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Orientation

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Orientation

Orientation is your first step into life at Dickinson—and the beginning of your First-Year Experience. Designed to help you transition confidently into college, Orientation introduces you to our academic expectations, residential community and the people and resources that will support you throughout your time here.

More than a schedule of events, Orientation is an intentional experience that invites you to explore who you are, how you learn, and how you will engage with a community grounded in curiosity, connection and care.


Orientation is built to help you:


Spark Curiosity

Spark Curiosity

At Dickinson, learning begins with curiosity. Orientation encourages you to ask questions, explore new ideas, and engage with diverse perspectives—both in and out of the classroom. Through academic sessions, conversations with faculty and staff, and shared experiences with peers, you’ll begin developing the habits of mind that will shape your educational journey.

Build Community

Build Community

You belong here. Orientation helps you form meaningful connections with classmates, faculty, and staff while learning what it means to be part of the Dickinson community. You’ll be introduced to our shared values, community standards, and the importance of accountability, respect, and collaboration as you begin building relationships that support both individual growth and the common good.

Support Your Thriving

Support Your Thriving

Your well-being matters. Orientation is designed to help you feel supported as you navigate change, celebrate milestones, and develop resilience. You’ll learn about campus resources, explore ways to balance academics and life outside the classroom, and begin building the skills that will help you thrive—at Dickinson and beyond.


By participating in Orientation, you will:

  • Meet with your faculty advisor and attend your first class (First Year Seminar).
  • Identify two academic support, inclusivity or wellness resources which may be helpful to you in your first semester.
  • Familiarize yourself with Dickinson’s campus and the Carlisle community. 
  • Establish a connection with at least one possible mentor on campus.
  • Identify co-curricular opportunities such as campus clubs and organizations, centers and offices, of interest to you.   
  • Develop an understanding of the expectations Dickinson has for all members of the community.
  • Describe why Dickinson values ethical reasoning, global education, civic engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion, and building sustainable communities. 

A Foundation for Your First Year—and Beyond

Orientation is required for all new students and serves as the foundation of the First-Year Experience at Dickinson. It’s where you’ll begin learning how to navigate college life, engage fully in a residential liberal arts environment, and chart a path that is uniquely your own.

We’re excited to welcome you and support you as you take this important first step.


Contact Us

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.


Important Tools
  • 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.