New Student Orientation

The G-M Connection ~ Building a connection with students ~ parents ~ and the college community

Save the Date

2009 Parents' Orientation

Thursday August 27, 2009

Further details regarding Parents' Orientation will be available in June 2009

 

 

Highlights from the 2008 Parents' Orientation:

Parent Program ~ New Student Orientation Thursday August 21, 2008
Orientation:
Starting college is a challenging transition for both students and parents.   Welcome Weekend is designed for you and your son/daughter to help make connections with the people that play an important role in the life of the students ~ administration, faculty and staff.  We hope to show you how to make the connection between the education in the classroom and life outside the classroom.

This guide provides easy reference to orientation activities for parents.  Please bring it with you to campus on August 21st and refer to it during the orientation program.  Please visit our website at www.gmc.edu to review the schedule on-line.

New Student Orientation is the first link between you, your student and the college community.  We hope it will be inspiring and exhilarating.  To sign up for the parent newsletter (the G-M Connection) contact student services offices at
 215-641-5546.  We look forward to making the GM connection with you.

College Bookstore ~ The Griffin Complex
            10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Move in ~ Residence Halls
            8:30 am – 1:30 pm
                       
                        Welcome to Gwynedd-Mercy College

  • When you arrive on campus, please observe directional signs and campus safety and security staff to direct you to the unloading area of your student’s residence hall.
  • Check in with Residence Hall staff to receive keys and important information
  • A team of upper class students (Mercy Movers) will be on site to help unload your car and carry items to the rooms
  • Move in continues all morning

Lunch ~ Lawn outside of Keiss Hall
            11:00 am – 1:00 pm*

*Please be advised that all new students will receive two complimentary meal vouchers.  Additional guests may purchase lunch at the discounted rate of $5 per guest.

Campus Fair   ~ Rotelle Lounge - The Griffin Complex
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
            Have one on one conversation with various campus personnel

  • Bookstore ~ Follet
  • Campus Ministry ~ Mercy Works Coordinator (service to community)
  • Dining  Services (available to commuter students and resident students)
  • Financial Aid (questions/information)
  • I.T./Computer Services (questions on computer)
  • Public Safety and Security (parking and id’s)

 

Opening Session and Welcome to Parents and New Students ~ The Griffin Complex
2:30    

  • Dr. Kathleen Owens ~ President
  • Dr. Denise Wilbur ~ Vice President for Academic Affairs
  • Mr. Jim Abbuhl ~ Vice President for Enrollment Management
  • Dr. Cheryl Lynn Horsey ~ Vice President for Student Services
  • Mr. Tom Friel ~ Director of Student Activities

Workshops for Parents
            Parents are invited to attend various workshops designed to inform and answer             questions.   These information sessions help the parent to better understand the
            resources available to the student and the parent.  Workshops last          approximately 45 minutes.

            Session I ~ 3:30-4:15

  • About Life On Campus ~ Merck Auditorium – Keiss Hall

This session will highlight many of the nuances regarding student life on campus.   Information about Safety & Security, Resident Life, and College Policy will be addressed.
Rick LaRosa, Director of Resident Life ~ James McNesby, Director of Public Safety
Dr. Cheryl Lynn Horsey, Vice President for Student Services

  • Academic Support Services ~ Connelly Faculty Center

While at Gwynedd-Mercy, your son/daughter will interact on a regular basis with the Office of the Registrar and will have the opportunity to take advantage of the free services of the Academic Resource Center (ARC) and Lourdes Library.  FYE Coordinator will provide information about the First Year Experience Programs and suggestions for you on your role in promoting academic success; representatives from the Registrar’s Office, the ARC and the library will introduce you to each service and answer any questions you may have.
Ms. Kris Weber, Assoc. Registrar ~ Ms. Lianne Hartman, reference/instruction librarian
Ms. Meredith Hoch-Oescher, Director of Academic Resource Center
Ms. Rebecca Signore, Coordinator of First Year Experience

  • Career Services ~ Waldron Board Room (large side)

Career Services offers a variety of services & resources to help your son/daughter make the transition from the classroom to the workplace.  Career development is an ongoing process-whether you’re a first-year student seeking information, a sophomore or junior seeking an internship, or a senior beginning your career path-and it begins NOW.  We can assist your son/daughter in making informed choices, identifying and exploring options, putting a job-search strategy together, and bringing them face to face with prospective employers.
Dr. Chet Rispoli, Director of Career Services and Campbell Solution Center

  • Mission…Mercy ~ Waldron Board Room (small side)

Our vision is to educate distinctively Mercy graduates, i.e. women and men who are professionally competent, enriched by liberal learning and dedicated to service and social transformation in the tradition of our sponsors, the Sisters of Mercy.  Learn about this tradition, how we hope to achieve our goals and how you can partner with us on behalf of your child.
Catherine McMahon, RSM ~ Special Assistant to the President for Mission & Planning

Session II ~ 4:30-5:15

  • About Life On Campus ~ Keiss  Hall (see above)
  • Academic Support Services ~ Connelly Faculty Center (see above)
  • Career Services ~ Waldron Board Room (see above)
  • Mission…Mercy ~ Waldron Board Room (see above)

President’s Open House for Parents ~ 5:30-6:00pm  Assumption Hall

Sunday, August 24 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Please join us for the first college community Mass celebration of the academic year.  Our Welcome Weekend Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am in the Julia Ball Auditorium.  We welcome all parents and students to join us for liturgy and light refreshments following mass.  For questions or comments regarding Sunday’s Mass, please contact Christine Eberle, Director of Campus Ministry, at 215-641-5590.
 
F.A.Q.’s

I have a question about my student’s living situation, who should I contact?

  • Mr. John Verdi, Associate Director for Resident Life 215-646-7300 x460

Who do I contact about Safety on Campus?

  • Director of Public Safety, Mr. Jim McNesby  215-542-5785

Is there a fitness center or intramural program for my student to be involved in?

  • There is both a cardio room and a weight room located in The Griffin Complex and intramural activities scheduled throughout the academic year.  Visit www.gmc.edu/athletics for a complete listing.

If my student becomes ill while on campus (resident and commuter) what should they do?

  • Campus Health is open to all GMC students and is located in Loyola Hall.
  • Director of Campus Health can be reached from any campus phone by dialing x306

Is there an ATM on campus?

  • The ATM is located in St. Bernard’s Hall outside of St. Bernard’s Grill

How does my student contact an adviser?

  • Contact the Admissions Office at 215-641-5510