FYE FAQ

ARRIVAL

When does Orientation begin?
New Student Orientation begins on Friday, August 24, and will continue through August 28. Classes begin on Wednesday, August 29.

Can I move onto campus before August 24?
Only Fall athletes who are required to be here for practices, International Students and those students returning from August La Vida will be permitted to move in prior to Friday. Any other early move-in request or exception must be approved well in advance by the director of Orientation.

Where do I go when I first arrive for Orientation?
Upon your arrival at Gordon, you will enter through the main entrance and follow signs. Our O-Staff members will guide you through the check-in process. Check-in begins at 10 a.m. for those students living outside New England. At 11:30 those living in New England may check in.

CAMPUS LIFE

 Where do I park when I arrive?
You will be directed by our O-Staff to your residence hall, then to our Woodland parking lot where there will be a shuttle to return you to the residence hall.

How do I find out who my roommate(s) is/are?
In mid-July you will receive a letter from the Housing Director. In it you will find your room and roommate assignment as well as some other helpful information about residence life.

FAMILY

Are there events scheduled for my family?
There are activities for family members on Friday, August 124and Saturday, August 25, including a Welcome Tent with loads of area information, a Sibling Program for any younger siblings who may be traveling with you and a Parents Orientation program. The final event for family members is the Assurance and Affirmation Service, after which families will be given "transition time" to say their goodbyes before departing the campus. The parent and family portion of Orientation is concluded by 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Are there any costs associated with the Orientation program for me or for my family?
There is a one-time $100 fee assessed for all new students entering Gordon College. This fee helps to offset the costs of the Orientation program and a variety of events planned specifically for new students throughout the first semester. The fee will be charged to your
student account.

The Orientation program for parents and siblings is free. It includes two lunch tickets for the Family Lunch on Saturday. Additional lunch tickets may be purchased at the Welcome Tent.

LOCAL AREA

Where can I go to church in the area?
There are many churches of all denominations in the area, many of which provide van services for students on Sunday mornings. Students are encouraged to become involved in a local church community. There will also be a Church Fair on Thursday, August 25 where you will be able to explore over 40 local churches. See a list of area churches.

Can freshmen have cars on campus?
All students are permitted to have cars on campus. All vehicles must be registered with Public Safety within two weeks of the beginning of the semester. You will have an opportunity to register your vehicle during the Campus Connections time in the Ken Olsen Science Center on the Friday and Saturday of Orientation.

How do I get around if I don't bring a car to campus?
Though many students choose to have a car on-campus there are at least as many who do not have cars. Friends and floormates are often willing to help their peers run errands to local malls and convenience stores—just ask! There is also a limited shuttle service to the local MBTA Commuter Rail Station which runs to and from Boston.

TECHNOLOGY

How do I set up my Gordon email account?
Once you have been accepted and paid your deposit, you will receive instructions from the Orientation staff about how to activate your Gordon email. You can also visit the New Student Wizard on this website.

Is there Internet access in the residence halls?
Yes! To learn more about the most recent updates to campus technology updates and requirements for your personal computer, visit the Center for Educational Technology's (CET) website.

What kind of computer should I have before coming to Gordon?
Check out the recommended specifications (and Gordon's discount rate) here.