The orientation programs at Holy Cross ensure the start of your college career is a successful one.
The first few weeks of college are exciting, joyous and memorable — but they also have the potential to be stressful. The Office of Student Involvement assists incoming students during Gateways Orientation with their transition to college life at Holy Cross through a series of nationally recognized orientation programs.
Over the course of the programs, you’ll experience the residential and academic environment on campus, gain a greater appreciation for the Jesuit, Catholic mission of the College, learn about educational opportunities and responsibilities, and begin to build friendships with your classmates.
Gateways Orientation
Gateways Orientation provides students with the opportunity to settle into campus, learn essential information needed before the first day of classes and begin making connections and finding community on campus. This program involves the collaboration of student leaders, faculty and staff members who provide insight into what new students can expect in their Holy Cross experience. Gateways Orientation will introduce students to the academic, co-curricular and spiritual aspects of the College of the Holy Cross. New students will explore themes of what it means to live and learn in community. All new students are expected to fully participate in Gateways Orientation.
More information will be shared over email and on the Gateways Orientation website throughout the summer.
Dates
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 through Monday, August 26, 2024
Contact
Patrick Rogers, Director of Orientation and Transition
Email: gateways@g.holycross.edu
Phone: 508-793-2603
Gateways International Student Orientation
Gateways International Student Orientation is a special orientation for incoming international students (F-1 visa holders and dual citizens living abroad). This program is designed to assist the logistics and transition of living and learning in the United States. This program helps with important personal matters, including shopping, identifying campus support services and understanding U.S. immigration requirements.
All incoming international students are expected to attend this orientation program. Students participating in this program will continue to participate in Gateways Orientation beginning on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. For more information, visit the Gateways International Student Orientation website. Additional resources for international students can also be found on the Office of International Student website.
Dates
Sunday, August 18, 2024 through Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Contact
Patrick Rogers, Director of Orientation and Transition
Email: gateways@g.holycross.edu
Phone: 508-793-2603
Odyssey
Odyssey is a transitional program offered by the Office of Justice, Equity, Belonging and Identity (JEBI) for first-year students who are first-generation to college, BIPOC, or eligible for the Pell Grant. Students who participate in Odyssey build lasting relationships with their peers, connect with faculty and staff, engage in identity development workshops and activities, and learn about campus resources and the local community.
Odyssey consists of three components: the August program for incoming first-year students, the assigning of a peer mentor for your first year at Holy Cross through The Mentor Program, and Odyssey Engagement events throughout the academic year for all Holy Cross students who participated in Odyssey during their first year.
Students participating in this program will continue to participate in Gateways Orientation beginning on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. For more information, visit the Odyssey website.
Dates
Saturday, August 17, 2024 through Tuesday August, 20, 2024
Contact
Jerrel A. Burgo, Director of Student Inclusion & Belonging, Office of Justice, Equity, Belonging, and Identity
Email: odyssey@holycross.edu
Phone: 508-793-2758
Passport
Passport is an academic program designed to assist promising first-year students in their transition to the educational experience at Holy Cross. Admission to the program is limited to invited students only, and there is no cost to participate.
The program has three components:
- Summer Passport – Students spend four weeks on campus in August before classes begin. Housing is provided.
- Fall Passport – Students meet regularly with Academic Services staff, attend academic workshops, and participate in the Mentor Program.
- Spring Retreat - At the beginning of the spring semester, students get away to reflect on the fall semester, prepare for the challenges of the spring semester, and set goals for their time at Holy Cross
Invitations for eligible first-year students are mailed along with acceptance packages from Holy Cross. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students participating in this program will continue to participate in Gateways Orientation beginning on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. For more information, please visit the Passport website.
Dates
Saturday, July 27, 2024 through Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Contact
Chris Holguin, Passport Director and Associate Director of Academic Services and Learning Resources
Email: passport@holycross.edu
Phone: 508-793-2713