the start of their college experience at CCA, but we are looking forward to welcoming you into our creative community. Whether you are new to CCA or are a returning student, we have created a special welcome experience to help prepare you!

Spring Chimera Welcome Days | Find Where You Belong! (1/15/25 - 1/17/25) Starting at CCA in the spring? No worries, we got you too! Built to welcome those of you who join us in the spring semester, you'll still get to meet other new students, learn the campus and access key resources to get you on your way to settling in to the rhythm of the college. It is two days packed with the business of getting things done and fun with your Orientation Leaders and other new students. Watch this page for updates in November!

While completing new student orientation is mandatory and attending Chimera Welcome Day is expected of all new students, you are able to tailor your experience to maximize what is most important or relevant to you!

Some sessions will be everyone together, some will be with your small group, and most blocks will have sessions you may choose from - conference style!

*Please note as preparations continue to evolve, session topics / locations / times may change.

Yay! It's residential student move in day! All Students living in Founders or Blattner Halls will be able to check in to their new "home away from home" in San Francisco. We can't wait to meet you! For more information about the move in process, please reach out to Housing, Dining & Residential Education

While you continue to unpack and meet new CCA friends, we're excited to welcome your family to campus!

Look for information about the Residential Community Floor Meetings in Blattner & Founders' Halls: Meet your new neighbors! RA's will bring everyone together to welcome new and returning residents to the residence halls.

What's the difference between New Student Orientation & Chimera Welcome Week?

Orientation is a separate online course via Moodle, and is required to complete prior to your arrival to campus & Chimera Welcome Week. The course will introduce you to certain offices/departments, resources, and guides at CCA. You will get a notification through your CCA email to enroll and complete the course in August.

Chimera Welcome Week (fall admits in August & spring admits in January) are a series of in-person events and workshops tailored to familiarize you with campus culture and an opportunity for you to meet people, faculty, staff, and friends! This is an important week for all new students to become familiar with the college experience and we ask that you make yourself available to attend these events as much as possible.

Where should I check-in for Welcome Week?

All new undergraduate admits (domestic, transfer, international, and commuter) should check-in at the main building - enter at 145 Hooper Street! We will have signs posted on the day of to help you find your way!

All new graduate admits (international, domestic, commuter, or residential) should check in at Blattner Hall - located at 75 Arkansas Street. You'll see signs to let you know you're in the right place!!

Is Chimera Welcome Week / Days mandatory?

Welcome Week is an experience filled with workshop and activities in between designed to help you thrive at CCA. Yes, it is mandatory and required that all newly admitted students (Undergraduate & Graduates) attend Welcome Week / Days.

I'm a Graduate student, is Chimera Welcome Week for me?

Yes, check the Graduate Student Orientation page for more information in how you can participate throughout the week. Please check the schedule above, for graduate student sessions & events.

When should I move into the dorms as a residential student?

Move-in dates and times for incoming residential students will be communicated by Housing, Dining & Residential Education, so please check your CCA EMAIL for updates.

Do I have to pay for Chimera Welcome Week?

Chimera Welcome Week is already paid for, as included in your activities fee. You will need funds for lunch on your own or for off-campus excursions. If you have a meal plan, it will be active when you move onto campus, and all CCA students should activate their CCA PASS to ride MUNI.

Where is the full schedule of events for the week?

We have posted the schedule of events for the week above. Please note, they pertain to the entire schedule, so all undergraduate admits (domestic, transfer, international, and commuter) & graduate admits can refer to this schedule.

Is there an opportunity for parents and family to be a part of this week?

Yes, during the FALL parents and family will have an opportunity to attend a Parent & Family Reception for Chimera Welcome Week. New students will be making new connections with other new students, and unable the reception. Parents / family members can enjoy small bites, meet key staff/faculty, and other new families! For more information, please visit the Parent and Family Welcome page.

For more questions regarding Welcome Week, please contact us at orientation@cca.edu.