Orientation FAQs
Is Shepherd University a Smoke Free Campus?
- Yes, as of January 1, 2020.
What type of student am I?
- First-Year Student: an individual who has not completed any coursework at an institution of higher education, or individuals who earned college credits before graduating from high school, or less than 24 college-level credits earned.
- Transfer: a student who has completed coursework and received credit from an institution of higher education other than Shepherd University
- Readmit: a student who has completed coursework and received credit from Shepherd University and now wishes to re-enroll at Shepherd.
- Transfer/Readmit: a student who has completed coursework and received credit at Shepherd, attended another college/university after Shepherd and is now returning to Shepherd.
What is Orientation?
- Orientation is three programs:
- Advisement and Registration: work with a faculty advisor and register for classes virtually
- New Student Welcome:
- Get Ram Ready – you will have the opportunity to come on campus, register for tours, see a Residence Hall room and more!
- Rise 360 – an online, interactive, and self-paced module that will need to be completed prior to the start of classes
- Convocation: A tradition at Shepherd University where all incoming students will attend a formal ceremony marking your official entrance into the University.
Participation Advisement & Registration allows you to:
- Learn more about your academic major and minor
- Meet your academic advisor, faculty, and administration
- Create your class schedule and register for classes
Who will I meet during Advisement & Registration?
- Faculty, students, administrators, staff, and more
Will there be classes available when I Meet with my Advisor?
- There will be a wide variety of classes available when you attend your advisement and registration session, even if you attend the last session. Every student who attends an advisement and registration session will leave with a full schedule of at least 12 credits. However, it is important to note, you will have a wider selection of courses to choose from at the beginning of June than those who attend later in the month. Advisement and registration dates are assigned on a first come, first serve basis, so register for a session as soon as possible!
Who will I meet during Orientation?
- Faculty, students, administrators, staff, Residence Life, Academic Support Services, Academic Advising, TRiO, Financial Aid, IT Services, Student Center, Dining Services, Counseling Services, Health Center, Disability Support Services, Multicultural Student Affairs, Student Employment, Student Activities, Community Services, Service Learning, Shepherd University Bookstore, Shepherd University Police Department, Athletics, and more.
Should I bring my parent or family member to Orientation?
- Yes, parents and/or family members are invited and encouraged to attend Orientation with their student.
- [SUMMER SESSION] You are able to register your parent/family member online. There will be a section on your registration form where you can fill in who will be joining you.
What do I need to take care of during Orientation?
- Get your Rambler Card! (Student ID)
- Turn in any applicable health immunization forms
- Visit the S.U.B (Shepherd University Bookstore)
- Meet other new students!
- Get acclimated to your new home away from home!
Do I need additional money while at New Student Welcome: Get Ram Ready?
- Students and Parents may opt to explore Shepherdstown or visit the Shepherd University Bookstore to get essential Ram Ready swag!
After I have registered for Orientation, what’s next?
Step 1: Mail in any final transcripts for ALL previously attended institutions
Step 2: Determine if you need to take Math Placement Test or Foreign Language Placement Test
Step 3: Fill out the Immunization Form, if necessary. For more information, follow this website http://www.shepherd.edu/healthcenter/immunization-information
Step 4: Register to live on campus! Follow this website, https://www.shepherd.edu/residencelife/good-living-portal
What information does Rise 360 include?
- Rise 360 is focused on important aspects to help students identify how to become successful members of the Shepherd community
- The information is broken into three modules: New Student Welcome, A Culture of Respect Training – Part One, A Culture of Respect Training – Part Two
Is there a Charge for Orientation?
- No, there is no fee for attending Orientation.
- However, for all first-year and transfer students new to Shepherd University, student’s will be billed a Student Services Fee of $160. This will be placed on the student’s billing statement as an on-boarding fee, including but not limited to, Advisement & Registration, Get Ram Ready, Convocation, and registering for classes to Shepherd University.
What’s the best way to get around campus?
The EPTA system is free for all students. EPTA has convenient schedules, several stops on campus. For schedules and more information feel free to visit this links http://www.shepherd.edu/epta.
Vehicles on Campus:
Although a car is not needed to get around campus, students may park on campus. Parking permits are required in all campus parking lots and can be purchased at the Shepherd University Police Department in Moler Hall on West Campus. Valid license plates and registrations are required for all vehicles parked on campus. For more information please visit, http://www.shepherd.edu/police/parking-on-campus.
Bicycle Application:
The Shepherd University Police Department strongly recommends that you register your bicycle if you wish to bring one on campus. In order to do so, you will need to fill out an application and turn it into the police department to receive a free decal. Click HERE to fill out the bicycle registration form!
Reminder: Have you paid your enrollment deposit?
- All students are required to submit a $100 enrollment deposit to the Office of Admissions. Please be aware that you will not be permitted to register for classes unless the enrollment deposit is paid.
- If you have not already paid the enrollment deposit, please do so immediately.
Please note that the enrollment deposit is separate from the Student Services Fee.