Cougar Excursion

Cougar Excursion (CE) is a three-day, two-night interactive program where you'll have the opportunity to make connections with other incoming students, learn from upper-class student facilitators, and begin your leadership journey at the College of Charleston.

It was an invaluable experience to get a leg up.

Cougar Excursion Participant

Learn More

Learn how Cougar Excursion can help you be a successful first-year student at the College!
  • Why Participate?

    • Form friendships and meet other CofC students before the semester starts
    • Learn about the campus culture and traditions of the College
    • Discover ways to become involved in on-campus activities
    • Explore your own leadership identity
    • Begin your journey of self-discovery at the College
    • Develop leadership skills and strategies that will ensure a positive and productive college experience.
    • Move into your residence hall early!

  • How to Register

    Cougar Excursion will be held Thursday, August 14th-Saturday, August 16th at Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island. Students will be able to move in early on Wednesday, August 13th and meet fellow students with a Cougar Excursion Meet & Greet. Registration is limited and will close on Wednesday, July 23rd.

    Click HERE to register for Cougar Excursion 2025!

    • Registration costs $250 for conference site lodging for two nights, activity fees, transportation from College of Charleston to Camp St. Christopher, all meals including 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and snacks.
    • For students who need financial assistance, we will offer The Emily Salisbury Memorial scholarship which will cover the cost of CE. Scholarship applications should be submitted by July 16th. If students are interested in applying for the scholarship, they should also complete the registration for CE and either select to pay by check or can be reimbursed for a credit card payment. Apply here!
    • In addition, there will be a charge for one night of Campus Housing fees for early move-in.
    • The early move-in fee is dependent on where the students select to live and the fee structure that will be approved in mid-June. Any additional questions can be directed to Campus Housing at housing@cofc.edu or 843-953-2015, please note they will not be able to provide specific fee amounts until late June.

    By participating in this program, students who will be living on campus are agreeing to pay any early move-in fee.  This fee will be assessed to your student account if you have a housing assignment, regardless of if you move in during the program's scheduled time, or stay off-campus with family. The Emily Salisbury Memorial Scholarship will not cover early move-in fees.

    Additionally, students that are attending Cougar Excursion will not be able to participate in the Panhellenic Primary Recruitment process in fall 2025 or Orientation Sessions on August 14th and 15th.

  • What Past Participants Have to Say

    “Cougar Excursion is a great way to meet people and make friends.”

    “It allowed me to gain new perspectives."

    “The discussions with facilitators were very helpful because they have experience.”

    “I highly doubt any of us would have connected so well in only two days had we just been on campus.”

    “I feel better having talked to students involved in groups I am highly interested in pursuing.”

    “It was an invaluable experience to get a leg up.”

    “It was super fun!”

    “Great experience! Amazing! You will have a blast!”