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Skidmore College
Pre-Orientation Programs

Plant Your Roots!

geyser

track entrance

downtown

 

One of the best ways of making the transition to college life is through participation in one of the many Pre-Orientation programs that Skidmore offers first-year students. Participating in a Pre-O has proven to ease anxiety by providing social benifits, personal growth and increased retention rates among college students. Whether its exploring community service opportunities, arts, music, theater or radio, there are many ways to meet students with similar interests and goals.


Participation in Pre-O is optional, and takes place just before Orientation for all first-year students.

All programs are set up to be a fun, community building, non-academic experience.  
On-campus programs will have the opportunity to get to know campus as well as downtown Saratoga.

Often programs will take their first-year students downtown to dinners, parks, events and ice-cream (all inclusive in the cost)! We offer financial assistance based on student's financial need, please fill out a Scholarship Request Form to apply

Goals

RCWR

  • Start college with a group of great new friends and upperclassmen mentors.
  • Try something new, and maybe a little bit challenging — just like college.
  • Learn about classes, dorms, food, clubs, activities, and more from your leaders.
  • Jumpstart your entrance into community living and active citizenship.
  •  The price of pre-orientation covers everything, food, housing, trips, events etc...
  • Discover your new home Saratoga Springs for the next 4 years.

Dates: 

  • August 28th through August 31st.

Move in Time:

  • Students participating in off-campus programs will check in between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  • Students participating in on-campus programs will check in between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m
  • First-Years are not permitted on campus prior to August 29th. 

Program start time:

  • Students participating in off-campus (SCOOP)programs will check in at 12:30 pm at Porter Plaza.
  • Students participating in on-campus programs will check in at 1:00 pm on the 2nd floor of Case Center

Cost:

  • Off-campus (SCOOP)programs are $600
  • On-campus programs are $500

Billing:

  • All programs are direct billed to your tuition.

Need basedScholarships:

  • Fill out this scholarship request form and if you are awarded you will recieve an email letting you know what your award is (either 50% or 100%) and then you will be refunded on your next billing cycle.

Parent Orientation:

  • Parent Orientation starts shortly after you say goodbye to your student and they depart with their program. You can check the FYE page for more details (Parent Orientation for students doing Pre-O is on August 28th, it is not necessary to return on Sunday for Orientation because your student will be busy and the orientation programs are the same) 

There is an FAQ page with answers to additional frequently asked questions.

HOW TO REGISTER (these will be direct billed to your tuition)

Please read the following information before you attempt to register for Pre-Orientation

  • Preferred browsers: Chrome or Internet Explorer.
  • Student system quick reference: This general guide should help you navigate the registration process more easily (It is not specifically a guide to Pre-Orientation registration)

Student System - http://bannerxe.dos5.net/StudentRegistrationSsb/ssb/registration

 Guide - http://x7c.dos5.net/registrar/documents/student_self_service_guide_xe.pdf

Find the CRN# of the course you want to register for next to the course title on the On-Campus and Off-Campus program pages

  • Log into the Student System (have your username and password ready)
  • Click register for classes
  • Select "Summer 2025"
  • Skip down the form directly to the CRN#
  • Enter the CRN# of your program which are located below each program name above the description on this page
  • Click “Search”
  • Click “Add”
  • Click on "submit" (lower right hand corner of screen)
  • If the status says "REGISTERED," you do not need to do anything else

You can always check your "summer" schedule to make sure you are registered!


Forms

Once you register, you can expect to hear from our Pre-Orientation coordinator toward the end of July with information regarding your program. In the meantime, please fill out these required forms: 

  1. Medical Form and Dietary Restrictions
    ( make sure you use only your username not your full email when you login to the form)
  2. Assumption of Risk
    ( make sure you use only your username not your full email when you login to the form)
  3. Skidmore Code of Conduct
  4. ( make sure you use only your username not your full email when you login to the form)

 

On Campus Programs Cost
Behind the Scenes at the Tang 
CRN # 60254
Art lovers (not just art majors) are invited to learn all about the Tang Teaching Museum. You’ll explore the exhibitions, take a look behind the scenes and make art. No previous art-making experience required, just an openness to new experiences and a willingness to have fun.
$500

Serving Society-Finding Yourself   
CRN# 60250
Join us for a few days of self- reflection and community service. Learn how to become involved in one of the many community-service opportunities available in the Saratoga Springs area and beyond.

$500
Record Club/Writing Rock 
CRN# 60252
A good excuse for the music-obsessed to get together and share, discuss, check out some local shows and record shops and write about songs we love.
$500
Theater 
CRN# 60251

Skidmore's Theater Company opens it's doors to first year students who would like to experience some stage, improv and a play in Lenox, Massachusetts. Meet new people in a fun environment. Come "play" with us!
$500
Saratoga Sampler 
CRN# 60253 THIS PROGRAM IS FULL
Saratoga Sampler is just that, a way to get to know your new home with excellent tour guides (your upperclassman peer leaders). Check out our page and please join us for a super fun Pre-O!
$500

Media making with MDOCS   
CRN# 60248

Media Meet-up with DOCLab invites students of all interests to join us on a journey in exploring documentary and media-making at Skidmore.

$500

Power Your Potential
CRN# 60495 THIS PROGRAM IS FULL

A dash of yoga and mindfulness. A sprinkle of creative arts and zine making. A touch of nature hikes and walks to the Farmer’s Market. And a pinch of cooking classes mixed with an endless supply of laughter.

 

 

Spa City Trailblazers
CRN# 60496

Forge new paths as a first-generation college student with Skidmore's "Spa City Trailblazers" Pre-Orientation. This multi-day experience allows you to get rooted in your new community before classes begin and provides a supportive foundation to transition confidently into college life. 

More to come....stay tuned