We've designed a series of virtual sessions that will provide parents/guardians of incoming Dickinson students with helpful information about the Dickinson experience.
If you have any questions, please contact orientation@dickinson.edu.
Summer 2025 Sessions
Sessions will be at noon EDT each Wednesday. Sessions can be accessed live here : . Recordings of each session will be added to our and to this page by the Friday after the presentation.
Wednesday, May 21: Access and Disability Services
Did your child have an IEP or a 504 Plan in high school? So did about 20% of their fellow students! Dickinson values diverse types of learners and is committed to ensuring that all students are afforded equitable access to all living and learning experiences. If your child has a learning difference or a disability – including a mental health, medical, or physical impairment – that may require accommodations, join us for this informational session with the Access & Disability Services (ADS) staff. Associate Director John Joyce and Assistant Director & Proctoring Manager Emily Wetzel will explain the confidential accommodation process, share information about how various accommodations are implemented at Dickinson, and be available to answer any questions. Students and parents are welcome!
Wednesday, May 28: Candid Conversations- How to support your student’s well-being at Dickinson
Transitioning to college can be a challenging time for adult students. Between a significant change in environment, new schedules, more freedom, and infinite choices, both in and out of the classroom, the pressure of the college experience can be intense and overwhelming for young adults, many of whom are on their own for the first time. It’s important to consider how wellness affects the student experience. Spend time with the executive director of the Wellness Center, and learn how to support your student and their well-being as they prepare for life at Dickinson.
Wednesday, June 4: Getting Involved in the local Community for New Dickinsonians with the Center for Civic Learning & Action (CCLA)
We are excited to welcome your students to their new home in Carlisle. Visit with staff from the Center for Civic Learning & Action to learn about opportunities for involvement and learning in the local community, volunteer and internship opportunities, and how engagement in the community can support students’ success.
Wednesday, June 11: Parent to Parent: Chat with current parents to get your questions answered
In this session, our incoming parents and families will meet with a panel of current parents on our Parent Leadership Council (PLC) who will be able to answer questions and provide insight into what it is like to be a part of the Dickinson Parent Community! Who can better help prepare you for your students' transition to college than those who have experienced it themselves?
Wednesday, June 18: From Loans to Laundry
Families will have a chance to ask questions to college administrators about tuition payments, financial aid and on-campus student spending accounts.
Wednesday, June 25: From College to Career: For families of New Students
The world of work is rapidly changing, buffeted by automation, artificial intelligence, globalization, and, most recently, the pandemic. Positive family involvement in academic choices, career planning, and opportunity searches while in college helps support a graduate’s successful transition from classroom to career. Join us to learn about Dickinson’s career development model and understand how you can help support your student through the career planning process while in college.
Wednesday, July 2: Inside Scoop on Course Selection & New Student Advising
Want to learn more about how you can support your student's academic transition to Dickinson? Did you know your student will speak with a member of Dickinson’s New Student Advising team in just a couple of weeks before requesting their first semester classes? Join us for a discussion with Tara Vasold Fischer `02, Dean of Academic Advising (and other members of the New Student Advising team!) to learn more about what you and your student can expect from the new student advising experience and how to make the most of this opportunity.
Wednesday, July 9: Campus Safety and Transportation
Interested in learning about safety measures and programs on campus? At Dickinson Public Safety, we value the partnerships we establish with members of the Dickinson community. Successful crime prevention occurs only with community involvement, and safety and security must be a collaborative venture. Also, learn more about break shuttle transportation options and transportation available for medical services.
Wednesday, July 16: Living on Campus
As an integral part of the out-of-classroom experience, students living in college residences will increase their cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal development and complexity. Students need space for physical and intellectual activities to benefit from this experience fully. We work with students to meet their needs on campus by creating the environment in college residences most conducive to their overall academic and social success. This presentation will discuss what to expect when living on campus and with a roommate.
Wednesday, July 23: Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Learn about the Popel Shaw Center, LGBTQ+ Center, Women’s and Gender Resource Center, and the Center for Spirituality and Social Justice
Join members of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a discussion of life at Dickinson for women, students of color, LGBTQ students, and those from various religious, secular, and spiritual identities. Learn about specific programs, initiatives, and opportunities that might be of interest to your family. Directors from various offices within the division will be present for this session.
Wednesday, July 30: Helping students SOAR to academic success
What does it take to be academically successful in college? What kinds of challenges should incoming students be ready for and what supports are available to overcome them? John Joyce, the Associate Director of SOAR (Strategies, Organization, and Achievement Resources), will share with you some tips for maximizing college academic success. Learn about the many resources available to Dickinson students and how being strategic about setting up an academic calendar, planning “what to work on when,” notetaking, studying, and managing time well can make all the difference. Students and parents are welcome to come and learn ways to soar!
Wednesday, August 6: Caring for our students: Our model for student support
Learn more about our CARE Team and how we support students facing unexpected challenges. In many instances, students experience levels of anxiety or distress, for which faculty and staff can provide adequate support through empathic listening, facilitating open discussion of problems, and offering basic advice. There are times, however, when students require more serious intervention and support from appropriate staff members. This presentation will inform families about the resources to support students.