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.
GriffinEngage
GriffinEngage is your one-stop-shop to access all of our New Student Orientation events! Click the link below to learn more details about New Student Orientation, including a full schedule breakdown.
How to Join Orientation Events
Follow the easy directions below to learn more about each event and to login.
Step 1: Login to GMercyU’s Portal & click on the GriffinEngage Icon
Step 2: Once you’re on GriffinEngage, scroll down to your memberships. All new student should be members in New Student Orientation. Click on New Student Orientation.
Step 3: After clicking the New Student Orientation group, scroll down to the event list. Here you will find all the orientation events.
Step 4: Click on the event you want to join to access the event. Many of our events are held virtually but some are pre-record video too. Click on “Join Event Online” to access the event at the scheduled time.
Weekend Schedule
You can check out details on each event by logging onto GriffinsEngage. View more event details here.
Thursday, August 27
Orientation Welcome & About - 10:30 a.m.
Guest Speaker - Michael Miller - 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
President's Welcome - 1:15 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.
First OL Group Time/Break-out Group - 2:00 p.m.
Academic Convocation - 3:00 p.m.
Family Orientation - Part 1 - 4:15 p.m.
Family Orientation – Part 2 - 5:15 p.m.
Late Night Virtual Bingo - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, August 28
What is Mercy? You are Mercy - 10:00 a.m.
“Service and Mercy” - 10:30 a.m.
University Expectations - 11:00 a.m.
FYE Course - 1:15 p.m.
Review IT Information - 2:30 p.m.
Diversity Awareness Training - 3:00 p.m.
Group Time - 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Trivia Night - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 29
Virtual Campus Tour - 11:00 a.m.
Review Public Safety Information - 11:15 a.m.
Health & Wellness Information - 11:30 a.m.
Dining Information - 11:45 a.m.
Student Resources Information - 2:30 p.m.
First Generation College Students (optional) - 3:00 p.m.
Bystander Intervention - 3:30 p.m.
Bystander Intervention Debrief & OL Group Time - 4:00 p.m.
Virtual Lip Sync Battle - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 30
Submit Picture - All Day
Reminder about BCSSE - All Day
Post Orientation Assessment - All Day
Prayer Service - 4:00 p.m. (on-campus or streaming live on Instagram)
Parents & Family
Parents and families are encouraged to participate in the following Orientation event.
Thursday, August 27
Academic Convocation - 3:00 p.m.
Join here!
Family Orientation - Part 1 - 4:15 p.m.
Join here!
Family Orientation – Part 2 - 5:15 p.m.
Join here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orientation required?
Orientation is required for all incoming first-year students and highly recommended for transfer students.
When is New Student Orientation?
New Student Orientation is held online from August 27, 2020 – August 30, 2020.
When is Transfer Orientation?
Transfer Orientation is held online from August 27, 2020 – August 30, 2020.
How do I register?
Registration is required for all students to attend orientation. All incoming first-year students will register using this link. All incoming transfer students register using this link.
I have some questions about Orientation. Is there a time I can get some more information?
Yes! We are hosting an Orientation Q&A Webinar on Wednesday, August 12 at 5 p.m. You'll learn more about what Orientation Weekend will look like, how you'll join in on the virtual sessions, and get a chance to talk with Residence Life staff. Learn more and register here!
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.
Register for Transfer Orientation!
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.
Register here for Orientation!
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.
What will online orientation look like this year?
All of the events and experiences will be the same as if you were on campus. The only difference is you will be in the comfort of your own home! You will still have opportunities to get to know your classmates, learn about campus life, and get all of your questions answered.
Contact Us
Mailing Address:
Office of Student Activities and Leadership Programs
Gwynedd Mercy University
1325 Sumneytown Pike
Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
Email: orientation@gmercyu.edu
Instagram: @gmercyuorientation
