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First Year Experience

Four Messiah students jumping for joy at welcoming new students!

First Year Experience

From stepping foot onto campus until checkout day in May, first-year students are provided with an outpouring of helpful resources and relationship-building events.  In addition to the support systems, opportunities, and activities enjoyed by all students, first-year students also receive the following:

Summer – Messiah staff busy preparing for students' arrival

  • Accepted Student Preview Day dives deeper into the Messiah student experience
  • Academic Advisor assigned by the Registrar's Office
  • Registration for courses occurs in early June utilizing Blue Prints provided by the Registrar's Office
  • Common text are read by all First Year Students, First Year Seminar faculty and First Year hall resident assistants (RAs) gives a shared academic experience
  •  Housing assignments given within the three First Year Halls are released via the Nest mid-summer
    • Request a living learning community on the Nest, if interested.

Welcome Week – Orientation and you become ingrained in the Messiah community

  • Welcome Week begins with uniquely designed Move-In Days
  • Orientation Group Meetings acquaint students with First-Year Seminar classmates
  • Residence Hall Floor Gatherings facilitate community
    • Commuter lounge (Mountain View ground floor) provides commuter common gathering space
  • New Student Games showcases First Year residence hall pride and builds community
  • All-Hall Meetings present information about policies and procedures
  • New Student Worship on Sunday morning of Welcome Week orients to Messiah's chapel experience & local church options
  • Academic Advising Meetings
  • Student Engagement Office kicks off the year with a Clubs & Organizations Fair

Fall Term - Classes begin and you becoming better established

  • Becoming U provides ongoing orientation and relationship building with Messiah educators during Thursday morning chapel hour for the first six weeks of classes
  • First Friday provides fun times on the first actual weekend of the semester
  • First-Year Seminar further prepares students for college-level coursework
    • Office of Academic Success provides additional academic supports meeting the needs of all students such as tutoring and academic coaching
  • College Life Hacks offers a night of workshops supporting students with transition to college
  • Open Door October contest among First Year floors encourages knowing your floormates
  • Explore majors and possible career pathways utilizing the Career and Professional Development Center
  • Deck the Halls offers friendly Christmastime competition

Spring Term - You initiate becoming well established at Messiah 

  • Winter Orientation welcomes new incoming mid-year first year and transfer students
  • Created and Called for Community Course (CCC) emphasizes common living-learning
  • The Wittlinger Chapel Series introduces biblical reconciliation themes central to the Brethren in Christ Church, the founding denomination of Messiah
  • Service Day provides space for first year students and CCC faculty to volunteer on campus
  • iFast encourages personal connection and reflection while fasting from technology
  • Sneak Peak introduces students to the various upperclass housing options
  • Finale picnic on the last Friday before finals brings together all first year students for a picnic dinner

Information on First Year Experience