Dickinson's Orientation program for new students is designed to facilitate your integration into the unfamiliar academic and residential setting that is college life. Through Orientation we invite you to learn about the experiences, opportunities and community that Dickinson has to offer. Orientation is required for all new students.

Fall Orientation 2025

• Check your Dickinson email account each week for our "Three Things" messages that give you all the information you need!!!
• Pre-Orientation (optional see Explore More programs): Sunday, August 24 - Tuesday, August 26.
• Classes begin: Monday, September 1.

Important tools to know about:

• Email: You should have received (or will receive very soon!) instructions on accessing your new Dickinson email account. It’s key that you check this account often, as important information, including these weekly emails, will be sent only to that email address from this point forward. Contact helpdesk@dickinson.edu with any related questions. 

• Navigate: A tool that will guide you on your academic path from Orientation through graduation. Download Navigate from your device’s app store. Search for Dickinson in the dropdown menu and log in with your Dickinson network login. For the desktop version, go to https://dickinson.navigate.eab.com and log in with your Dickinson network login. Email orientation@dickinson.edu with any questions. 

• Gateway: Our community portal, which provides secure access to certain forms, apps and information. Log in with your Dickinson username and password. 

• Helping Your Student Thrive: These virtual sessions (held Wednesdays at noon, with recordings available after) are hosted by various members of the Dickinson community and cover topics like wellness, the residential experience, finances, advising, and more.

If you have any questions about summer forms, orientation, or anything else, please call the Campus Life office at 717-245-1671 or email orientation@dickinson.edu.