June 2025
Welcome to Dickinson!
There will be a lot for you to do in the upcoming weeks to prepare for your arrival on campus. Watch for weekly emails listing three things for you to do or know for that week. Those action items will also be posted here for reference.
QUESTIONS?
Reach out to orientation@dickinson.edu anytime if you have questions.
Three Things for June 4
Submit overdue forms ASAP!
If you have not completed the forms that were due June 2, please make that a top priority. The forms are found in Navigate. If you have any difficulties accessing or submitting these forms, email orientation@dickinson.edu.
Get ready for adventure with Pre-Orientation: Explore More!
Earlier this week, registration opened for Pre-Orientation: Explore More! These programs are dynamic, interactive experiences for small groups of incoming first year and transfer students hosted by campus departments, offices, and student groups. These programs offer an immersive experience prior to Orientation week and are a great way to kickstart your time at Dickinson. Check out the programs—registration is open!
If relevant, connect with Access & Disability Services (ADS) about possible accommodations.
Did you have a high school IEP, a 504 plan, or eligibility for academic accommodations (like extended time on tests)? Might you need any disability-related access support or accommodations this fall? If so, but you missed the 5/31 deadline, it’s not too late.
If you have a disability that might present a barrier for you at Dickinson, but you haven’t yet submitted your disclosure and accommodation request, go to www.dickinson.edu/ADS and click on “Looking to Request an Accommodation?” for how-to instructions to do so. Do so ASAP, as ADS needs sufficient time to review requests and supporting documentation and connect with you about your needs over the summer so that accommodations can be determined and in place by the start of the semester. If you have any questions, or to send documentation, email access@dickinson.edu, or call 717-245-1734.
Three Things for June 11
Prepare for your New Student Advising session and placement exams.
You will begin your academic journey this summer by discussing your emerging academic interests with a member of the New Student Advising team in preparation for fall course selection. New Student Advising sessions will occur July 14-21, to prepare for course request (which you will complete in July after your New Student Advising session). Please review the New Student Advising page on the Orientation website, which explains when and how to schedule your advising sessions, and how to prepare for it.
Everything you need to know about placement exams—what to take and what not to take, how to find the exams, who to contact with issues and frequently asked questions—is available on the Orientation website.
Consider student employment with dining services.
Working on campus gives students the opportunity to connect in a friendly environment, serve our community, learn important skills for the workforce, and earn extra income. First year students that wish to work on campus must work for Dining Services. Respond to diningemployment@dickinson.edu by July 14 to hold your spot! Additional information available at dickinson.edu/diningemployment.
Visiting Campus? Get your I.D. card!
Check one thing off your move-in day to-do list by stopping by the I.D. office in the Holland Union Building anytime during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) to get your ID photo taken if you will be on campus for a visit this summer! Your ID card will be used to purchase meals, use the college printers and laundry machines, check out materials from the library and media center, grant you access to events and certain buildings and more. You can also submit a photo through the GET app.
Three Things for June 18
Sign up for Pre-Orientation!
Spaces are filling up, so don't wait to sign up for one of our Pre-Orientation: Explore More programs to connect with classmates and take an in-depth look at some of Dickinson’s distinctive programs before you immerse yourself in Orientation week. There is limited availability for some of the programs, so consider signing up before it is too late! Registration will close on Friday, August 8 at midnight!
Please note that the Pre-Orientation programs are optional and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space cannot be added to programs that are listed as full.
Know what to expect with this technology tool alert.
Welcome to Dickinson! As part of our Tech Transformation initiative, we’re updating key systems and tools to support your academic experience.
We’re transitioning from Moodle to a new learning platform called Brightspace. During your first year, you may use both systems—your professors will let you know which to use, and we’ll support you with both. Learn more and explore a sample Brightspace course later this summer.
We’re also launching the Mobile Computing Initiative (MCI), which updates classroom tech to support more modern, flexible teaching. Starting this fall, many classrooms won’t have built-in computers, so bringing a personal laptop will be essential. We’ve prepared laptop recommendations, info on discounts, Microsoft Office access and course-specific software through our Virtual Lab.
Get tips for packing "green" and customizing your room.
We know you're busy making lists, shopping and packing (and awaiting your housing and roommate assignments, which will come in early August), so we wanted to share some helpful resources. Check out our Greener Packing List for ideas about what to bring and what to leave behind and learn more about how to "green" your move-in. We can't wait to see how you will make your residence hall room your own!
Three Things for June 25
Don't be late—finish your forms by July 1!
Essential forms that must be completed by July 1 include health forms, music background form, your roommate preferences (including review of your Housing & Food Agreement) and any placement tests. Review your Journey in Navigate for additional details, and to keep track of what’s complete and what’s due.
Submit your financial aid information
Dickinson offers many endowed scholarships that primarily help to support our student’s need-based Dickinson grants. The information you supply on the General Application will be used in the college’s endowed scholarship matching process. The information we’re looking for you to provide will pertain to the extracurricular activities that you are involved in. Once submitted, you will have the ability to go back and make any necessary updates to your form.
To submit the General Application, click “Sign In” followed by “Sign in with your Institution.” Be sure that you’re on the “My Applications” tab and select the application in order to begin. Please be sure to take the time and complete this form in its entirety.
This form is due by July 1.
Find your First-Year Seminar assignment
Your First-Year Seminar assignment has been posted! Check the Dickinson Gateway for your assignment by selecting the SSB icon and then Student/Course Selection/Active Courses. And don’t forget to sign up for your New Student Advising Session (see the scheduling email sent to your Dickinson email account recently).