Orientation 2008
Orientation Activities & Information
Orientation activitiesMoving in |
Other useful informationBanks & ATMs |
Orientation activities
Moving in
After check-in and getting your room key in Kaul Auditorium, moving into your room will be your next mission. Settling into your room is easier with some planning. To navigate the piles of boxes in your room, pack as neatly and efficiently as possible. Clearly labeling each box with your name, as well as enclosing a general description of its contents, will prevent you from rummaging through each box in search of your toothbrush. Try to pack the necessities, such as linens and toiletries, on top of—instead of below—your giant Snakes on a Plane poster.
You will receive the contact information for your future roommate(s) in August. Take the opportunity to start getting to know one another, as well as to decide what sort of items each of you will be bringing. Roommates with small refrigerators are worth extra points. Your future house adviser will write you over the summer, and can answer any questions that you may have about life in the dorm.
Once you arrive in your dorm, don't unpack unless you have disscussed living arrangements with your roommate. Most of the rooms on campus are divided doubles—you get your own room, but you both share the same door to the outside. The person who is in the inner room must walk through the outer room to get out. The person in the outer room has the advantage of conveniently wandering in and out of his or her room, whereas the inhabitant of the inner room usually develops a stealthy traipse through the outer room by the end of the year. Each room has its advantages and disadvantages, so to prevent unnecessary stress, thoroughly discuss the options with your roommate(s).
Academic advising and registration
The orientation packet you will receive at check-in includes your academic adviser assignment and appointment notice, an addendum of changes to the course schedule, a registration worksheet, and a course registration form to be completed with your adviser in preparation for registration.
Before meeting with your adviser on Friday, August 29, take the time to select courses of interest from the Reed College catalog included in this mailing. Review the schedule of classes carefully to see how the classes that you are interested in taking will fit together.
Be sure to attend the group advising session for students on Thursday, August 28. Members of the registrar’s office will discuss typical first-year schedules, how to work with your academic adviser, AP & IB credit, PE, and how to petition for more advanced classes.
Please note that advising sessions are for students only. This is an important time for students to establish relationships with their adviser.
Academic department open houses
Many departments offer open houses designed to address matters specific to both majors and non-majors in that department. Some of these discussions will address introductory-level courses, course sequences, and departmental facilities. Students and parents will have the opportunity to speak with faculty members and returning students. Most sessions will be held twice, giving you the opportunity to explore more than one area of academic interest.
Placement exams
Placement exams will be held on Thursday, August 28, for students who wish to take upper-division courses or who want an idea of which level course is best suited to them. The schedule you receive at Orientation will provide more details.
Information sessions
During Orientation, returning students, faculty, and staff members will present informative sessions and discussions on topics that include the honor principle and student self-governance, community safety, student body diversity, drugs and alcohol, sexual assault, and opportunities for involvement in Reed’s many student groups. New students are strongly encouraged to attend these sessions, as the issues discussed are integral to Reed’s community life. They are indicated in the schedule by the letters GO.
Orientation excursions
Student-led excursions take place on Friday, August 29, Sunday, August 31, and Monday, September 1. These often involve trips to places like Powell’s Books, the Japanese Garden, to coffee shops, or local clothing consignment shops. Sign up for a trip at Orientation Central on the Gray Campus Center porch.
ID cards
During orientation check-in, students will receive their Reed ID card. If you submit your photo on IRIS ahead of time, your ID card will be waiting for you at check-in.
If you live on campus, your ID will be your ticket to a commons meal. Your Reed ID also serves as your key card for exterior doors, and access to the sports center, and you will need it to check out books from the library and athletic equipment from the sports center. It will admit you to socials and Gray Fund events, and is useful in cashing checks, on and off campus. Your ID card is meant to last all four years, so be good to it. Replacement cards are $10.
Voter Registration
A voter registration table will be available at check-in. Before you register in Oregon, be sure that changing your state residency will not affect you negatively. Check the handout or talk to a staff member in student activities for more information.
Other useful information
Banks & ATMs
For your convenience, representatives from several banks and credit unions will be on campus to help you establish a local account. Check the orientation schedule for the correct time and location. A U.S. Bank ATM is available in the lower level of the Gray Campus Center. If you’re not a U.S. Bank customer, be aware that there are fees for using the ATM. Wells Fargo, Washington Mutual, and U.S. Bank branches can all be found in the Woodstock neighborhood, which is a short walk from campus.
Transportation
First-year students are discouraged from bringing a car to campus; if you decide to bring a car, please park in college parking lots only. Students must register their vehicles with community safety during Orientation. Per Oregon state law, motorcycle and moped users are required to wear helmets.
In order to protect your bike from theft, research reliable locks, and buy the best one available. If you are an avid bike rider with an expensive bike, you might consider buying an inexpensive bike for short trips and parking on campus. Regardless, you should check with your insurance carrier about bicycle coverage. Also know that the law requires you to use lights after dark. Finally, be sure to register your bicycle with community safety.
Students can save up to 50 percent by purchasing monthly passes at the cashier’s window in Eliot Hall (this fee may be charged to your Reed account). Schedules are available from the switchboard in The Annex; the student activities office; and the bookstore, which also has route maps and tickets. TriMet provides bicycle transport and offers bike lockers in some stations. For additional information see www.trimet.org.
Top of Page
