Orientation
Orientation programs at Holy Cross ensure the start of your college career is a successful one.
All new students participate in Gateways Orientation. Students will receive their individualized schedule for Gateways Orientation on move-in day. With any questions, please reach out to Patrick Rogers, Director of Orientation and Transition, at gateways@g.holycross.edu.
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.
Gateways Orientation Info
Gateways Orientation for the Class of 2030 will be Wednesday, August 19, 2026 through Monday, August 24, 2026. Schedules will be available this summer.
Patrick Rogers, Director of Orientation and Transition
Email: gateways@g.holycross.edu
Phone: 508-793-2603
Gateways International Orientation
All incoming international students are expected to attend this orientation program and will go on to participate in the Gateways Orientation.
Gateways International Student Orientation Info
Dates
Sunday, August 16, 2026 through Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Contact
Patrick Rogers, Director of Orientation and Transition
Email: gateways@g.holycross.edu
Phone: 508-793-2603
Odyssey
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.
Odyssey Info
Dates
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 through Wednesday Aug. 19, 2026
Contact
Jerrel A. Burgo, Director of Student Inclusion & Belonging, Division of Justice, Equity, Belonging, and Identity
Email: odyssey@holycross.edu
Phone: 508-793-2758
Passport
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 and The Mentor Program.
Passport Info
Dates
July 25 - Aug. 18, 2026
Contact
Chris Holguin, Passport Director and Associate Director of Academic Services and Learning Resources
Email: passport@holycross.edu
Phone: 508-793-2713
The Mentor Program
The Mentor Program is designed to support students with their transition to Holy Cross. Students invited to participate in the Mentor Program include, but are not restricted to, first-generation students, international students, transfer students, Odyssey students, Passport students, and QuestBridge students. Students will receive registration information towards the start of the Fall semester.
Administered by Academic Services and Learning Resources (ASLR) and the Division of Justice, Equity, Belonging and Identity (JEBI), first-year and transfer students are matched with a peer mentor for ongoing conversation, advice, and mentorship during their first year at Holy Cross.
Views From Orientation
Orientation leaders share a laugh following the completion of the 2022 Gateways program that welcomed the class of 2026 to Holy Cross.
Incoming freshman from the class of 2026 participate in the Gateways orientation program.
Students gather on the lawn to enjoy food trucks, games and company during an orientation event.
Orientation season is a beautiful time to be on campus, allowing students to learn and enjoy the process outdoors.
Not only do orientation sessions offer chances to learn during the day, but they also provide a chance to unwind during the first days on campus.
Dinners, dessert mixers and general relaxation time are all a part of orientation at Holy Cross.