Orientation

Wells College values orientation to facilitate each student’s best transition to college.  Research has proven that orientation is key for both first-year and long-term college success and graduation, so expecting attendance at this overnight event purposeful on our part!  Each event is specifically included to ensure when you leave, you have a strong foundation and are ready to begin classes and build your community at Wells.

Orientation is a family experience. We welcome you and your closest supporters — whether a family member, mentor, or friend — to Wells to join you in helping prepare for the college experience.

Wells has designed the summer Orientation program to maximize several goals.  For new students, you will get to know your classmates, meet important campus and student leaders who will become your mentors and resources, finalize your academic course placement by completing evaluative testing, and explore the beautiful and historic region that is part of your Wells College education and experience.  This is all to support an important preparation for the transition to college.

Families and guests will also transition when students begin college.  Your orientation sessions are designed with your unique transition in mind.  Families and guests will enjoy meetings with key campus faculty and administrative resource people, networking as part of this new community of families and support people all focused on new students and their success and gather information and contacts that will assist you when trying to guide your student from a distance. Wells understands we are all partners helping students to succeed and we want to provide you with the appropriate tools to be your most effective.

All participants will also begin to understand the celebration and significance of Wells College traditions by joining in a campus Teatime and receiving a special send off from our College bells!

Student orientation registration includes housing in an on-campus residence and all scheduled meals during the orientation program. Registration also provides an option for your family or guests to register for housing in an on-campus residence during the orientation program.

Your housing includes linens for your room, though you may want to bring your own pillow and a larger bath towel.

Please make sure to pack the appropriate identification as you will be expected to present it to complete placement testing on Saturday morning. A legal form of photo identification:

• Driver’s License
• State–approved or federal ID
• Military ID
• Middle or High School ID
• College ID
• USA (UNITED STATES) Passport
• Foreign Passport with the student’s name written in the Western alphabet
• Tribal ID
• Naturalization card or certificate of citizenship

We also offer this additional list of items to review as you are packing to join us in July.  This is not intended to be exhaustive and there may be other items you would wish to include.  We hope this is helpful start.

Make sure to check the forecast! You’ll need to dress appropriately for Aurora’s climate and the weather conditions during orientation. Also note that orientation can involve a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. You might want to have layers as well, because you will be in and out of various temperatures and climates. For your consideration:

• Comfortable Shoes
• Light or Heavy Jacket (Depending on the Weather Forecast)
• Sun protection eyewear and/or hat
• Jeans and shorts
• Comfortable shirts
• Shower Shoes (Slides, Flip Flops)
• Pajamas
• A change of clothes for Day 2

Other items to consider:

• Umbrella
• Mobile Device and Charger
• Toiletries and Personal Hygiene Items
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Hair-Styling Tools
• Soap and Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Eyeglasses/corrective lenses and care supplies
• Fan
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Over-the-counter or prescription medication
• A blanket or lawn chair for Friday’s”Night at the Boathouse”

There are a number of opportunities to work in offices, in academic departments, with residential facilities, and even with our campus dining operation.  Starting with our Human Resources office and particularly Student Employment information is useful!  Please remember that regardless of where you find work we encourage you to review Message – Student Employment – New Student Orientation for items that will help to expedite you getting started with your employment wherever it is.  Our Human Resources Director can be reached at jkolodzie@wells.edu if you have additional questions.

Please ensure you’ve submitted all your enrollment documentation before starting your classes at Wells. We recommend bringing these documents to you Orientation. At Orientation, we’ll have set up a designated area where these documents can be collected and uploaded to our campus platform. Completing this crucial step will ensure you’re fully prepared for the fall semester.

Information on the documentation Wells requires is indicated on the New Student Checklist available on your personal portal.

When you register for your summer orientation session, you will be provided the opportunity to indicate information Wells needs to know about any dietary needs and accommodations that will help maximize your experience and time with us.

We understand that making time for travel and participation in Orientation at Wells may present challenges for students and/or their guests during the summer. We want to assist and support you. If you have any questions or concerns with your ability to either travel or attend (or both), please email Orientation@wells.edu directly and a member of our Orientation team will contact you to learn more about your circumstances.

There are many regional lodging options in the surrounding area inclusive of hotels, bed and breakfasts, or AirBnBs. In addition to the Inns of Aurora down the street from Wells College, or booking a room or rooms through Aurora Mainstays you can review options in the Auburn region (approximately 20 minutes north of Aurora) here: https://www.tourcayuga.com/places–to–stay/ or in the Lansing or Ithaca NY region (approximately 20-30 minutes south of Aurora) here: https://www.visitithaca.com/places–to–stay/

All incoming students are provided a residence hall room, meals, and robust programming to support their orientation to Wells. They will be charged $200 on their first tuition bill to cover these costs.

Family and guests are also invited to attend orientation and participate in special sessions tailored for them during their time on campus. There is an additional fee of $25 per person for guests who attend which covers the costs of all meals during the program. The cost for on-campus housing during orientation is $50 per night, per room. Limited on-campus housing will be available for family and guests who attend orientation and wish to stay on campus; there is a two person maximum per room. All guest fees are charged at the time of registering for orientation.

If you have indicated you are unable to attend both of the July orientation sessions you will be required to attend an alternate orientation program during Welcome Weekend. All materials provided during the summer sessions will be provided in August, and therefore no refund for orientation would be necessary.

We’re located on Cayuga lake, halfway between Ithaca and Auburn.

See our directions on how to get here.