Welcome to Baylor College of Medicine!
We are excited to welcome you to our community and help you on your journey to becoming a physician. Our orientation program and retreat are designed to help you transition to medical school and prepare you for a successful first year. Orientation and retreat attendance is mandatory for all students.
Orientation
Orientation is the first milestone of your academic career as a medical student. You will meet a broad, supportive network of deans, faculty, and staff who are here to help you succeed. Program sessions will introduce you to the curriculum, grading system, and expectations for student performance. Department representatives will present all the campus resources available and answer your questions. Plus, ample time is built in to cultivate bonds with your classmates and PRN leaders. See the schedule below for an overview of topics and activities.
Retreat
Our annual retreat, organized by the Learning Community’s Peer Resource Network leaders, is held in the piney woods of East Texas at The Retreat at Artesian Lakes. During this memorable overnight stay, professional facilitators and PRN leaders will facilitate experiential learning activities in a beautiful outdoor environment. The focus will be on the effective development of group and personal relationships, teamwork, and fun. There will be free time to explore the forest trails and lakes, and enjoy horseback riding, canoeing, swimming, games and more.
Orientation and Retreat Schedule 2026
- Monday, July 27: Orientation Day #1 - In-person at the Houston and Temple campuses.
- Tuesday, July 28: PRN Retreat Day #1 - Buses leave from campus Tuesday morning.
- Wednesday, July 29: PRN Retreat Day #2 - Buses return to campus Wednesday evening.
- Thursday, July 30: Orientation Day #2 - In-person at the Houston and Temple campuses.
- Friday, July 31: Orientation Day #3 - In-person at the Houston and Temple campuses.
Orientation Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Attendance is mandatory. The information you are given at orientation is essential for a successful start in medical school.
Casual (but not too casual) dress is suggested. Digital images are taken for ID badges, etc., so you should look presentable. You may also meet various faculty and administrators at this time.
Information will be provided if events require an alternate dress-code.
No. We will provide all that you will need. We recommend that you bring your laptop and a backpack/tote bag for the materials you receive during orientation.
Retreat Frequently Asked Questions
Retreat is a two-day, one-night overnight experience that happens at an outdoor retreat center outside of Houston! All transportation and meals will be provided. Activities include team building, free time for sports, ziplining, kayaking, and much much more! You will report to BCM on Tuesday early morning and we will return back Wednesday afternoon.
Change of clothes (ex: athleisure, light colors or materials for the Texas heat), tennis shoes, toiletries, towel, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, small umbrella (in case of rain).
The retreat center has cabins with beds, pillows, sheets and blankets!
Contact the Office of Student Affairs and we will make any arrangements needed!
We will be leaving as a group on chartered buses, so all students have to report to their BCM campus and leave/return on the bus with the group.
Attendance is mandatory for the entirety of retreat. Exceptions will only be made in extreme circumstances.
All food and activities are covered, so no!