History
Implemented by the Dean of Students Office in 1992, the Pre-Orientation Program was a summer pre-College experience for incoming students of color. The impetus of the program came from former students in reflecting on their initial experiences at Davidson and felt that a pre-orientation program was needed to bridge their transition from high school to college.  The Pre-Orientation program was not a substitute for the existing New Student Orientation Program, it was designed to supplement New Student Orientation by introducing students to the experiences of students of color at Davidson.
In 2001, the Pre-Orientation Program became S.T.R.I.D.E., Students Together Reaching Individual Development and Education Program.

Mission
S.T.R.I.D.E.'s mission is to acclimate students to Davidson by introducing coping strategies to manage academic and social pressures through interactive workshops, identify campus resources and interact with faculty, administrators, staff and their peers through teambuilding activities.