Academic Interest Form

Deadline: May 18

Once you have enrolled at Skidmore, you need to provide information regarding your academic interests to the Office of Academic Advising. Even if you are "undecided" about a major like most incoming first-year students, please identify three areas of interest. This information is crucial in assigning you a Summer Advisor who will contact you in early June.

Deadline: May 18

Scribner Seminars   

Deadline: May 18

Scribner Seminars are the centerpiece of the First-Year Experience. Based on faculty members' intellectual interests and passions, the Seminars help you explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and gain first-hand knowledge of Skidmore's expectations of academic rigor and excellence. Seminars change annually, so make sure to review this year's descriptions. 

Deadline: May 18

Note:  If you plan to major in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, or Theater, or are on the Pre-Med track, please review the list of seminars for course conflicts.  Please click here for the list.   If you plan to play a varsity sport, please review the list of Seminars for course conflicts. Please click here for the varsity sport conflict list.

Expository Writing Directed Self-Placement (DSP)

Deadline: May 18

There are several levels of Expository Writing offered at Skidmore.  The Directed Self-Placement (DSP) will provide important information on which level is most appropriate given students’ current skills.  Click here for the DSP.

Summer Advising   

From June  3-24

Summer Advising occurs in early June

In early June, you will be contacted via your Skidmore e-mail address by a faculty or staff member who will serve as your Summer Advisor. You will be asked to make a phone appointment to talk with your Summer Advisor during this timeframe. The advisor will provide a brief introduction to Skidmore's curriculum and degree requirements, and will help you craft a first-semester schedule. Please be prepared to talk about your Scribner Seminar placement, preferred courses, and possible co-curricular activities (athletics, clubs, etc.). Prior to your conversation, please review the New Student Advising and Registration Guide available through the Summer Advising Hub (under Advising Related). A print copy will also be sent to your home address. Registration for fall courses occurs in late June.

Note: If you are going to be away for the entire Summer Advising period, please contact the Office of Academic Advising (518-580-5720) to make alternative arrangements for advising and registration.

Course Registration 

Begins June 21 or 22*

If you are unable to register during your assigned time, please be sure to discuss this with your summer advisor and contact the Registrar's Office.

Reflection and Projection 

Opens: July 1

Deadline: August 30

We require new students to tell us about their current aspirations, academic and co-curricular aims, and overall educational goals.  This "dialogue" begins with the Academic Reflection and Projection Project (RAP). You will be asked to answer one question; please take it seriously and give it some thought before responding. The question is quite broad, yet, we believe it is the primary question you must wrestle with during your college years. In essence, you are asked to reflect on your current place in the world and, imagining a wonderful intellectual and co-curricular life at Skidmore, where you'd like to go. The RAP is used by your Faculty Advisor to discuss future academic plans (only your advisor has access to your RAP).  This form opens on July 1.

Deadline: August 30

Placement Exams 

Deadline: prior to talking to summer advisor

• Foreign Language Placement *

• Calculus Placement

• Chemistry Placement 

• Music Theory

*The Foreign Language Placement Exam is for students who have studied French, Spanish, and German and are planning on continuing.  You do not need to take the exam if this will be your first course in French, Spanish, or German. Students interested in Greek and Latin should visit the Classics Department Web site and contact Michael Arnush, Professor and Chair, Department of Classics with any questions. 

Music Ensembles 

Deadline:  August  

E-mail 

Upon receipt of IT letter in May

Residential Life 

Questionnaire available June 6-17

• Wondering what it's like to live in a Skidmore residence hall? 

• Need to know what to bring?

Note: Residential Life Housing Questionnaire will be available until June 17

Student ID 

Submit photo between July 1 and August 19**  (Deadline has been extended)

Please follow the guidelines when submitting your photo. Photos that do not follow these guidelines or are deemed inappropriate will not be processed, causing unnecessary delays when you arrive on campus. If you have difficulty meeting the guidelines, please contact the Skidmore Card Office (518) 580-5854.

The Skidmore Card is much more than a traditional I.D. Not only does it identify you as a member of the Skidmore community, it also allows you access to the dining halls and other campus facilities; operates on the basis of a declining balance account for various purchases on and off campus; and holds all the information concerning your meal plan.

Look to Dining Services for:

• Questions about nutrition

• Menus

• Special diets

For all packages, please write your last name (in large, bold letters) on all four sides of the package. Packages will be available for pick up during Orientation.

Health Forms (for Health Services)

Deadline: July 15

Health forms are mailed in May and the deadline for their return is July 15, 2016. Please be sure to schedule an appointment for a physical and/or immunizations to make the deadline. 

**Due to Health Service's move back to Jonsson Towner, the Health Services portal will open on JUNE 6**

Deadline: July 15

Proof of Insurance (for Bursar's Office)

Deadline: August 1

All students attending Skidmore are required to have/provide proof of U.S.-based health insurance. The College offers a reasonably priced, primary student insurance plan. During the month of July, the Bursar's Office will provide information about the health insurance plan. Additional information may be obtained by calling the Bursar's Office at (518) 580-5830.

Completion of the online waiver/enrollment form is required by August 1st.

Health Education Courses

Deadline: Part I-August 1-31; Part II-October TBA

Internet connectivity is available for students in each dorm room and wireless throughout the campus. Also, the college does not charge students for printing. Students will find printing available in all of the public computing areas.

Please note: Printing wirelessly is not permitted in the residence halls.  If you are bringing a wireless printer to campus, please bring the appropriate USB cable to connect your wireless printer directly to your computer.    

August 30

RAP

Month

Mailings to Expect

• Bursar's Office Information about Skidmore's payment plans

• Office of the First-Year Experience Packet

• Summer Reading

• Registration and Academic Advising Packet

• Housing assignments (late July via email)
• Health Insurance Enroll/Waive Information
• Tuition Insurance Information
• Work Study Information
• Post Office Boxes