Below are commonly asked questions about Welcome Week. If you have any additional questions, contact our office at orientation@goshen.edu.
Is Welcome Week mandatory?
Welcome Week is our mandatory extended orientation for first-year and transfer students with 16 or fewer credits. This week is a necessary time of transition, and activities and sessions are required unless otherwise noted. Students should plan to be available from Saturday, August 17, through Friday, August 23, 2024, and begin making plans accordingly. Different campus groups will offer optional activities on Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25.
It is important to note that this first week is not only orientation but also the beginning of CORE 100, a required class that begins during Welcome Week. For both of those reasons, it is crucial that students are present to complete their first week of classwork and lay the foundation for success in the rest of the semester. We ask that students treat this schedule like a job schedule: your attendance is required for the work we need to do.
Can family members join the student at Welcome Week?
Absolutely. Family members are an important part of the transition to college, and we encourage family members to attend with students during the opening weekend. Anyone you consider a support person is welcome to attend the first day and a half with you. This could be a parent, guardian, sibling, family member, or friend. There will be several sessions specifically for those attending with students. Look for events on Saturday, August 17, and Sunday, August 18, listed as “parents and families welcome.”
How much does Welcome Week cost?
There is no fee for Welcome Week. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided for all students with a limited meal plan (30-, 65-, or 90-block meal plan) or who do not have a meal plan between Saturday, August 17, and Friday, August 23.
Do family members stay with their students for the entirety of the program?
We invite parents and family members to participate in events on Saturday, August 17, and Sunday morning, August 18. Programming specifically for students begins at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 18.
How long is Welcome Week?
First-year students attend required programming between Saturday, August 17, and Friday, August 23. Additional optional events are scheduled for Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25. We recommend viewing the full schedule here or downloading the app here.
What do I need to do to prepare for Welcome Week?
Students should have received an email from orientation@goshen.edu in their GC email account on August 8 to sign up for a check-in time. The subject line was “GC Welcome Week/Weekend registration form.” If you did not receive the email or can’t remember your check-in time, please email orientation@goshen.edu.
Students should also complete the Online Orientation course in Moodle and read through everything in Module 5: Welcome Week.
What do I need to bring with me to Check-In?
- Your GC ID card (if you received it during New Student Orientation)
- The device you’re using for dual authentication
- Any remaining forms that need to be submitted
- Something to write with to jot down information about presentations and information regarding resources
What do I need to bring with me during Welcome Week?
- Your GC ID card
- The device you’re using for dual authentication
- Your primary device for classes – either your GC iPad (if you opted in) or a personal laptop
- Something to write with to jot down information about presentations and information regarding resources
- A backpack or messenger bag to carry everything
What do I need to bring with me if I’m a residential student?
You can read more about what to pack here.
Where do I go when I get to campus? Where do I park?
You’ll check in at the Church-Chapel (CC) — look for #34 on the campus map. Parking is available on the south side of the building.
What if I can’t make it to Check-In or part of Welcome Week?
Your first step is to communicate your absence(s) as soon as you are aware to the Office of Orientation. You can email orientation@goshen.edu or text (574) 444-3904. From there we will work with you on who else you should communicate with.
What if a parent or family member needs interpretation?
Interpreters will be available at Check-In, and all sessions for parents and family members will be bilingual.
What if my question was not answered in the FAQ?
Please email orientation@goshen.edu.