Odyssey is a transitional program offered by the Office of Justice, Equity, Belonging, and Identity (JEBI) for first-year students to engage in identity exploration, community building, and leadership development.
Odyssey begins in August, in the days leading up to new student move-in and Gateways Orientation. 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.
Visit the Odyssey homepage to learn more about the three elements of the program.
Odyssey 2028 will take place Saturday, August 17 - Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
No, Odyssey is fully in person and on campus. Participants must be available to engage in Odyssey in person throughout the entire August program.
Odyssey is full of fun activities and interesting workshops. You’ll meet awesome people from all over and from different backgrounds. It's an opportunity to get an early introduction to life at Holy Cross, engage with other incoming students, as well as faculty and staff, and get to know the Worcester community. Plus, it’s the only time you’ll be on campus without the stress of classes and school work!
Watch the video on the Odyssey homepage to get a feel for what Odyssey is about.
Odyssey is FREE for all participants!
One of the benefits of Odyssey is that the incoming students will move into their assigned residence hall rooms for the year when they arrive to participate in Odyssey on Saturday, August 17, 2024. That means Odyssey students will get to move into their residence halls four days before the rest of the class of 2028 moves in on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
Incoming commuter students are also welcome to participate in Odyssey. However, on-campus housing will not be provided for commuter participants. Commuter participants will be responsible for getting themselves to and from campus each day to participate in Odyssey, just as they would to participate in classes and campus life each day throughout the academic year as a commuter.
Yes, participating in Odyssey means you will have a few less days at home before starting college. However, Odyssey graduates will tell you that you’ll never regret doing Odyssey. The program is an unforgettable experience that allows you to more smoothly transition into college, make friends, and have some fun before classes start! Odyssey helps students get an early start on developing a sense of belonging on the Hill. Feel free to email us at odyssey@holycross.edu with any questions or concerns.
The JEBI Office will invite eligible incoming students to participate in Odyssey, including instructions on how to apply, through email. Please contact us with any questions at odyssey@holycross.edu.
Since space is limited, we invite eligible participants to fill out a short application indicating their interest in the program. We accept applicants into the program on a first come, first served basis, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and application deadline. We will send out acceptance emails to applicants who are being offered a spot in the program, and waitlist emails to applicants whose applications were received after the program reached capacity. If you have more questions about the application process, email us at odyssey@holycross.edu.
We’re happy to work with you to accommodate your travel dates, if possible. Email us at odyssey@holycross.edu to discuss your options.
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is approximately one hour from Worcester by car. Shuttle service from Logan is available through Knight’s Limousine Service (800-227-7005), Worcester Airport Limousine (800-343-1369), and Boston Town Car (888-765-LIMO). Please call these companies in advance for reservations.
Both Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, R.I. (PVD) and Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Conn. (BDL) are located approximately one hour from Worcester by car.
Bus
Peter Pan and Greyhound bus services are available to and from Worcester. The station is located five minutes from campus by car. The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) provides bus service around the city of Worcester. Holy Cross is served by routes 10, 25, and 42. Bus schedules and maps are available online on the WRTA website.
Train
Amtrak service is available from Worcester at Union Station, located five minutes by car from campus. Schedule and fare information is available online on the Amtrak website. Commuter rail service between Worcester and Boston is provided by Amtrak and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Search Amtrak schedules and fares online using the search terms WOR [Worcester] and BOS [Boston]. MBTA schedules and fares are available on the Framingham/Worcester Line section of the MBTA website.