First-Year Students

Schedule

The full schedule is available as a PDF download. Please check back regularly for updates.

• Download Schedule (as of 8/15/08)

New Student FAQ

New students may find the following answers to frequently asked questions helpful. If you have an inquiry that does not appear below, please contact the Student Affairs Office at 410-778-7752.

I have not been notified about my housing situation yet. What should I do?

Your housing/roommate assignment has been posted on Web Advisor.

1. At the top right hand corner of the Washington College homepage, there is a link for "login." This link will take you to your Webmail. Do not login to Webmail.
2. There is a menu on the left. On this menu, click "Web Advisor."
3. Log in using your Washington College Net ID (example: jdoe2) and your email password.
4. Under "students" you will see a link on the bottom right for Housing/Roommate information. Your housing assignment will be listed.

Please make sure you are not logging in using the ID that was given to you through the Admissions Office. If you have any questions, contact the Student Affairs Office (student_affairs@washcoll.edu).

What if my roommate and I do not get along?

Every relationship has challenges, there will be areas that you find easy to manage and some area which are more difficult. First, remember your roommate is probably feeling exactly the same concerns. It is important to communicate. Talk with your roommate now and see what you have in common. When you get here you and your roommate will complete a room agreement form with your RA. This is an important opportunity to begin talking about what is important to you.

The Office of Residential Life can assist you with any issues that cannot be resolved with your RA's help.

Why did I not get my first choice of housing?

The housing process for WC is completed by hand, taking into account preferences regarding neatness, study and sleeping habits, as well as academic and extracurricular interests. While we do our very best, it is impossible to accommodate every request. Upperclassmen have the first choice in rooms, so each year the number of vacancies in a particular building varies.

What should I bring with me?

• Under the bed storage containers
• Clothes hangers
• Pop-up hamper
• Dryer rack
• Iron and small ironing board
• Small first aid kit
• Alarm clock
• Extension cord
• Surge protector
• Flashlight
• Plastic dishes
• Over the door mirror
• Phone
• Trash can
• All purpose cleaner
• Broom/dust pan
• Towels
• Bathrobe
• Hair dryer
• Umbrella
• Poster putty

The following items can be shared with a roommate:

• Small fridge
• Microwave
• Hot pot
• Coffee maker
• Small area rug
• TV and DVD player
• Fan
• Curtains

You may or may not find that you need these items. Many can be picked up at stores in town, such as Rose's.

Please note that students are not allowed to have anything with an open flame, or cooking device besides those listed above (no toaster ovens, toasters, burners, etc.). Additionally, students are prohibited from putting thumbtacks/nails in dormitory walls, so please be sure to use poster putty when decorating.

Will there be anyone available to help me move in?

Yes, Peer Mentors, members of the Student Government Association, and members of the Fall Athletic Teams will be available to help new students move in to their new rooms.

Transfer Student FAQ

Transfer students may find the following answers to frequently asked questions helpful. If you have an inquiry that does not appear below, please contact the Student Affairs Office at 410-778-7752.

Do I have to go to Orientation?

All new students are required to attend Orientation and it's not nearly as painful as you may think! Even if you attended an orientation at your previous institution, you are expected to attend the entire Washington College orientation. You will attend most events with your Peer Mentor group and all events are designed to familiarize new students with both Washington College and the surrounding Chestertown community. In the past, transfer students who participated fully in orientation routinely tell us that they were glad they did because they not only met new students but met many upperclassmen, faculty, and staff members who were critical to their successful transition.

If you want to discuss your specific situation and any questions that you have about orientation, please feel free to contact Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Sarah Feyerherm in the Student Affairs Office at sfeyerherm2@washcoll.edu or by calling 410-778-7752.

What sort of orientation events are geared to transfer students?

All of the orientation events are appropriate for transfer students, as they have been created to help all of our new students transition to the Washington College environment. There is also an evening meeting and social event during orientation that is held specifically for our new transfer students, so that you can get to know other students in the same situation as well as other members of the Washington College community.

Will I be in a Peer Mentor group with other transfers or with freshmen?

Transfers are concentrated into two Peer Mentor groups so that they can get to know each other but still have opportunities to interact with freshmen. Two of our more experienced Peer Mentors lead those two groups and are particularly aware of the unique transition issues facing transfer students. Learn more about the Peer Mentor program.

Who do I talk to about transferring my credits from my previous institution?

All admitted applicants receive a preliminary credit review of their transcripts within 2-3 weeks of the admission decision. The registrar's office performs an official review of the final prior to entering Washington College.

Students transferring to Washington College from a Maryland institution may review their transfer credits through the University of Maryland ArtSys program on the internet at artweb.usmd.edu.

The maximum number of credits that will transfer is 72, from both a 2 and a 4-year institution.

Any questions you have about your credits at a former institution and the transfer of those credits should be directed to the registrar's office (410-778-7299). Questions about registering for classes and the academic requirements at Washington College should be directed to the Associate Provost's office (410-778-7206).

If I'm living on campus, will I live with another transfer student? Will I be living with a freshman?

Housing is done according to compatibility rather than whether or not you are a transfer student. Therefore, you may be housed with an upperclassman, another transfer student, or possibly a freshman. The housing process takes several factors into consideration, such as neatness and study habits. Roommates/suitemates are matched accordingly. If you have specific questions about your housing assignment, you can contact Associate Dean and Director of Residential Life, Carl Crowe at ccrowe2@washcoll.edu or by calling 410-778-7752.

Is it hard to get involved in campus life as a transfer student?

No, it is not difficult to get involved! There are more than 60 different clubs and organizations in which students can participate during their time at WC. These clubs welcome new members all the time, whether they are first-year students, transfers, or upperclassmen. Additionally, at the beginning of the fall semester, a club fair is held to inform new students about various opportunities to get involved in campus life. This year, the club fair is being held on September 7th from Noon - 3 p.m. on Martha Washington Square. If you would like more information about getting involved in clubs and organizations, you can also contact Jared Halter, Director of Student Activities at jhalter2@washcoll.edu or by calling 410-778-7146.

How many students transfer into Washington College every year?

The number of transfer students fluctuates each year, but typically there are between 25 and 45 students who choose to transfer to Washington College. Transfers play an important role in the Washington College community because they bring a unique perspective to the campus and a keen appreciation for all that Washington College has to offer.

I didn't attend any of the Summer Registration Days and don't have my e-mail account set up yet. How can I do that?

The Office of Information Technology is responsible for acquainting you with the relevant technology issues on campus.

Do I have to take AlcoholEdu?

All new students are required to take AlcoholEdu before classes begin. If you took the online class at your previous institution, you will not have to take it again here. If you have any questions about AlcoholEdu or want to speak to someone about the requirement, you should contact Beth Anne Roy (broy2@washcoll.edu) or call 410-778-7752.

Pre-Orientation Trips

Please note: Registration forms will go "live" on July 1, 2008, so start thinking about what trip you would like to attend! Remember, spaces are limited.

Dear New Student,

Welcome to the Washington College family. As part of your introduction, we invite you to attend one of six Pre-Orientation Trips. All Pre-Orientation Trips will take place from Sunday August 17 - Wednesday August 20, 2008. Through these trips you will have the opportunity to meet and spend time with your classmates prior to New Student Orientation and be acclimated with the area around Washington College and Chestertown.

Information for all trips can be found below and please visit our FAQ to learn more about the trips and have your questions answered. Once you have decided if you would like to attend a Pre-Orientation Trip, please download the registration form and the Echo Hill Health Form. Fill out both forms, please include a check for the full amount due and mail it to the address on the registration form.

Four out of six trips—Campus Recreation & Fitness and Lifetime Fitness Center Exploration, Echo Hill Outdoor School, Experience the Chester River Eastern Shore Style, Center for the Environment and Society, Multimedia Center, and Film Making and Photography Boot Camp—will be staying at the Echo Hill Outdoor School. For more details regarding the Echo Hill Outdoor School please visit, www.ehos.org.

Students attending the Habitat for Humanity trip will spend one night at the Echo Hill Outdoor School and then travel to Easton, Maryland to stay and work with the Talbot County Habitat for Humanity Office.

Students attending the, Sail the Sultana, "History on the Water" trip will be staying on the Sultana Ship fro two nights and then meeting up with the rest of the Pre-Orientation trips at Echo Hill for the third night.

Included in the menu is a list of "Suggested Items To Bring and Not To Bring" from the Echo Hill Outdoor School. This list can be used for all trips. In the event that a trip will require you to bring additional items, you will receive notice with your registration confirmation.

We look forward to you joining us for our exciting trips this year.

All the best -

Beth Anne
Director of Student Development

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Pre-Orientation Trips?

Any incoming New Student, both First Year and Transfer students.

What is covered in the total cost of the trips?

All meals, housing, transportation, and activities are covered in the total trip costs.

Do I need special health insurance for any of the trips?*

Each student needs to complete the Echo Hill Health Form, including those that are not staying at Echo Hill, so we have your information on file. In addition, all Health Forms need to be completed and submitted to the Washington College Health Center by the scheduled deadline of July 15th in order to participate in the Pre-Orientation trips. If there is an exception needed, you must contact Health Services to make other arrangements.

What do I need to bring for the trip?

A list of suggested ""What to bring items" is located on the Pre-Orientation Trip website. Additional information may be sent to you with your registration confirmation.

How do I register for a trip?

1. Download the registration form as well as the Echo Hill health form
2. Fill out the form and include a check for the cost of the trip in a sealed envelope
3. Send the forms and your payment to:

Beth Anne Roy
Director of Student Development
300 Washington Avenue
Chestertown, MD 21620

What is the deadline for registration?

Friday August 1st, 2008 - Download Form

How will I know that my registration has been received and I have been accepted to the a specific trip?

You will receive an e-mail confirmation in your Washington College e-mail account within 5 business days of the registration arriving at the Office of Student Development. PLEASE NOTE: Registration is limited and will be awarded on a first come first serve basis.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the Pre-Orientation Trips?

Beth Anne Roy, Director of Student Development, broy2@washcoll.edu

Campus Contacts

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