New Scholar Orientation | Point Foundation

Join Point Foundation at New Scholar Orientation to welcome incoming scholars to the Point community.

Conference Details

Date: July 18-20
Location: Sheraton Universal Hotel - 333 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, CA 91608
Attendees: Invited Point Scholars, Point board members, and staff
Dress: Smart casual

Conference Agenda & Bios

Find speaker information, an agenda, staff information and more in the 2025 New Scholar Orientation Guide.

Orientation Guide

Conference Agenda

Download Orientation Guide

NSO Schedule of Events Scholars-1

Event Details

Travel reimbursement down

Domestic travel expenses for this conference are fully covered by the Point Foundation. If you have questions about the reimbursement process, please contact Scholar Success staff.
For scholars who booked with our travel agency, Tangerine Travel, please call their 24-hour emergency assistance line at 1-800-678-8202 or 1-425-822-2333 if you have any concerns about your flight.

Event location down

The majority of the weekend will take place at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Transportation to the ONE Archive will be provided by Point. Sheraton Universal is within walking distance of Universal City Walk, where you can find many eateries and evening entertainment after programming concludes each day.

Hotel down

Rooms are assigned by Point based on the registration information provided. For any questions, please contact our Scholar Success staff.

Hotel cost down

The full cost of your room – including tax – will be covered by Point. Incidentals such as room service, pay-per-view movies, etc. will not be covered by Point. If you would like the option of incurring such incidental costs during your stay, you will need to provide the hotel with a credit card that you are authorized to use.

Hotel check-in process down

All Scholars, unless otherwise arranged, are expected to check in at the front desk of the hotel upon arrival. Rooms are usually available by 4:00 p.m. each day, but the hotel will do its best to have your room ready for you as soon as possible.

Dress code down

The dress code is smart casual. Please do not feel compelled to purchase new attire for NSO.

Social media down

Share your photos and experience with the Point Foundation. Use #NSO25 in your social media posts, and tag @pointfoundation.

Code of Conduct

Point is committed to fostering a rich and dynamic learning space that is accessible and embraces the diversity of our Scholars, staff, board, trustees, and network. In all activities, we embrace our diverse nature, inclusive of age, gender, race, geographic origin, education, disability, class, professional experience, culture, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs. In that spirit, we ask that participants follow these guidelines to ensure that the program is a engaging and open space for everyone. If you experience or witness any breaches of the code of conduct below, please feel empowered to address the situation with the person(s) responsible and/or contact a Point staff member.

Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying, Language down

Point has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discriminatory or inflammatory language, unwanted advances of any kind, or conduct that is unbecoming in a professional setting.

Embrace Inclusiveness down

We are committed to overcoming overt and latent discrimination based on racial, ethnic, and/or cultural background. Racist and discriminatory comments or attitudes will not be tolerated under any circumstance. If you have any concerns about the etiquette or behavior of any participant, please notify a Point staff member.

Avoid Assumptions down

Each of us is a complex individual, from how we pursue our passions and interests, to how we view our sexuality and gender identity. Do not assume a person’s gender or pronouns based on your own perception of their gender expression. Be understanding as people process their gender identities and sexual orientations at their own pace. A person’s pronouns and name may change a number of times. Please respect anyone’s choice of gender pronouns or any other self-identification. Gender pronouns are printed clearly on each person’s name tag.

Non-Sexist/Gender-Inclusive Language & Etiquette down

Please keep in mind that a person’s external appearance might not match your perception of gender identity. Please use non-sexist and gender-inclusive or ungendered language during the program. Try using phrases like “the person in the red shirt,” instead of “that woman” or “that man.” Another solution is to address people by name until you can meet and get to know that person’s pronouns. All derogatory, misogynistic, and emasculating terms and phrases are treated as inappropriate language. We all make mistakes; if you make a mistake, like using the incorrect pronoun, apologize to the parties involved.

Respect Boundaries down

Before asking someone a question related to their gender identity or sexual orientation, ask yourself if the answer is necessary, given the work that you are doing with them. This practice may help you reflect on the appropriateness of your curiosity and prevent you from crossing people’s boundaries.

Violating Code of Conduct down

If you experience or observe a violation of this commitment, we encourage you to speak first with the person who is behaving inappropriately. If that is not possible, we urge you to contact any Point staff member. We will follow up and determine the corrective action necessary to restore the safety and mutual respect that we are committed to fostering.

Health & Safety

If you are not feeling well prior to your departure, please take the necessary measures to take care of yourself and protect others by staying at home. Point will not require vaccine credentials nor masks but we encourage all attendees to follow best practices while traveling at at the conference.

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