<p>how do they make the stern orientation "required"? are they just really encouraging it, or are there actual consequences to not going to some of the events?</p>
<p>I started a stern welcome week/orientation thread, but no one really took advantage of it. In either case, you are assigned to your cohorts as soon as you get to Stern, the first day of welcome week. They take attendance at all the mandatory events, since you will be with the same staff, orientation leaders, and peers that whole week.</p>
<p>You aren’t really required to go. I went to some of the events and not the others and you don’t face any consequences, they are pretty much just events to help you fit in and make friends for the most part.</p>