Cougar Excursion

Cougar Excursion (CE) is a three-day, two-night interactive program where you’ll gain firsthand experience in leadership, collaboration, and independence.  

Available only to incoming freshmen, the program provides students with a wide variety of campus knowledge and facilitates a sense of community that is pivotal to a successful first year at the College. CE fosters an inclusive space, so that by the time you step foot on campus for the first day of classes, you’ll already feel like you’ve created your home. 

Cougar Excursion Highlights!

Cougar Excursion members posing
Cougar Excursion members posing for a picture
 
 

Take a peak at all there is to look forward to at Cougar Excursion!

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

    Registration for the upcoming Cougar Excursion will begin in January 2027. 

    Cougar Excursion will be held Thursday, August 19th - Saturday, August 21st at Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island. Students will be able to move in early on Wednesday, August 18th, and meet fellow students with a Cougar Excursion Meet & Greet. Registration is limited! 

    • 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 Award which will cover the cost of Cougar Excursion. Scholarship applications should be submitted by July 1st. 
    • 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 Award 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 2027 or Orientation Sessions on August 19th and 20th.

  • What Past Participates 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!” 

Frequently Asked Questions

More questions? Please email elnaggarlg@cofc.edu for further clarification!
  • Who is eligible to register?

    Our program is reserved for incoming students who will be freshmen as they enter the Fall 2027 academic year.  

  • What should I pack?

    After registration, you’ll begin receiving emails from the Student Executive Board – make sure to regularly check your school email (@g.cofc.edu) for updates on items to pack/weather forecast. 

  • Will I have free time?

    Outside of the designated leadership activities, you will have some free time! However, any/all school assignments required of your classes before the first day should be completed before Cougar Excursion begins (August 19th, 2027). 

  • Will I miss any classes?

    You will not miss any classes, but know that registration for Cougar Excursion will prevent any attendance of the Panhellenic Primary Recruitment process or Orientation Sessions on August 19th and 20th. 

  • Okay, I’ve registered! What now?

    Fantastic! Keep an eye on your student email account (@g.cofc.edu) for more information regarding Cougar Excursion 2027! We're so excited to see you on campus!