New Student Orientation

Welcome to Griffin Nation!

We are excited for you to join this community of leaders who demonstrate the Mercy values of respect, integrity, service and social justice. By joining Griffin Nation, you are now a part of the global family of Gwynedd Mercy University's Distinctive Mercy Graduates.

Mission

The New Student Orientation program prepares students for academic success, fosters positive relationships with all members of our community, connects students to supportive resources and instills in students the GMercyU mission and core values.

New Student Checklist

Transfer Orientation Schedule

Transfer Orientation
Wednesday, August 11

8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.	Check-In
9 a.m.	Welcome & Orientation Overview
9:15 a.m	Introduction to Catherine McAuley
9:45 a.m.	Great Expectations: How to Succeed at GMercyU
10:15 a.m	Resource Round-Up
10:45 a.m.	Diversity Programming
11:30 a.m.	Distinctive Mercy Experience
12:15 p.m.	Griffin Nation Celebration
12:30 p.m.	Lunch
1 p.m.	Optional Campus Tours

Orientation Weekend

First-Year Student Orientation (students under 24 credits)

Friday, August 27

2 p.m.	Check-In
3 p.m.	Orientation Welcome
3:15 p.m.	Academic Convocation
4 p.m.	Orientation Leader Group Time
4:45 p.m.	Retaking our Story
5:45 p.m.	Retaking our Story Debrief
6:30 p.m.	Dinner
7:30 p.m.	Selfies with MERV
8 p.m.	Comedian
9:30 p.m.	Outdoor Movie

Saturday, August 28

8 a.m. - 9 a.m.	Breakfast
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Student Resources
	First Year Experience
	Diversity Programming
1 p.m.	Lunch
2 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.	Service & Catherine McAuley
	Was It Something I Said?
	Michael Miller
6:30 p.m.	Tradition at the Bell Tower
6:45 p.m.	Griffin Nation BBQ
7:45 p.m.	Orientation Leader Group Time
8 p.m.	Playfair
9 p.m.	Magician - Trent James
10:30 p.m.	Karaoke

Sunday, August 29

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.	Brunch with Orienation Leaders
TBD	Mass
1 p.m.	Orientation Leader Group Time Follow-Up
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.	Mindful Mercy
3 p.m.	Campus Tours (Optional)
3 p.m.	Counseling Services/Mental Health (Optional)

Parents & Family

More information coming soon! Parent & Family Orientation will be held in a virtual format to allow for the safety of students to have an in-person orientation experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What format is Orientation?

Orientation for Transfer and First-Year Students will be held in-person on the main Gwynedd Valley Campus. Parent and Family Orientation will be held virtually for the safety of students.

Is Orientation required?

Orientation is required for all incoming first-year students and highly recommended for transfer students.

Do I need the COVID-19 Vaccine before attending Orientation?

Yes, all students who will be on campus for class in the fall will be required to be fully vaccinated before the start of the fall semester. Complete GMercyU's COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination Form and Request for Vaccination Exemption Form here. (You must be logged into the portal to view the form.)

Learn about our COVID-19 vaccination requirement for students for fall. See our FAQs, and if you have any questions, please email covid19@gmercyu.edu.

When is New Student Orientation?

New Student Orientation for First Year Students (students with less than 24 credits) will be Friday, August 27, 2021 through August 29, 2021. Schedule coming soon!

When is Transfer Orientation?

Transfer Orientation will be on Wednesday, August 11, 2021! Schedule coming soon!

Registration is required for all students to attend orientation.

I have some questions about Orientation. Is there a time I can get some more information?

Information Sessions will be available in the summer! If you have questions now, please reach out to Assistant Director for New Student Orientation and Student Activities Danielle Davis at orientation@gmercyu.edu.

Can my family participate in Orientation?

Yes, families are welcome to attend our virtual orientation program! We encourage students to provide their family member's email when registering for orientation to ensure their family members get information about virtual family orientation.

Do family members need to register?

Yes, please provide their email address when registering for your orientation.

I'm a transfer student, what should I know?

Transfer Student Orientation will introduce you to the culture, traditions, and expectations of Gwynedd Mercy University and prepare you for your first semester. You will also receive the information and resources you need to be successful in your college experience.

Transfer Student Orientation is highly recommended, if you have any questions, please contact Assistant Director for New Student Orientation and Student Activities Danielle Davis at orientation@gmercyu.edu. Schedule coming soon!

I’m a first-year student, what should I know?

New Student Orientation will introduce you to the culture, traditions, and expectations of Gwynedd Mercy University and prepare you for your first semester. You will also receive the information and resources you need to be successful in your college experience.

New Student Orientation is mandatory for all first-year students. If you have any questions about New Student Orientation, please contact Assistant Director for New Student Orientation and Student Activities Danielle Davis at orientation@gmercyu.edu.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

All students, faculty and staff planning to be on any GMercyU campus in the fall will need to provide proof of their completed vaccination (e.g. both doses of a two-vaccine regimen, or one dose of a single vaccine regimen) at least two weeks prior to their first day on campus.

Complete GMercyU's COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination Form and Request for Vaccination Exemption Form here. (You must be logged into the portal to view the form.)

Learn about our COVID-19 vaccination requirement for students for fall. See our FAQs, and if you have any questions, please email covid19@gmercyu.edu.