May 2026
Welcome to Dickinson!
There will be a lot for you to do in the upcoming weeks to prepare for your arrival on campus. Watch for weekly emails listing three things for you to do or know for that week. Those action items will also be posted here for reference.
QUESTIONS?
Visit the Orientation website, and reach out to orientation@dickinson.edu anytime if you have questions.
May 6: Month At A Glance
We’re so excited that you’re joining the Dickinson community! There’s a lot to celebrate, and also a lot to do. Each week, we’ll send you an email with three things to do that week, and three things for you to know about Dickinson and how best to prepare for your arrival in August. In addition, we’ll lay out each of the next few months so you have a sense of what to expect and can plan, along with your families.
Here's What's Happening Now
- Celebrate your high-school graduation, and announce your plans to attend Dickinson! Follow and tag @dickinsoncollege and @dickinsonclassof2030 on Instagram, and get supplies and inspiration from Dickinson Downloads.
- Helping Your Student Thrive Virtual Family Series will begin this month.
- If you will be seeking any accommodations due to a disability, learn about the process via the Access & Disability Services website and complete the Disability Disclosure & Accommodations Request form by May 30.
- Access the eRezLife Housing Portal through Dickinson Gateway to complete the housing application and activate your RoomeeZ profile/roommate match. (due June 1)
- Prepare to complete your health forms (due July 1) by making any appointments needed and collecting all relevant information.
Sneak Peek Ahead
- June 1: Your First-Year Seminar Selection, Emergency Contact Information, Media Relations Form, Phishing Emails & Malware training, among others, are due; you will find the list of forms and due dates in Navigate.
- June 1: Registration for Pre-Orientation: Explore More programs opens.
- June 16: Roommate Preference form is due.
- Start preparing for your new student advising session in July.
Three Things for May 13
Things to Do
Mark Your Calendar – Download the and check the to-do list in Navigate and on the Orientation site. Put the important dates and deadlines on your calendar so you don’t miss a thing.
Submit Your Housing Application by June 1. As you prepare for your first year at Dickinson, we want to introduce you to , the online platform used to manage our housing. You can access the housing portal through Dickinson Gateway. The housing application is open and due June 1.
Submit Any Disability-related Accommodation Requests by May 31. Have an IEP, 504 plan or need accommodations at Dickinson? Visit Access & Disability Services and click “Looking to Request an Accommodation?”
Things to Know
Know Your Tools – From email and the website to Gateway and Navigate, make sure you’re familiar with these tools and resources.
Helping Your Student Thrive Virtual Series – Your family members will be invited to this weekly virtual series, which will cover topics like wellness, advising, finances, campus life and post-graduate success.
The Dickinson Community is Social! From your and the main college account to clubs and organizations, there’s tons of content for you to explore and engage with on Instagram, TikTok and beyond. Learn more at dickinson.edu/socialmedia.
Three Things for May 20
Things to Do
Submit your Health Forms by July 1. Detailed instructions are available on the Wellness Center website. It’s essential you submit these forms on time or you will not be able to move into your residence hall.
Register Your Pronouns - Dickinson students and employees can register their pronouns online to share with professors, advisors and staff. Register before arriving on campus by completing the “College Pronoun Registration & College Name Registration” to-do in Navigate. Visit the LGBTQ Center website for FAQs and more information.
Submit your ID Photo. Your Dickinson ID will be used for on-campus purchases and access to campus facilities. Upload a passport-style photo through the —check out this ! AI-generated photos will be rejected. You may also on campus for a photo.
Things to Know
Pre-Orientation is Coming Soon! Pre-Orientation: Explore More programs are dynamic, interactive experiences for small groups of incoming first year and transfer students, such as off-campus backpacking trips, or exploring downtown Carlisle! Mark your calendar to register on June 1 when programs go live!
Dickinson Downloads are Available – Show your Dickinson spirit with our collection of party printables, yard signs, digital images and more! Access everything at dickinson.edu/dickinsondownloads.
You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers! Use the frequently asked questions page to navigate some of the common questions posed by incoming students. It covers topics like what kind of computer you should bring, when you will find out your roommate assignment and everything in between.
Three Things for May 27
Things to Do
Complete Your June 1 Forms ASAP! June 1 is quickly approaching, so if you've been putting off , now is the time! It's important that all forms are completed on time so we can ensure you are ready to start your Dickinson experience as soon as you arrive on campus.
Submit Any Disability-related Accommodation Requests by May 31. Have an IEP, 504 plan or need accommodations at Dickinson? Visit Access & Disability Services and click “Looking to Request an Accommodation?”
Prepare for Your New Student Advising Session. You will begin your academic journey this summer by discussing your emerging academic interests with a member of the New Student Advising team (July 13-20) in preparation for fall course selection.
Things to Know
Everything You Need to Know About Placement Exams—what to take and what not to take, how to find the exams, who to contact with issues and frequently asked questions—is available on the Orientation website.
Dining Services is Hiring. Working on campus gives students the opportunity to connect in a friendly environment, serve our community, learn important skills for the workforce, and earn extra income. First year students that wish to work on campus must work for Dining Services. !
Leadership at Dickinson Begins With Self Awareness. Our strengths based approach helps students discover who they are, understand how they contribute and learn how to lead authentically in their residential, academic and co curricular experiences. Students will be introduced to Gallup’s CliftonStrengths during Orientation and explore more deeply throughout their experience. A link to the CliftonStrengths Assessment will be available on June 1.