All new students to Goshen College participate in on-campus orientation before classes start.
* = required activities for new students
Monday, January 6, 2025
9:30 – 10 a.m. — Check-In and Move-In (parents and families welcome) | Union, Welcome Center *
All new students will go through check-in between 9:30 and 10 a.m. Pick up your NSO folder and name tag and meet with the following offices:
- Orientation: confirm arrival and pick up your folder, name tag, and a copy of the schedule
- Campus Safety: verify your emergency contact information is on file, sign up for a parking pass
- Health Services: submit your Confidential Health Form
- Information Technology Services (ITS): confirm your GC login/password, submit your iPad Agreement, and pick up your iPad (opt-out available)
- Financial Aid: accept your financial aid, complete entrance loan counseling, and sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN)
- Accounting Office: confirm your payment plan for the spring semester
- Registrar’s Office: complete the Personal Information Update (PIU)
- ITS Media: take your ID picture and pick up your card; residential students will pick up their room key
Residential students will pick up their key at the end of the check-in process and can spend the rest of the morning moving into their residential space.
Students opting out of the iPad program should bring their device (a laptop or tablet) to campus for NSO sessions.
10:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Commuter Student Gathering (parents and families welcome) | Union, Commuter Student Lounge *
Commuter students and their families will meet student leaders from the Commuter Student Association (CSA) and learn more about being a commuter student at GC. The group will conclude their time by walking together to the dining hall and having lunch.
12 – 1 p.m. — Lunch (parents and families welcome) | Westlawn, Dining Hall
Students with an unlimited meal plan (carte blanche) will swipe their new ID cards. Lunch will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan (35-, 65-, or 90-block plans) and parents and family members; sign in at the cashier’s station.
1 – 1:30 p.m. — Welcome & Introductions (parents and families welcome) | Union, Admissions Conference Room, UN111 * (Bilingual Session)
This is a bilingual session. Meet members of the Student Success Team and other new students and review the New Student Orientation (NSO) schedule. Afterward, students will walk to the Newcomer Center together for afternoon sessions. Parents and families will remain in the room for their session.
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. — Developing Tools for Your Student’s Success (for parents and families) | Union, Admissions Conference Room, UN111 (Bilingual Session)
This is a bilingual session. Embark on your student’s college journey with confidence! Hear from our Student Success Team with insights on navigating the first weeks of college. This session goes beyond stories, offering practical strategies, invaluable tips, and critical resources essential for a smooth transition. Learn how to support your students as they manage academic rigor, balance social life, and access vital campus support.
This is the last scheduled event for parents and family members.
1:30 – 3 p.m. — Academic Overview (for students) | Newcomer, NC19 *
Meet the Registrar’s Office and learn more about liberal arts and the CORE at GC, chapel/convo requirements, the role of the academic advisor, the academic catalog, and your schedule.
3 – 4 p.m. — Student Resources | Newcomer, NC19 *
Meet the Academic Success Center (ASC) team and learn about academic resources, tutoring options, accessibility support, and coaching appointments. The team will review MyGC and Moodle and introduce GC Online and Upswing. Afterward, everyone will visit the ASC.
4 – 4:30 p.m. — Library iTour | Good Library *
Students will meet the librarians, who will provide instructions on completing the Library iTour.
4:30 – 5 p.m. — Writing Placement | Good Library *
Students will respond to a short writing prompt to determine placement for Academic Voice for students taking this class.
All students will be notified via their Goshen College email by January 3 whether they need to do this.
5 – 6 p.m. — Dinner | Westlawn, Dining Hall
Students with an unlimited meal plan (carte blanche) will swipe their new ID cards. Dinner will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan (35-, 65-, or 90-block plans); sign in at the cashier’s station.
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
8 – 9 a.m. — Breakfast | Westlawn, Dining Hall
Students with an unlimited meal plan (carte blanche) will swipe their new ID cards. Breakfast will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan (35-, 65-, or 90-block plans); sign in at the cashier’s station.
9 – 10 a.m. — Campus Tour | Union, Welcome Center *
Walk through your class schedule with a current GC student or employee and find out where each class meets before the first day of classes. The tour will depart from the Welcome Center.
10 – 11 a.m. — Student Life Overview | Wyse, WY108B *
Meet our Student Life team members and learn how their work supports your success at GC. Offices include campus activities, campus ministries, campus safety, diversity, equity and inclusion, health services, and residence life. Students will also learn what it means to be in a community with one another, how we each contribute to the overall well-being of our campus, and how to get involved at GC.
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Student Panel | Westlawn, Mark Community Room *
Hear from current Goshen College students about their college experience during an informative Q&A session.
12 – 1 p.m. — Lunch | Westlawn, Dining Hall *
Students with an unlimited meal plan (carte blanche) will swipe their new ID cards. Lunch will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan (35-, 65-, or 90-block plans); sign in at the cashier’s station.
1 – 2 p.m. — ALEKS Math Placement| Union, Computer Labs, UN004 *
New students will complete the online ALEKS mathematics placement to determine the best course for meeting the Quantitative Literacy requirement. NOTE: Students with high enough test scores in an AP/IB Math exam or a grade of a B- or higher in a dual credit math course will meet the Quantitative Literacy requirement and do not need to complete the ALEKS assessment unless they enroll in math courses as part of their major requirements. Transfer students with math credits are exempt.
2 – 3 p.m. — Academic Advising | Individual faculty offices *
Students will meet with their advisors to review your schedule. Advising meetings are approximately 30 minutes. The Registrar’s Office will share meeting information during Monday’s check-in.
2 – 4 p.m. — Drop-in hours for the Academic Success Center (ASC) | Good Library
Stop in and chat with members of the Academic Success Center and follow up on the resources offered.
5 – 7 p.m. — Dining hall open for dinner | Union Dining (UN)
Students with an unlimited meal plan (carte blanche) will swipe their new ID cards. Lunch will be covered for students without a meal plan or those on a limited meal plan (35-, 65-, or 90-block plans); sign in at the cashier’s station. This is the last meal covered as part of New Student Orientation.
6 – 8 p.m. — Welcome Back Event | Connector 1st floor
Join other Goshen College students for an evening to connect before classes begin. Hosted by Residence Life.
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
8 a.m. — Spring semester classes begin
10 a.m. — Opening Convocation | Church-Chapel (CC)