Frequently Asked Questions Pre-Orientation

What day do I move in?

All first-years participating in a pre-orientation program will move in on the morning of August 31st, 2023. The programs end on September 3rd.

Do I move in to my assigned housing for Pre-O or will I have to move again?

At Pre-Orientation you move into the assigned housing that you will be in all year.

Will I have enough time to move in and sign in to my program?

Yes you will have plenty of time to move in with the help of our student volunteers it goes relatively quick. You will be able to go buy books, take a run to target and set up your room. If you do not finish setting up you can do it when you return from SCOOP or if you are participating in an on-campus program you can do it throughtout the program.

When do parent(s) say goodbye to their student(s)?

SCOOP participants will be at Porter Plaza in front of Case Center at promptly 12:30 for a prompt departure of 1:00PM your family can stay with you until you board the buses. On-Campus programs meet inside of Case Center at 12:45 to sign in to their programs.

Do my parents have to come back for New Student Orientation, or will they get the same information the day I arrive?

Parents do not have to come back for the 2nd general New Student Orientation; it is their choice if they wish to. We have 2 opening days for the college due to the large number of students arriving to campus for pre-orientation. The programming and information for parent orientation is the same at both sessions.

For more information, please go to First Year Experience.

What time do I check into my housing assignment?

There are two different times for check in.

• Off-campus program participants check in at 8:30 a.m.
• On-campus program particpants check in at 9:30 a.m.

Can I arrive on campus the day before?

No, you cannot arrive early. Skidmore does not allow any first-year students on campus prior to the start of their program.

How do I register, pay and apply for a scholarship?

The registration link and information will be posted to the home page once registration opens.

You will be billed directly through your Skidmore account.

Scholarship requests can be made through this link: SCHOLARSHIP REQUEST

When will I say goodbye to my parents and meet with my program?

We recommend that you say your goodbyes before your program is scheduled to start, between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.

• SCOOP off-campus programs will meet in front of Case Center on Porter Plaza at 12:30 for departure from campus promptly at 1:00 p.m. 
• On-campus programs will meet at 12:45 p.m. insideCase Center, where there will be tables set up with signs for each program.

Will I have time to set up my room?

You will have time to move your things into your assigned room and possibly get some things set up. If you are doing an on-campus program, you will be living in your room and will certainly have more time to set up over the course of the program.

Do most first-year students participate in a pre-orientation program?

We typically have more than half of the class participating each year (about 450 students). Taking into consideration students who are not able to participate (i.e. athletes, London FYE students), our numbers are way up there!