Orientation

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

8:30 – 9 a.m. | New Student Check-in and move-in (parents and families welcome) | Union, Welcome Center
All new students will go through check-in between 8:30 and 9 a.m. Pick up your NSO folder and name tag and meet with the following offices: Orientation, Campus Safety, Information Technology Services (ITS), Student Financial Services, Registrar’s Office, and ITSMedia/Campus Post. 

Residential students will pick up their key at the end of the check-in process and can move into and set up their residential space until the Student Life Overview at 11 a.m.

10 a.m. | Commuter Student Gathering (parents and families welcome) | Union, Commuter Student Lounge *
Commuter students and their families will meet student leaders from the Commuter Student Association (CSA) and learn more about being a commuter student at GC. The group will conclude their time by walking together to Westlawn for the next session.

11 a.m. | Student Life Overview | Westlawn, Mark Community Room *
Meet some of our Student Life team members and learn how their work supports your success at GC. Offices include campus activities, campus ministries, campus safety, health services, and residence life. Students will also learn what it means to be part of our community, how each of us contributes to the overall well-being of our campus, and how to get involved at GC.

12 p.m. | Lunch (parents and families welcome) | Westlawn, Dining Hall
Students with an unlimited meal plan (carte blanche) will swipe their new ID cards. Orientation will cover the cost for students without a meal plan or on a limited meal plan (35-, 65-, or 90-block plans), and for parents and family members; sign in at the cashier’s station.

1 p.m. | Academic Overview | Westlawn, Mark Community Room *
Meet the Registrar’s Office and learn more about liberal arts and the CORE at GC, chapel/convo requirements, the role of the academic advisor, the academic catalog, and your schedule.

2:30 p.m. | Student Resources | Westlawn, Mark Community Room *
Meet the Academic Success Center (ASC) team and learn about academic resources, tutoring options, accessibility support, and success coaching. The team will review MyGC and introduce Moodle, GC OnCampus, and Upswing. Afterward, everyone will visit the ASC.

3:30 – 5 p.m. | Academic Advising | Individual faculty offices *
Students will meet with their advisors to review their schedule. Advising meetings are approximately 30 minutes. The Registrar’s Office will share meeting information during check-in.

3:30 – 5 p.m. | Campus Tour | Union, Welcome Center *
Review your class schedule with a current GC student or employee to determine where each class meets before the first day of classes. Departure time and location will be coordinated during the Student Resources session for those interested.

5 p.m. | Dinner | Westlawn, Dining Hall
Students with an unlimited meal plan (carte blanche) will swipe their new ID cards. Orientation will cover the cost for students without a meal plan or on a limited meal plan (35-, 65-, or 90-block plans); sign in at the cashier’s station.

6 – 8 p.m. | Welcome Back Event | Connector 1st Floor
Join other Goshen College students for an evening to connect before classes begin. Hosted by Residence Life.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

8 a.m. | Spring semester classes begin

10 a.m. | Semester Kick-Off Chapel | Church-Chapel (CC)