At Hartwick, we understand that the transition to college is an important process. With that in mind, we offer orientation programs that take you through that process step-by-step.
'Wick 101: New Student Orientation
The first stage of this transition is New Student Orientation which takes place over the summer. This program welcomes new students to campus and is designed to answer all your preliminary questions. At Orientation, you will meet with an academic advisor, learn more about Hartwick's general education curriculum, Liberal Arts in Practice, and complete required placements. You also will learn more about student life, how to get involved in extracurricular activities, and what to expect when you move into your residence hall. Orientation is a great way to meet other new students and begin getting to know Hartwick faculty and staff. We also offer a family component to the Orientation program, providing family members with helpful tips and information (after all, it’s also a transition for them!).
Course Advising and Pre-Registration
An important component of preparing students for their first semester at Hartwick is the advising and course pre-registration process. Advising at Hartwick is done on a one-on-one basis. For Fall Term classes, you will work with a faculty or professional advisor over the summer as you select your First Year Seminar preferences and other course preferences particular to your interests and requirements. Once the Fall Term begins, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who is one of your Fall Term professors, making it easier for you to get to know your advisor and develop a relationship that enhances the advising process. Students who have declared a major generally will be assigned an advisor in their department. Undeclared students may change to an advisor in the declared field once a major is decided upon.
Welcome Weekend
Welcome Weekend kicks off with the arrival of all new students on campus and our campus-wide Convocation celebration. After moving into residential halls, you will participate in four days of social and informational events. It’s a time for beginning new friendships, exploring campus life, and settling in to a new life at Hartwick. Students also buy books for Fall Term during Welcome Weekend, as well as meet with their First Year Seminar/Connections groups and mentors.
