Orientation

Students can settle into campus and learn essential information before classes start during Gateways Orientation.

The program helps students form their first connections on campus through collaboration with student leaders, faculty and staff members who can give them an idea of what to expect at Holy Cross.

Holy Cross hosts a special Gateways Orientation for international students. The program, for F-1 visa holders and dual citizens living abroad, helps incoming students with the transition to living and learning in the United States.

All incoming international students are expected to attend this orientation program and will go on to participate in the Gateways Orientation.

The Division of Justice, Equity, Belonging and Identity (JEBI) offers the Odyssey program for first-year students to engage in identity exploration, community building, and leadership development.

Odyssey is a transitional program that begins in August, in the days leading up to new student move-in and Gateways Orientation. The program consists of three components: the August program for incoming first-year students, the assigning of a peer mentor for your first year at Holy Cross through The Mentor Program, and Odyssey Engagement events throughout the academic year. Students participating in this program will continue to participate in Gateways Orientation.

Academic Services and Learning Resources (ASLR) offers Passport, an academic program designed to assist promising first-year students in their transition to the educational experience at Holy Cross. Admission to the program is limited to invited students only, and there is no cost to participate. Invitations for eligible students are mailed along with acceptance packages from Holy Cross. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program has three components: a four-week summer session before classes begin, regular workshops and mentoring in the fall and a spring retreat. Students participating in this program will also participate in Gateways Orientation.