New Student Orientation
We're excited for you to participate in our three-part orientation experience for Fall 2025, Ready, Set, Griffins!
Part One: Griffin Ready
At Griffin Ready Days, you'll spend time with current and future Griffins on campus as you learn about GMercyU student resources, opportunities, and more.
Families are very welcome at Griffin Ready Days!
First-Year (Freshmen) Student Griffin Ready Days
At your Griffin Ready Day, you'll also register for classes with the support and guidance of an academic advisor. Please note: You only have to attend one Griffin Ready day, and they may be major/program specific.
- Tuesday, June 24
- Thursday, June 26
- Monday, July 14
- Wednesday, July 16
Students who have submitted their deposits will be emailed instructions for registering for Griffin Ready sessions. You will need to have taken your placement tests at least two weeks before your Griffin Ready Day.
Transfer Student Griffin Ready Days (Virtual):
The following are optional but highly recommended to ensure a successful transition to GMercyU! All sessions below take place from 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 4: Designing your Griffin Path and Financial Services
- Wednesday, June 11: Mission and Mercy
- Wedneday, June 18: Guide to GMercyU Panel
Missed any of the above? Catch them again from 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. on these dates:
- Wednesday, July 9: Designing Your Griffin Path and Financial Services
- Wednesday, July 16: Mission and Mercy
- Wednesday, July 23: Guide to GMercyU Panel
Students who have submitted their deposits will be emailed instructions for registering for Griffin Ready sessions. Please note: Admissions will connect you with your academic advisor for a virtual advising appointment for registering for classes. In-person appointments are also available by request.
Part Two: Griffin Set
After attending a Griffin Ready day, you will receive an invitation via email to our Griffin Set Canvas site. In Canvas, you will find online resources and additional to-do items prior to your first day of classes.
Part Three: Griffin Orientation
Griffin Ready and Griffin Set have led to this final step ... welcome to Griffin Nation! Orientation will prepare you for academic success, foster positive relationships with all members of our community, connect you to supportive resources and strengthen GMercyU’s mission and core values. Get to know the friendly faces who will greet -- meet your Orientation Leaders here!
Transfer (Commuter) Student Orientation: Wednesday, August 13
First-Year Student Orientation: Friday, August 22 - Saturday, August 23
Transfer residents are required to attend the First-Year Orientation.
Registration will be posted soon! If you have any questions, please reach out to orientation@gmercyu.edu.
Mission
Orientation 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. Our Orientation Leaders are excited to meet you at Griffin Ready days and welcome you back at Orientation! Get ready to join #GriffinNation!Frequently Asked Questions
Griffin Ready Days and Orientation are required.
Transfer Orientation is for anyone that holds 24 credits or more from their previous institution. It is highly recommended, but not required. If you are a resident transfer student, you are required to attend the First-Year Orientation.
Feel free to reach out to us if you have questions about either event! Contact admissions@gmercyu.edu about Griffin Ready Days and orientation@gmercyu.edu about Orientation.
GMercyU's move-in day for fall athletes is Friday, August 15.
Move-in day for first-year residents and transfer residents with 24 credits or more is Thursday, August 21. Your housing assignment letter will include the specific time and location of resident student check-in.
For more questions and information for living on campus, please reach out to reslife@gmercyu.edu.
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.
The weekend includes fun activities to help you bond with other new Griffins, a service project, prizes, and tons of info sessions and activities. You will also officially be inducted into Griffin Nation at our Griffin Nation Celebration!
Orientation is mandatory for all first-year and resident transfer students.
If you have any questions, please contact orientation@gmercyu.edu.
Please see GMercyU's campus map to find the parking lot closest most convenient for you.
We're happy to answer any questions you have! Please reach out to orientation@gmercyu.edu or call 215-646-7300, ext. 21020.
If you have Griffin Ready questions, please contact admissions@gmercyu.edu.
You can also follow us on Instagram @gmercyustudentengagement.
Meet Your Orientation Leaders
Chloe Boritz
About Me: Junior, Resident, Health Studies / Nursing major, Psychology minor
High School: Springfield Township High School
Fun Fact: I love to bake, especially cookies and cupcakes.
What I Love About GMercyU: I love how much of a community we are and how friendly everyone is. Gwynedd is truly a family!
Ask Me About: Student Activities Committee, Cheerleading (Captain), NSLS
Maya Campbell
About Me: Senior, Commuter, Social Work major, Counseling minor
High School: Gloucester County Institute of Technology
Fun Fact: I was born in Guatemala!
What I Love About GMercyU: I love the amount of connections and friendships I have made in Gwynedd. Everyone was so welcoming and open which made my journey more memorable.
Ask Me About: Student Activities Committee, Black Student Union, Beyond the Books
Czariah Castelo
About Me: Junior, Resident, Nursing major
High School: Abington Senior High School
Fun Fact: I love to travel. The furthest I have traveled is Malawi, Africa.
What I Love About GMercyU: One of the things I love most about Gwynedd is the strong sense of community, I've built so many meaningful friendships and lasting connections here.
Ask Me About: Orientation, BSU, Cheerleading
Jennah Deeb
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Nursing major, Healthcare Administration minor
High School: First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School
Fun Fact: I play in tournaments on Rainbow Six Siege. :)
What I Love About GMercyU: How beautiful the campus is, especially in the spring and fall when the leaves turn to their season's colors.
Ask Me About: Student Success Center (where I work)
Amanda DeLaRosa
About Me: Junior, Resident, Nursing major
High School: Boyertown Area Senior High
Fun Fact: I am bilingual and grew up in New York City.
What I Love About GMercyU: The tight-knit community
Ask Me About: Environmental Club, Student Government Association, Social Media Coordinator for BSU, Former Treasurer for Dance Team, 2nd year on Orientation team, and IBX Healthcare Scholarship Recipient
Alexis Ditri
About Me: Senior, Commuter, Transfer Student, Early Education & Special Education dual major
High School: Abington Senior High School
Fun Fact: I love anything that combines learning and creativity.
What I Love About GMercyU: How easy it is to make connections and get involved
Ask Me About: Co-President of Education Outreach
Cara Ellerkamp
About Me: Sophomore, Commuter, Nursing major
High School: William Tennent High School
Fun Fact: I have a pet gecko named Luis.
What I Love About GMercyU: The beautiful campus and friends I’ve made so far
Ask Me About: Working for the Admissions Office, Cheerleading
Alexis Erazmus (Orientation Assistant)
About Me: Senior, Commuter, Nursing major
High School: Pennsbury High School
Fun Fact: I love the beach!
What I Love About GMercyU: The close environment of the people around you
Ask Me About: I have previously worked as a tutor and peer mentor on campus. My freshman year, I was a member of the dance team and was also inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. I have also been an orientation leader for the past two years, and this year I am excited to be an orientation assistant!
Aja Foster
About Me: Junior, Resident, Nursing major
High School: Abington Senior High School
Fun Fact: I'm an only child.
What I Love About GMercyU: The opportunity to make connections with the faculty and students!
Ask Me About: Cheerleading Team, Black Student Union- treasurer, 2nd year Orientation Leader
Ayanna Gaston
About Me: Senior, Resident, Biology major, Psychology minor
High School: Middletown High School
Fun Fact: I am currently learning to crochet.
What I Love About GMercyU: The faculty and staff really want the students to succeed and want the best for them.
Ask Me About: Black Student Union (BSU)
Annika Giblin
About Me: Junior, Commuter, Respiratory Care major
High School: Owen J. Roberts High School
Fun Fact: I did the Disney College Program for 6 months.
What I Love About GMercyU: It is so hard to pick just one thing I love about Gwynedd. Since I have to pick just one, I would say I love all of the people I have met and knowing I can go to them if I ever need anything.
Ask Me About: Cheer team and SAC
Bri Godwin (Orientation Assistant)
About Me: Senior, Commuter, Early Childhood Education & Special Education dual major
High School: Pennridge High School
Fun Fact: I’m on the lacrosse team.
What I Love About GMercyU: How easy it is to find your forever friends
Ask Me About: Lacrosse
Erin Huggard
About Me: Senior, Resident, Social Work major, Psychology and Counseling minors
High School: Franklin Towne Charter High school
Fun Fact: I've had a different roommate every year that I've lived here.
What I Love About GMercyU: I love the community. There is so much support that the staff and faculty give you that allows you to feel connected and supported during your time at Gwynedd.
Ask Me About: SAC ( president)
Theresa Kahn
About Me: Senior, Commuter, Public Health major, Psychology minor
High School: Archbishop Ryan High School
Fun Fact: I'm crafty in every way!
What I Love About GMercyU: The greenery/nature
Ask Me About: Public Health Club, Pride Alliance, Black Student Union, Integrated Studies (work), Library entry desk (work)
Gillian Lacy
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Nursing major
High School: Pope John Paul II
Fun Fact: I love to play volleyball.
What I Love About GMercyU: All the opportunities presented and offered here
Ask Me About: Beyond the Books Club
Emma Larsson
About Me: Senior, Commuter, Transfer Student, Early Childhood Education & Special Education dual major, Psycholoy minor
High School: Hatboro-Horsham High School
Fun Fact: I have traveled to 3 countries and 14 states.
What I Love About GMercyU: The family feeling that GMercyU brings, along with the friendships and connections that I have made along the way.
Ask Me About: Co-President of Education Outreach
Christian Lynn
About Me: Junior, Resident, Transfer Student, Business major
High School: Mastery Charter High School, Pickett Campus
Fun Fact: I like to read many different types of books.
What I Love About GMercyU: The location
Ask Me About: RHA
Trudy Marks
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Psychology major, Healthcare Administration minor
High School: Pennsbury High School
Fun Fact: I love dogs.
What I Love About GMercyU: The people are generally very kind and outgoing.
Ask Me About: Social Media Coordinator of SWAP, ALD member, Griffin Ambassador
Michael McKeehen
About Me: Junior, Commuter, Biology major, Psychology minor, Honors program
High School: St. Joe’s Prep High School
Fun Fact: I am ambidextrous.
What I Love About GMercyU: One thing I love about Gwynedd is the amount of support you get from staff members when it comes to helping you succeed inside and outside the classroom.
Ask Me About: Ecology Club
Dmya Medley
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Early Education & Special Education dual major
High School: Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School
Fun Fact: I am left handed but do everything on my right.
What I Love About GMercyU: The community and athletes
Ask Me About: Women’s Lacrosse, Alpha Lambda Delta
Joseph O’Malley (Orientation Assistant)
About Me: Senior, Resident, Occupational Science major with Psychology, Counseling and Public Health minors
High School: Paul IV High School
Fun Fact: I have my boating license.
What I Love About GMercyU: The community
About Me About: Student Activities Committee, Black Student Union, Beyond the Books
Nyimeochen Owate
About Me: Senior, Resident, Transfer Student, Nursing major, Counseling and Psychology minors
High School: Central High School
Fun Fact: I love music! All music! (except country)
What I Love About GMercyU: The staff and faculty here. They really are dedicated and truly want to see you succeed.
Ask Me About: Dance Team, Captain & President
Samantha Peralte
About Me: Senior, Resident, Public Health major, Psychology minor
High School: Morrisville High School
Fun Fact: I can do the splits.
What I Love About GMercyU: The community
Ask Me About: Black Student Union
Emily Pezzuto
About Me: Junior, Resident, Radiation Therapy major
High School: Wilson Area High School
Fun Fact: I think Sheetz is superior to Wawa sometimes.
What I Love About GMercyU: Playing games and hanging out with my friends!
Ask Me About: President of Residence Hall Association (RHA), member of Student Activities Committee (S@C), NSLS and ALD Honor Societies, and a 2024 Orientation Leader
Hailey Rodriguez
About Me: Junior, Commuter, Early Childhood Education & Special Education major
High School: William Tennet High School
Fun Fact: Justin Bieber once held my hand.
What I Love About GMercyU: Everyone is family here and everyone wants to see you succeed.
Maya Scheuerman
About Me: Senior, Commuter, Nursing major
High School: Perkiomen Valley High School, North Montco Technical Career Center
Fun Fact: I’ve been on two trips with Gwynedd Mercy so far.
What I Love Most GMercyU: The focus on service and community
Ask Me About: Pride, Integrated Studies, Alternative Spring Break
Krista Schofield
About Me: Junior, Resident, Psychology major
High School: Archbishop Wood High School
Fun Fact: I went to cosmetology school for 3 years and completed 1,250 hours.
What I Love Most GMercyU: One thing I love is the community; everyone is so nice and willing to give a helping hand.
Ask Me About: RHA as the community service chair, NSLS, and Disability Pride Club
Abigail Slook
About Me: Senior, Resident, Nursing major
High School: Little Flower High School for Girls
Fun Fact: I love art!
What I Love About GMercyU: All the friends I was able to make here
Ask Me About: Dance Club
Cassidy Sproehnle
About Me: Junior, Commuter, Psycholoy major, Honors Program
High School: Seton Home Study School
Fun Fact: I love to country line dance!
What I Love About GMercyU: The people, knowing that I have people who can help me and support me is the best part and something I would never change.
Ask Me About: Receptionist, Counseling Services
Christin Wilson
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Nursing major
High School: Hatboro-Horsham Senior high school
Fun Fact About Me: I’m really nice.
What I Most Love GMercyU: The people; everyone is so warm and welcoming.
Ask Me About: Student Engagement Office
MacKenzie Wilson
About Me: Junior, Commuter, Transfer Student, Early Childhood Education & Special Education dual major
High School: Souderton Area High School
Fun Fact: I have been a cheerleader for almost nine years.
What I Love About GMercyU: The welcoming people and staff
Ask Me About: Cheerleading