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Skidmore College
Pre-Orientation Programs

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED if you email preorientation@skidmore.edu we may be able to find a spot for you!

You can browse all of the available programs using the left hand navigation bar, we have on-campus programs and off-campus programs (SCOOP; Skidmore College Outdoor Orientation Program). 

Goals

  • Start college with a group of great new friends and upperclass mentors.
  • Try something new, and maybe a little bit challenging — just like college.
  • Learn about classes, dorms, food, clubs, activities, and more from your leaders.
  • Jumpstart your entrance into community living and active citizenship.
  • Discover the Adirondack Park  – your new home.

One of the best ways of making the transition to college life is through participation in one of the many Pre-Orientation programs at Skidmore. Whether it's hiking in the Adirondacks, creating sculpture or doing community service, there are many ways to meet students with similar interests and goals. Pre-Orientation takes place just before Orientation for all first-year students. If you are a transfer student, you are welcome to participate, but we also have transfer-specific programs. Participation is optional but highly recommended.

Dates: 

  • August 28th through August 31st

Move in Time:

  • Students participating in off-campus programs will check in between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  • Students participating in on-campus programs will check in between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m
  • First-Years are not permitted on campus prior to August 28th.

Program start time:

  • Students participating in off-campus (SCOOP)programs will check in at 12:30 pm at Porter Plaza.
  • Students participating in on-campus programs will check in at 1:00 pm on the 2nd floor of Case Center

Cost:

  • Off-campus (SCOOP)programs are $600
  • On-campus programs are $500

Billing:

  • All programs are direct billed to your tuition.

Need based Scholarships:

  • Fill out this scholarship request form and if you are awarded you will recieve an email letting you know what your award is (either 50% or 100%) and then you will be refunded on your next billing cycle.

Parent Orientation:

  • Parent Orientation starts shortly after you say goodbye to your student and they depart with their program. You can check the FYE page for more details (Parent Orientation for students doing Pre-O is on August 28th, it is not necessary to return on Sunday for Orientation because your student will be busy and the orientation programs are the same) 

There is an FAQ page with answers to additional frequently asked questions.

Please email Mary Ann Toia at mtoia@skidmore.edu with any questions. 

HOW TO REGISTER 

Please read the following information before you attempt to register for Pre-Orientation

  • Preferred browsers: Chrome or Internet Explorer.
  • Student system quick reference: This general guide should help you navigate the registration process more easily (It is not specifically a guide to Pre-Orientation registration)

Student System - https://bannerxe.skidmore.edu/StudentRegistrationSsb/ssb/registration

 Guide - https://www.skidmore.edu/registrar/documents/student_self_service_guide_xe.pdf

Find the CRN# of the course you want to register for next to the course title on the On-Campus and Off-Campus program pages

  • Log into the Student System (have your username and password ready)
  • Click register for classes
  • Select "Summer 2025"
  • Enter the CRN# of your program which are located beneath each program name above the program description on either On-Campus Programs home page or SCOOP (off-campus programs home page)
  • Click “Search”
  • Click “Add”
  • Click on "submit" (lower right hand corner of screen)
  • If the status says "REGISTERED," you do not need to do anything else, You can always check your summer schedule if you are concerned you did not register correctly and it will show up as a Summer Class

Required forms for all first-year students participating in a Pre-Orientation program, each participant will fill out a total of three forms:

For international students who will be covered by Skidmore CDCHP, we understand there will be a delay in getting us your insurance information.

 

Cancellation Policy:

If you need to drop out for medical reasons at any time please contact Mary Ann Toia for a full refund, if you decide not to show up or to drop the program up to 2 weeks prior you will not receive a refund due to not being able to fill the space that late.

Peer Leader Schedule