Please note this schedule is tentative and subject to change. Keep in mind, Orientation (starting on August 23) is required for all new students, and you can expect to be busy throughout each day and evening through Convocation on Sunday.
Sunday, August 20
- Students participating in Pre-Orientation: Explore More programs drop their belongings in their residence hall between 8 and 11 a.m.
- Pre-Orientation: Explore More programs begin and run through Tuesday
Wednesday, August 23
8-11a.m.: New Student Move-In, Your Residence Hall
Move in for most new students will be Wednesday, August 23, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Family members are welcome to join their student on move-in day. If you have any questions, please contact reslife@dickinson.edu. (The number in brackets corresponds to the number on Dickinson’s campus map. If you would like to map it GPS addresses can be found here.)
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Behind Adams Hall (Rain Location: Adams Basement) [48]
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Outside Davidson-Wilson/on Dickinson Walk [31] (Rain Location: Atwater Lounge) [30]
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Drayer Porch (Rain Location: Drayer Lounge) [49]
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Outside Baird-McClintock/on Dickinson Walk (Rain Location: BD-MC Tunnel) [26]
10 a.m.-noon: All College Information Tents, Britton Plaza
After checking into your residence hall, feel free to learn more about many offices, departments, and local community organizations that work closely with Dickinson students and families!
11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Welcome Lunch, Dining Hall
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Posse Family Lunch (Invite Only)
Noon-1 p.m.: Legacy Lunch (Invite Only)
Students
2:30-3:30 p.m.: First Floor Meeting, Your Residence Hall
Join your floor or building in a meeting led by your Resident Advisor to learn more about living on campus and get to know your neighbors. Please see your Resident Advisor to learn where you will meet for this session.
2:30-3:30 p.m.: Commuter Student Meeting, Waidner Admissions House, Conference Room
Students who will be commuting to Dickinson will gather together with an advisor to talk about managing the commute and making the most of their time on campus.
2:30-3:30 p.m.: Transfer Student Meeting, HUB Underground
Students who have transferred to Dickinson will come together to talk about the transition, finding resources and networking.
Parents & Families
2:30-3:15 p.m.: Welcome to Dickinson, Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium
Parents and families are invited to attend this welcome session featuring President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11, Vice President of Student Life & Dean of Students George Stroud, Provost & Dean Renée Cramer and Student Senate President Katarina Swendrowski ’24.
The welcome will be livestreamed here: https://youtube.com/live/zIrUcH6-Myg?feature=share
Students, Parents, & Families
3:30-4:15 p.m.: Family Farewell, Academic Quad
**Parents & families depart after the Family Farewell and will not be permitted in the residence halls
Students
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Welcome to Dickinson, Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium
President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11, Vice President of Student Life & Dean of Students George Stroud, Provost & Dean Renée Cramer and Student Senate President Katarina Swendrowski ’24 are excited to meet the newest group of Dickinsonians! Please plan to attend this session as we officially welcome you all to campus.
5:30-7 p.m.: Orientation Leader Meet & Eat, Morgan Field
Get excited to meet with your orientation group and Orientation Leader! OLs serve as guides for new students, helping them get oriented with campus life. Join your peers and OLs for a fun and welcoming first dinner.
7:15 p.m.: PlayFair, Academic Quad
Playfair is the ultimate icebreaker! The most popular campus attraction for new student orientation, Playfair is a fun way to get to know your new community.
8:30-10 p.m.: Shuttles to Walmart & Target, Departing from the Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium
We will have four shuttles running to local stores for students to pick up any essentials they might need.
Thursday, August 24
7 – 8:45 a.m. Breakfast – Dining Hall
Start your morning right by enjoying a delicious meal with your new friends prepared by the wonderful Dining Service team.
8:45 – 10 a.m. Academic Integrity & Library Research for Transfer Students – Library Classroom #2
This session will provide an introduction to library resources, academic integrity, citation, and plagiarism at Dickinson College.
9:15 – 10 a.m. First-Year Academic Overview ATS
This session will provide an overview of the academic experience, encouraging students to connect the dots and maximize their time at Dickinson!
10:15 – 11:30 a.m. Transfer Student Academic Overview – Biddle 102
This transfer student only session will provide an overview of the academic experience, encouraging students to connect the dots and maximize their time at Dickinson!
10:15 – 11:30 a.m. First-Year Seminar Classes
This class is the official start of your first semester at Dickinson College.
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch & Orientation Leader Time – Various Locations & HUB Dining Hall
Fuel your afternoon by stopping by the Caf for a tasty lunch prepared by Dining Services and get the opportunity to connect with your OL group.
1:30 – 2:50 p.m. The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Open House – Landis House
Join the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to get to know the Offices the oversee our work on equity, inclusivity, and diversity at Dickinson College. This program will include opportunities to connect with Directors and students from around campus, including from the: Popel Shaw Center for Race and Ethnicity, the Women’s and Gender Resource Center (WGRC), the LGBTQ Center, the Center for Spirituality and Social Justice (CSSJ), the Asbell Center for Jewish Life, and the Office of Access and Disability Services (ADS). This informal session is for all students to learn more about how we promote equity and inclusion at Dickinson, and how you can be a part of the campus community.
1:30 - 2:50 p.m. ROTC Orientation - Stafford Auditorium
1:30 – 2:50 p.m. Language Placement Testing and Consultation
- FRENCH, GERMAN, ITALIAN, OR SPANISH: If you plan to continue studying one of these languages but were unable to take the language placement exam over the summer, you may take it now. If you placed out of the language requirement via the online placement exam for French, German, Italian, or Spanish and do not plan to continue studying that language, you must re-take the placement exam to confirm the placement. Unless you also have a score of 4 or 5 on the AP language exam or the minimum SAT II score (French: 640; German: 630; Italian: 630; Spanish: 630), then you do not need to retake.
- CHINESE: If you are studying Chinese and placed into CHIN 211, you may need to take a Writing Exam. Please consult the chart on this page to determine if you need to take this follow up exam: https://www.dickinson.edu/info/20313/orientation/1706/placement_information
- ANCIENT GREEK, ARABIC, JAPANESE, LATIN, or RUSSIAN: If you plan to continue studying one of these languages, you have the opportunity to meet with a faculty member to adjust your placement.
- MODERN HEBREW: If you plan to study Modern Hebrew and are registered for a course for Fall 2023, you must meet with a faculty member to confirm your placement.
Placement Exam/Consultation Locations (The number in brackets corresponds to the number on Dickinson’s campus map. If you would like to map it GPS addresses can be found here.)
- Ancient Greek: East College 106 (Office)
- Arabic: Stern 012
- Chinese: Stern 103
- French: Bosler 209
- German: Denny 112
- Italian: Bosler Micro Room
- Japanese: Stern 007
- Latin: East College 106 (Office)
- Modern Hebrew: East College 108
- Russian: Bosler 204 (Office)
- Spanish:Stern 011
1:30 – 2:50 p.m. Dining Services Onboarding Forms – HUB SRs 201-202
First-year students who will be working for dining services and who have completed the necessary new hire forms online, should plan to complete ID verification for the Form I9 during this time. The process should take approximately 15 minutes or less. Document(s) presented must be original/unexpired document(s). (Photos or copies of document(s) are not permitted.) Please review the List of Acceptable Documents that may be used to satisfy the requirements of the Form I9. Students must present one document from List A (i.e. Unexpired Passport or Passport Card) or, if you do not have a List A document, students must present one document from List B (i.e. Driver’s License, or Dickinson ID), AND one document from list C (i.e. Social Security Card, Birth Certificate). This is a Federal Requirement. Section 2 of the Form I-9 verifies proof of identify as well as employment eligibility. Note: if you attend this session on this day, you do not need to attend Friday’s session.
1:30 – 2:50 p.m. International Student Session #1– REQUIRED – Althouse 106
3:00 – 3:50 p.m. Advising, Internships & Career Center: An Insider’s Glimpse ATS
An introduction to Dickinson's dynamic advising, student success, experiential learning, and career development resources and systems.
4 – 5:30 p.m. Responsibilities of Dickinsonians ATS
Being a member of the Dickinson College Community is a privilege that carries with it the responsibility for the well-being of all other members and aspects of the community. This session will share the expectations that Dickinson College holds of its community members, and you will engage in a conversation with your peers about how we develop an educational community where all members are included and valued.
5:45 – 7:30 p.m. Dinner Dining Hall
After a long day of Orientation, grab some dinner at the Caf with your new friends and get a chance to chat about your day!
6:30 – 8 p.m. Community & Campus Resource Fair Morgan Field
This event provides an opportunity for new students to learn more about the many offices, departments, and community organizations at Dickinson and in the greater Carlisle community.
8 – 9:30 p.m Choose Your Own Adventure – Social Hall, KW Lawn, DWalk
8 – 10 p.m. Shuttles to Walmart and Target – Shuttles will depart from ATS parking lot.
We will have four shuttles running to local stores for students to pick up any essentials they might need. Two shuttles will be going to Walmart, and two shuttles will be going to Target. One shuttle for each store will run every hour and half hour, and one shuttle for each store will run on every 15/45 minute mark.
Friday, August 25
7 – 8:45 a.m. Breakfast – Dining Hall
7 – 9 a.m. Dining Services Onboarding Forms – HUB SRs 201-202
First-year students who will be working for dining services and who have completed the necessary new hire forms online, should plan to complete ID verification for the Form I9 during this time. The process should take approximately 15 minutes or less. Document(s) presented must be original/unexpired document(s). (Photos or copies of document(s) are not permitted.) Please review the List of Acceptable Documents that may be used to satisfy the requirements of the Form I9. Students must present one document from List A (i.e. Unexpired Passport or Passport Card) or, if you do not have a List A document, students must present one document from List B (i.e. Driver’s License, or Dickinson ID), AND one document from list C (i.e. Social Security Card, Birth Certificate). This is a Federal Requirement. Section 2 of the Form I-9 verifies proof of identify as well as employment eligibility. Note: if you attended this session on Thursday, you do not need to attend again.
9-9:30 a.m. Dialogues Across Difference – ATS
Students who choose to participate in DXD take a full-credit academic class called “Speaking and Writing Across Differences,” which then makes them eligible for paid employment on campus doing the work of helping others dialogue across differences.
9:30–11 a.m. Ethical Reasoning in Practice: How to Think for Yourself with Others – ATS
This interactive session will prompt you to bring your own assumptions and intuitions about ethical reasoning to the surface as you work with your peers to identify everyday issues that may impact you as members of the Dickinson community.
11:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch – Dining Hall
Fuel your afternoon by stopping by the Caf for a tasty lunch prepared by Dining Services.
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. International Student Drop-In – Dining Hall Entrance Right
12:45 – 2 p.m. Why Are YOU Here? ATS
This is a thought-provoking start to your college experience, pushing you outside of your comfort zone and connecting with your peers over some simple questions. “Why college?” “What are some of the reasons folks might choose to go to college?” “How does my background and experiences shape my view of why college?” Please read the short “Only Connect: The Goals of a Liberal Education” (http://www.williamcronon.net/articles.htm) article to prepare for this conversation
2 – 2:30 p.m. Break – Enjoy snacks outside
2:30 – 4 p.m. Why Are WE Here? ATS
Join us to begin building connections between your values and Dickinson’s. This session will explore Dickinson’s values and strengths in civic learning and engagement, global education, sustainability and equity and inclusivity programs that aim to provide coherent learning pathways and experiences that enable students to connect their academics and life at Dickinson to what matters most to them. This session will open doors to opportunities for meaningful engagement as you begin your Dickinson journey.
4 - 5:15 p.m. Break
5:30 – 6:45 p.m. Dinner & Orientation Leader Time – Dining Hall
After a long day of Orientation, grab some dinner at the Caf with your new friends and get a chance to chat about your day!
5 – 6:45 p.m. Optional Shabbat Service & Dinner – Asbell Center 1st Floor
Join Rabbi Marley Weiner for Shabbat Service in the Asbell Center for Jewish Life.
7 - 8:30 p.m. Amazing Race - ATS
Compete with your Orientation Group to explore sustainability at Dickinson with students and staff from the Center for Sustainability Education (CSE). Groups will work together to solve clues, uncover sustainability initiatives and opportunities at Dickinson in this fun, team building, inclusive challenge. Find out what is new and how you can contribute as you collect photos, overcome obstacles, and uncover what is distinctively Dickinson. Winning groups will receive prizes to Carlisle’s local farmer’s market!
8:30 p.m. S’mores with DPS – Dickinson Walk
Saturday, August 26
7 – 8:45 a.m. Breakfast - Dining Hall
9 – 10:15 a.m. First-Year Seminar Classes
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Title IX and Sexual Respect – ATS
In this presentation, we will introduce members of our campus community, including Public Safety, the Wellness Center, the Women's & Gender Resource Center, the local Rape/Domestic Violence Services Centers, and campus Counseling Services.
Our staff will discuss sexual violence, dating/domestic violence and stalking; the importance of consent in sexual/romantic relationships; how drugs and alcohol use can contribute to sexual violence; information on where and how to get help and support; how to report sexual violence to campus authorities and local law enforcement; and a promise of discretion, dignity and privacy for victims of sexual/gender-based violence.
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch and Orientation Leader Time - HUB Dining Hall
1 - 4 p.m. Red Devil Carnival & Food Truck Fest
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Dinner HUB Dining Hall
7 - 10 p.m. MOB Chill Event – HUB Social Hall
8 – 9 p.m. Hypnotist – Allison Great Hall
Sunday, August 27
8 - 9 a.m. Optional Yoga – Kline patio
9 - 11 a.m. Optional Class Tours – Britton Plaza
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lunch – HUB Dining Hall
Fuel your afternoon by stopping by the Caf for a tasty lunch prepared by Dining Services.
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Religious and Spiritual Communities Brunch HUB Social Hall-West & Center
Join the religious and spiritual communities across the campus as we come together for a meeting and greet as we discuss religious, secular, and spiritual equity at Dickinson College while enjoying a brunch of bagels and fixings. Joined by the members of the religious leadership council and the multifaith student council, Rabbi Marley Weiner and Center for Spirituality and Social Justice Director J. Cody Nielsen will host in the HUB Social Hall.
1 – 1:45 p.m. Group 1: Academic Success Strategy Secrets REVEALED – Allison Great Hall
There are a lot of differences between how to succeed in high school vs. college. You'll need to know how to manage your time well, how soon to start on papers and prepare for exams, and how to capture and review lecture notes so you can recall information presented on a future test. Don't miss this interactive strategy session on "How to Be a Successful College Student."
2 – 2:45 p.m. Group 2: Academic Success Strategy Secrets REVEALED – Allison Great Hall
1 – 1:45 p.m. Group 1: International Student Session #2 – REQUIRED - Allison Community Room
2 – 2:45 p.m Group 2: International Student Session #2 – REQUIRED - Allison Community Room
3 – 3:45 p.m. Letter to Yourself - With Your Orientation Leader
Meet with your Orientation Leader, dressed for Convocation, and craft a letter to your future-self. Take this time to share with your future-self the goals you have already set, experiences you are looking forward to over the next four years, and/or even just a silly joke to make your future-self laugh out loud at the audacity. The next time you open this letter will be shortly before Commencement as you prepare to depart Dickinson and a thoughtful letter will surprise you with how much you will have grown!
Questions to consider:
- What do you think you may major in?
- What connections have you made during Orientation?
- Reflecting on sessions from Orientation, why are you here and what do you hope to do here?
- What goals do you have for yourself?
- Any funny stories to write about from your first few days?
Be sure to write your first and last name and your class year on your sealed envelope.
4 p.m. Convocation Ceremony – Academic Quad
The Convocation Ceremony brings together the entire Dickinson community to mark the start of the academic year and welcomes new students, faculty and administrators. This will include the time-honored tradition of signing into the college for transfer students and the Class of 2027. Members of the class of 2024 are invited to join faculty and administrators in the academic procession preceding the ceremony and should meet on Britton Plaza at 3:45 p.m. with the procession beginning at 4 p.m. In the event of severe weather, the ceremony will occur in ATS. Watch video of last year's Convocation.
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Welcome Back Dinner - Dining Hall
7 – 8 p.m. Catholic Mass – Allison Interfaith Chapel
Join in celebrating a weekly Catholic mass for students and the Dickinson community.
Get the app
New students should download the Corq app and find their Event Pass to check into events throughout Orientation and beyond. Corq allows students to add events to their calendars, explore campus groups and offices, and even has each session mapped out using Google Maps to help you find your place at Dickinson.
- Download the Corq app (in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
- Log into the app with your Dickinson username and password (for help, click here).
- Open your options and select “Event Pass.”
From there, you can save it to Google Pay or your Apple Wallet or take a screenshot. The event pass is specific to you but will stay the same for your entire Dickinson experience.
