The NOLA Program has reached its capacity and is not accepting any further applications. Thank you for your interest.

What is NOLA?

The NOLA Experience is a great way to kick off your time at Tulane!  Participating in NOLA provides incoming Tulane students a unique introduction to the New Orleans, Tulane and Louisiana communities through eight separate tracks -

Down and Dirty in the Big Easy, Explore Louisiana, Exploring the Crescent City:  A Religious Experience, A "Helluva Hullabaloo", Let the Good Times Rock and Roll,  N'Awlins Native Style, Newcomb and the City and Totally TUBE-ular.  Whether it's out on individual adventures with your fellow track participants, or in large group activities, like sampling New Orleans cuisine and taking Cajun dance lessons, NOLA is full of surprises!

The program is designed to familiarize students with the various cultural, social and historical aspects that New Orleans has to offer and provide a unique, welcoming experience that encourages new students to network with each other.

What does the week look like?

Participants will arrive in New Orleans on Sunday, August 17th.  Whether traveling by plane, bus, or car, your friendly NOLA OCs (the student facilitators of NOLA) will be there to welcome you to the Tulane community.  That night you'll travel with your fellow participants to an offsite retreat or camping experience.  The Down and Dirty and Explore Louisiana tracks will head out for a true canoeing and camping extravaganza.  The other tracks will leave for Camp Istrouma, for swimming, games and group bonding.  Not a fan of camping?  Don't worry - this retreat offers bunks, electricity, inside dining AND showers. 

After the camping trips, participants enjoy their individual tracks during the day on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and come together for activities with the entire NOLA group every evening.

Who participates?

All types of students! Previous NOLA participants have gone on to be Undergraduate Student Government Senators, Orientation Team Leaders, Green Wave Ambassadors, leaders in the Greek community, involved in club sports and presidents of professional fraternities and societies.

Please note:  Students will move into their Fall housing assignment upon returning from the camping trip on Tuesday afternoon, August 19th with their two bags ONLY.  Full move-in cannot take place until regular freshmen move-in day on Saturday August 23rd, when parents arrive for the Fall Welcome Week programs.  All shipped items must NOT arrive on campus before August 18, 2008.

The Tracks

Down and Dirty in the Big Easy
Explore New Orleans and its surrounding wetlands with native Louisianans and environmental activists. Meet your new classmates as you paddle Black Creek and camp out on its sandbars.  Then acquaint yourself with the New Orleans’ eco-resources, historical landmarks and enjoy its famous cuisine and music. Meet locals while volunteering at a building materials recycling center and visit a neighborhood that is rebuilding in an energy-smart way.  Take a swamp tour with an environmental twist. Getting "Down and Dirty in the Big Easy" is a great way to become oriented to your new home and make lasting friendships. Come join the greenest Tulane team!

Explore Louisiana Outdoor Adventure

Discover why Louisiana is called the Sportsman's Paradise!  Participants will explore Louisiana's unique swamps, forests, waterfalls, and river rapids through outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and tubing.  Experience the sights and sounds of the outdoors while biking a trail, floating down a river, and hiking in a Natural Recreation Area.

Exploring the Crescent City:  A Religious Experience

Most people know Mardi Gras as a time for beads and parades, but did you know that this city-wide celebration is based on the Lenten calendar? New Orleans is known for many things but religion is often not one of them. From the arrival of colonial France and the introduction of Roman Catholicism, to the later impact of VooDoo within the local population; from the influx of Protestant Christianity following the Louisiana Purchase, to the arrival of strong Jewish communities immigrating to our city; New Orleans has always been shaped and formed by its religious landscape. Whether it’s mass, temple, or a Buddhist prayer ceremony, New Orleans is a city of more than just Bourbon Street, it’s a center of religion and spirituality. Join us this August as we travel from churches to cemeteries and from cathedrals to synagogues in search of a glimpse of this amazing and vibrant living history that continues to impact our region.

A "Helluva Hullabaloo": The Eyes and Ears of the Tulane Community
Get to know Tulane like a pro as you work with the Hullabaloo staff to write, edit and design the orientation issue of the weekly newspaper. You'll learn about Tulane and New Orleans culture, politics, history and more by going into the field to gather information and take pictures, then writing stories to let the rest of the first-year class know the deal. Sessions with professional journalists will prepare you to see your name in the byline as you help the Tulane Hullabaloo fulfill its role as the eyes and ears of the Tulane community. This hands-on, total immersion experience is a must for anyone interested in delving through the layers of what makes Tulane special and getting a step up in Tulane Student Media at the same time.

Let the Good Times Rock and Roll

The Crescent City is the birthplace of many great musicians and artists.  Join fellow new students in discovering the variety of musical and artistic influences that are present throughout the city of New Orleans.  Students will have the opportunity to meet famous native New Orleans musicians, tour several museums, and attend a private concert at an established local venue.  If you're ready TU be a V.I.P. and experience the best music and art that New Orleans has to offer, come and laissez les bons temps roulez!

N'Awlins Native Style
How many bites does it take to get the king cake baby? What is crawfish etouffee? How do you dance to Cajun music? The N'awlins Native Style track is geared to provide new students with a taste of New Orleans culture that includes visiting the city's world-famous cemeteries, trying new flavors at local restaurants and getting a feel for Mardi Gras at Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. We'll also travel beyond the city, spending two nights camping. Tulane students are waiting to introduce you to the uniqueness of our city and your new community. Apply to be a part of the N'awlins Native Style track and learn what it takes to be a native in N'awlins.

Newcomb and the City (for women)

Join the Newcomb College Institute track for three days of food, culture, service and fun!  Newcomb College and its alumnae have had a big impact on New Orleans - from founding Mardi Gras krewes to opening successful restaurants, day spas and jewelry stores.  Get the chance to experience New Orleans as an insider as we get pampered at a Magazine Street salon, tour the Krewe of Muses den at Mardi Gras World, and meet with the amazing women who have been rebuilding New Orleans.

Totally TUBE-ular

Take a ride on the TUBE during NOLA!  New Orleans is known as the Hollywood of the South, and for good reason. Some of the hottest TV shows and best movies are filmed here. Whether you want to be in front of the camera or behind, you’ll have the opportunity to meet professionals in the field and get an inside look at local industry.  Work with members of Tulane University Broadcast Entertainment (TUBE) to write, shoot and produce your own short documentary about coming to NOLA. Your film will premiere on the last night of NOLA, then will air on Tulane Cable Channel 50. Are you ready for your close up? If so, come take a ride on the TUBE!

The program will run Sunday, August 17th through Friday August 22nd.  Students must arrive in New Orleans by 2:00pm on August 17th.  Participants are responsible for transportation to New Orleans.

Spaces are limited! Only 160 students will be accepted for this program.

Applications are due June 13, 2008, 5:00 p.m. CST.

Notifications of track assignments will be made on June 27, 2008.

The  total cost of the NOLA experience is $400, which includes entry fees, housing and some meals. 

A $50 non-refundable application fee will be charged to Accounts Receivable. 

The $350 program fee will be charged to Accounts Receivable on August 5, 2008. 

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations must be made by e-mail to orientation@tulane.edu by August 4, 2008, 5:00 p.m. CST.  

No refunds will be issued for cancellations after August 4, 2008.

All notifications and pertinent information will be sent via your Tulane email address.

Tulane University

The NOLA Experience
6823 St. Charles Ave.

Central Building Ste. 104
New Orleans, LA  70118