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.
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 both students and parents will be mailed with the confirmation reply sent to your home.
How long will the program last?
Advisement & Registration 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.
What will I need to purchase a parking permit?
You will also need to bring your driver’s license as well as a current vehicle registration. Until you receive your Rambler Card in August during orientation, only personal checks and money orders can be used to purchase this permit.
When do I pay for classes?
You will be expected to pay your room and board charges, if applicable, as well as 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.
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 about students who plan to participate in Intercollegiate Athletics?
A very important session, for student athletes and their parents, will be conducted at noon right residence hall check in. This is for all students who intend to participate on any athletic team. This session will cover requirements of the NCAA and will be presented by the athletic director. It is important that athletes attend this one-time session prior to beginning the registration process.
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 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, administrators, and to 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.)
Do I have to attend both days of the Advisement/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?
Yes.We believe the overnight stay is an important part of the program for both traditionally aged commuting students and those who will 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-traditionally-aged student (25 or older) and do not wish to stay overnight, please indicate that in the appropriate space on your reply form. (Your required orientation fee without overnight housing or meals is $75; this is automatically added to your tuition bill.)
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, Maryland, and Hagerstown, Maryland. Please see the For Visiting Parents link on the left side of this page.
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, twin size sheet set, 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. Note: The residence halls you will be staying in for the Advisement/Registration overnight sessions are not air-conditioned so cool fabrics are recommended.
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 with you. Friends will not be allowed to sit in on the sessions you attend and we will expect your full participation in all activities. This is your opportunity to get to know other new students. Take advantage of this time.
What if I cannot attend any of the Summer Advisement/Registration sessions?
If you absolutely are unable to attend any of the June or July sessions, you may attend the final, abbreviated Advisement & Registration segment on Friday, August 12 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 this program, do I still need to attend the Fall Orientation program in August?
Yes.The Advisement and Registration Program is only part one of the Shepherd Orientation process. The Fall Orientation program held August 14th through August 16th will focus on student life, support services, and opportunities/resources at Shepherd as well as the expectations of our institution. All new students who are attending Shepherd University full-time 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 Shepherd University 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 Shepherd University Admissions Office. Also, if you have taken Advanced Placement tests or International Baccalaureate Exams, you should bring a list of your tests with you along and the official test score results.
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, 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.
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 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.