Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to attend an Advisement/Registration session?
You can register online at the Sign Up for AR page, or you can return the enclosed reply card in the provided self-addressed, stamped envelope. This will reserve a space and registration materials for you when you arrive. Returning your reply card as soon as possible increases your probability of being assigned to the session you most desire. Assignments are made on a first-response-first-choice basis.
Explain a little about the First-Year Orientation program at Shepherd. What is involved?
Orientation to Shepherd is a two-part process that includes the Advisement/Registration program and then the Fall Orientation program in August. These programs are designed to help you make the transition to academic and social life at Shepherd, facilitate your registration for fall classes, and allow you to become part of our campus community. During the Advisement/Registration program, you will meet with a faculty advisor and register for fall classes.
As your acceptance letter states, the summer Advisement & Registration Program for first year students is offered four times over the month of July and the program for transfers is offered once in June and once in July. If you are a traditional student under the age of 25 and are planning to attend Shepherd in the fall as a full-time or part-time student, we expect that you will attend one of these sessions.
How will I know which session I should attend?
After we receive your reply card, we will send you a confirmation card to let you know the session for which you are registered. Please attend the session for which you are registered and confirmed, not another. We will not be able to accommodate those who come to a different session than the one for which they are confirmed unless advance notice is given.
Who will I meet during the Advisement & Registration program?
The Advisement & Registration program will bring you into close contact with some of Shepherd University’s most dedicated faculty who will advise you as you plan coursework and register for fall classes. In addition, you will become acquainted with some of Shepherd's most outstanding students who serve as Advisement & Registration Peer Leaders (a.k.a. "The A-Team") as well as staff and administrators who will be assisting you during your stay at Shepherd. You will also have a chance to meet with other new students who are attending your session, so you will be able to start making friends in the campus community right away.
Should I bring my parents? What information will be covered in the Parent program?
Parents and families are an essential part of the success of Shepherd University students. We have designed a special parallel program for parents introducing them to Shepherd’s culture, policies, programs, and services. You will have a chance to speak to staff, faculty, and administrators, and get honest answers from the students themselves. We encourage students to bring along parents for this special program. (Note: No activities are planned for younger siblings.)
What about students who plan to participate in Intercollegiate Athletics?
A very important session for student athletes and their parents will be conducted at noon following residence hall check in. During this session, our Athletic Director will review NCAA requirements for all students who intend to participate on any athletic team. It is important that athletes attend this one-time session prior to beginning the registration process.
Are placement tests available for foreign languages?
Yes. Foreign language placement testing will be offered during the New Student Orientation Program in August. The dates for the New Student Orientation Program for 2008 are August 14th through the 16th.
What will I need to purchase a parking permit?
You will need to bring your driver’s license as well as a current vehicle registration in order to purchase a parking permit. Until you receive your Rambler Card in August during orientation, only personal checks and money orders can be used to purchase this permit.
How long will the program last?
The Advisement & Registration program length will vary depending on major, time spent in academic advisement, and the number of students participating in the program. The full program covers the best part of two days and should conclude around 3:00 pm on the second day.
When do I pay for classes?
You will be expected to pay your room and board charges, if applicable, as well as 60% of your tuition bill (the total minus your financial aid and/or scholarships) by August 22nd. To prevent the possibility of your classes being dropped, your bill must be paid. Questions Call the Cashier at 304-876-5284.
How do I benefit from attending this program?
The benefits of this program are tremendous: 1) Registering for your classes in the summer will give you a better selection of classes than those available in late August; many courses will be closed or near their limit by August; 2) These programs will reduce the stress of the first week of classes by giving you a head-start on making friendships with other first-year students, meeting important faculty and personnel, and taking care of required details like getting your picture taken for your Rambler ID card, purchasing books, and becoming familiar with your new campus community.
How will I know which session I should attend?
After we receive your reply card or online registration information, we will send you a confirmation card to let you know the session for which you are registered. Please attend the session for which you are registered and confirmed, not another. We will not be able to accommodate those who come to a different session than the one for which they are confirmed unless advance notice is given.
Do I have to attend both days of the Advisement and Registration program?
Yes. You must attend both days of the program to complete the academic registration process.
Do I have to stay on campus during the July program?
The overnight stay is an important part of the program for both traditional-age commuting students and those who intend to live on campus next year. It is also helpful for you to stay on campus since activities are scheduled late into the evening and begin again early the next morning. If you are a non-traditional-age student (25 or older) and do not wish to stay overnight, please notify the Student Affairs office of your request.
Where can my parents stay?
While students are expected to stay overnight on campus in designated residence halls (Shaw & Thacher Halls) as part of the Advisement & Registration Program, parents have lodging options in Shepherdstown, Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, Sharpsburg, MD, and Hagerstown, MD. Please see information about Shepherdstown Lodging on the last page of this attachment.
What should I bring with me?
Attire for all activities is casual. You will need to bring the following items with you for your overnight stay: pens and pencils, an alarm clock, soap, personal toiletries, a twin size sheet set, blanket, a pillow, towels, and a wash cloth. Since weather in Shepherdstown in the summer is typically hot and often humid, we recommend packing light, cool clothing and comfortable shoes for walking.
Where do I check-in for the program?
New Students should plan to check-in on Day One of the program in the Student Center Ram’s Den from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. You may check into the Residence Halls beginning from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A detailed schedule of events for the July Advisement & Registration session will be mailed to your home after confirmation of your scheduled session.
Are meals available on campus?
Student meals are included in this program, specifically dinner on Day One and breakfast & lunch on Day Two. Two additional snack breaks are included. Non-Traditional Students (over 25 years of age) not spending the night in the Residence Hall should plan to join your advisement group for meals in the Dining Hall with your faculty advisor. Parents and family members are also welcome to join us for meals in the Dining Hall or in the Student Center Ram’s Den. (Parents and guests may pay for meal charges at the door.)
My parents can’t make it, can I bring my friends?
While we strongly encourage you to bring parents or family members, please do not bring friends. Friends will not be allowed to join the sessions you attend and we will expect your full participation in all activities. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet other new Shepherd University students.
What if I cannot attend any of the scheduled Advisement & Registration sessions?
If you absolutely are unable to attend any of the scheduled sessions, you may attend the final, abbreviated Advisement & Registration segment on Friday, August 17th just before classes begin. However, because this registration will be held after everyone else has registered, please be aware that your selection of courses will be limited.
If I attend the July Advisement & Registration program, do I still need to attend the fall Orientation program in August?
Yes. The Advisement &Registration Program is only part one of the two-part program. The fall Orientation program held Thursday, August 13 th through Saturday, August 15th will focus on student life, support services, and opportunities/resources at Shepherd University as well as the expectations of our institution. All new students under the age of 25 are required to attend the fall Orientation program. (You will receive another mailing about this program during the summer.)
Do I need to bring my high school transcript with me when I come?
No. However, if you have graduated from high school recently, please contact your guidance counselor to be sure that your final graduation transcript has been sent to the Office of Admissions. If you are enrolled in college coursework (other than at Shepherd University), please ask the Registrar of that institution to send your transcript to the Office of Admissions. Also, if you have taken Advanced Placement tests or International Baccalaureate Exams, you should bring a list of your tests and the official test score results with you.
What if I want to live on campus in the fall?
At Shepherd University, residence hall life is considered an extension of our educational program, furthering intellectual, social, and emotional growth and development. Therefore, Shepherd University requires all single, full-time students, not commuting from home (within a 60 mile radius), to live in a campus residence hall. Please be sure that you complete and return a Housing Application with your room deposit to reserve your space on campus. Room assignments are made based on the date that the application is received. Priority is given to students who have their residence hall deposit paid by June 1. If you plan to live in a residence hall in the fall and have not paid the $100 advance room rent payment and $100 damage deposit, you will need to make this payment during Advisement & Registration while you are on campus. Please note that this payment is in addition to the $100 enrollment deposit paid to the Office of Admissions.
What if I want to live off-campus in the fall?
Students who are commuting from the home of their parents or legal guardian, students with legal dependents, students 25 years of age and older, or students with other special circumstances may be granted exemptions to the campus housing requirement by completing an Off-Campus Housing Request. A committee and/or the Director of Residence Life will review these requests. If you are considering commuting from home- or living on campus- OR if you need to complete an Off-Campus Housing Request, feel free to contact the staff of Residence Life Office at (304) 876-5172.
I have decided not to attend Shepherd University in the fall. Do I need to tell you?
If you have decided not to attend Shepherd University next fall, please contact the Office of Admissions to notify us that you will not be enrolling.
How do I get to Shepherd University?
For MAPS and driving directions and more visit: http://www.shepherd.edu/university/visitors/directions.htmlFROM WASHINGTION, DC: Take I-270 to Frederick Bypass, I-70; Take Exit 49, Turn Left on 40 Alt. to Braddock Heights-Boonsboro; Turn Left in Boonsboro on MD 34 to Shepherdstown.
FROM LEESBURG, VA: Take Route 7 to Route 9 through Charles Town, WV to Kearneysville; Turn Right on Route 480 to Shepherdstown. One Hour and 15 Minutes from Washington, DC or Baltimore and 45 Minutes from Leesburg, VA.
FROM I-81: Take Exit 16 East in Martinsburg; Take Route 45 to Shepherdstown.
REMINDER: Have you paid your enrollment deposit?
All new and re-admitted students have been instructed to submit a $100 Enrollment Deposit to Shepherd’s Office of Admissions. Please be aware that you will not be permitted to register for classes unless the Enrollment Deposit is paid. If you have not already paid the Enrollment Deposit please do so immediately. Send your $100 Enrollment Deposit check payable to Shepherd University directly to the Office of Admissions. Please note that the Enrollment Deposit is separate from your Orientation Fee.
To learn more about Shepherdstown, visit the town’s website:
http://www.lib.shepherdstown.wv.us/sin/shepin.html
Want to know what is going on in the area?
Check out the Contemporary American Theater Festival’s offerings during the program: http://www.catf.org
Still have questions?
Important Contact Information
FOR OTHER QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ADVISEMENT & REGISTRATION PROGRAM, CALL THE STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE AT 304-876-5214; http://www.shepherd.edu/safweb/
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION OPTIONS FOR PART-TIME OR EVENING STUDENTS, CALL THE REGISTRAR’S OFFICE, 304-876-5463. http://www.shepherd.edu/register/index.html
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT ADMISSION TO SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY AND YOUR STATUS AS A STUDENT, CALL THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE AT 304-876-5212. http://unexpected.shepherd.edu/
FOR SCHOLARSHIP OR FINANCIAL AID QUESTIONS, CALL 304-876-5470. http://www.shepherd.edu/faoweb/
FOR HOUSING OR RESIDENCE LIFE QUESTIONS CALL 304-876-5172. http://www.shepherd.edu/rloweb
Lodging in Shepherdstown:
Thomas Shepherd Inn
300 West German Street
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
(304)876-3715
The Bavarian Inn
164 Shepherd Grade Road
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
(304)876-2551
Comfort Inn
70 Maddex Square Drive
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
(304)876-3160
Clarion Hotel & Conference Center
233 Lowe Drive
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
(304)876-7000