New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation 

Dean's New Student Orientation (NSO) program is designed to prepare you for a successful introduction to college. NSO is a program that will allow students and their families to sample many aspects of Dean College. Along with fun activities, NSO (and ISO for international students) offers helpful workshops and informative presentations to make the transition to college as easy as possible.

The program will familiarize you and your family with the academic support, technology services, and residence life programs available on campus. You'll also have a chance to meet our faculty and staff, connect with other Dean students, and make lots of new friends!

Learn more about International Student Orientation (ISO).

Important Information for New Students

We are excited to welcome you to campus! Read important information below.

New Student Orientation Dates

For students entering the Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters, stay tuned for more information on your New Student Orientation information!

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for information on the schedule, what to bring, and for families and guests? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Bulldog Beginnings

Bulldog Beginnings, your Welcome Weekend to Dean, will be held Thursday August 31st – Sunday, September 3rd 2023, in the days leading up to the start of the Fall semester. All new students are required to participate in this interactive program that will help you become more acclimated to Dean College and to be better prepared for the semester.

New students who are members of the Arch learning community will move in on Wednesday, August 30th. Information regarding Arch move-in will be communicated via the Arch office. New students will move in on Thursday, August 31st. Information regarding move-in will be communicated via the Office of Residence Life.

If you have any questions regarding housing or your class schedule, please call the Office of Residence Life at 508-541-1838 or the Robbins Family Center for Advising & Career Planning at 508-541-1536. Additional information about returning to campus in the fall can be found here as the move-in date gets closer.

If you have any other questions about NSO or Bulldog Beginnings, please contact Emma Kearns, Director of New Student Programs, at orientation@dean.edu.

International Student Orientation

Learn more about International Student Orientation (ISO).

Virtual New Student Orientation

Did you miss in-person New Student Orientation? Videos on the most important pieces you missed are coming soon! If you have any further questions, please reach out to orientation@dean.edu.

Advising

If you were unable to attend NSO you should receive an email the week of July 10th with information on how to view your course schedule in our system Student Planning. If you want to talk more with a Success & Career Advisor about your courses, any requested changes, or need help navigating Student Planning, please email advising@dean.edu to be connected with an advisor!

Starting the Next Chapter

You are in the drivers seat when you arrive here at Dean College. In Starting the Next Chapter we will discuss the benefits of a liberal arts education and how you can make the most of out your time here at Dean.

Outside the Classroom with SALD (Student Activities and Leadership Development)

College is about more than your time in the classroom. In Outside the Classroom with SALD we will talk about what involvement looks like here at Dean College as well as why it is important to take part in extracurricular activities.

Being a Part of Bulldog Nation

You are starting to take the first steps in your journey as a Bulldog. In the part one of Being a Part of Bulldog Nation we will discuss embracing personal growth as well as building and respecting your new Dean College community.