Resources for families
The window between the end of high school and the first day of Skidmore can feel like a stressful one, but we're here to help. Between a series of checklists and a well-oiled process for introducing and orienting your student, know that you're in great hands. Along the way, you may find some of the information and resources below helpful.
Don't see what you're looking for? Keep an eye on our FAQs and always feel free to contact us directly.
Dates and Deadlines
Onboarding and prep for Skidmore begins in earnest in May and continues throughout the summer. Your student will receive monthly emails with important dates and deadlines. We encourage you to also review the schedule and sign up for the FYI from FYE newsletter.
Complete list of dates and deadlines
FAQs
The FYE Checklist is a tool your student will access via their Oracle account, organized by Registrar. This is where your student will be able to upload important documents and complete important tasks.
Instructions for the Checklist will be emailed to your student's Skidmore email. If they did not receive this email, please contact our office at
The Bursars Office will contact you directly (via mail) with information about payment plans in May. Students and FYI from FYE newsletter subscribers will also receive information in May. The fall bill is released in mid-July and is due by mid-August.
Your student must submit their Scribner Seminar Form by May 16. Placements will be announced in June.
Pre-Orientation registration opens on June 3 and closes July 15.
Summer Advising takes place throughout the month of June and students will register for courses at the end of June. Detailed dates and times will be sent to students via email.
Health forms are due July 15 and can be submitted at any time before then. If your student's last physical was on or before August 1, 2023, please make an appointment now to be sure you will be able to complete the required health forms by July 15.
Your student's move-in will vary based on the program they're involved in. Please see the schedules for various Orientations.
Early fall athletes will receive instructions from their coaches.
What to Expect on Arrival Day
The majority of first-year and transfer students will arrive for either Pre-Orientation or New Student Orientation. If you student is an early fall athlete, international student, opportunity program student, or London FYE student, please refer to those offices and resources for separate plans and schedules.
Morning:
- Welcome to Skidmore! For both major move-in days, you'll arrive in the morning through the front entrance of campus.
- Upon arrival, Skidmore staff and volunteers will direct you to various check-in stations and your last stop will be your residence hall.
- At your residence hall, staff will help your student check into their room and volunteers will be available to help them unload and move-in.
Afternoon:
- Lunch! Skidmore will provide a complementary lunch for all students and families. Details vary, but you can expect a barbeque and/or picnic.
- Goodbyes: We know this is the hard part. But, during/after lunch is the best time to say goodbye to ensure you have quality time before your student needs to jump into other activities. After this moment, you and your student will have separate programs and schedules.
Pre-Orientation
- On Pre-O move-in day, your student will have a strict meeting time to ensure they make it to their destination. Review Pre-O FAQs for more details.
- Parent Orientation: After your student departs, you're invited to the Parent Orientation program in the Zankel Music Center.
New Student Orientation
- On NSO move-in day, your student will have a strict time at which they will begin Orientation programming. Review NSO schedule for more details
- While your student starts Orientation programming, you're invited to attend the Parent Orientation program/afternoon programming in the Zankel Music Center.
- President's Meet and Greet: Families are invited to the home of Skidmore College President Marc Conner and Barbara Reyes-Conner for a reception (families only, students are in Orientation programming).
FAQs
No. Skidmore does not allow any first-year students on campus prior to the start of their program.
It's up to you! The Parent Orientation programming is the same on both days. Keep in mind that your student is (intentionally) very busy, all of their meals and social hours are pre-planned on both days.
You'll have time at drop-off (~ 1 hour) to do some initial tasks, but the priority is to get them in and move right into orientation programming. They will have time when they get back to their room to finish setting up.
The FYE team is happy to help direct you to various campus partners, but some frequent ones include:
Residential Life – Questions about rooms, roommates, packing, etc.
Campus Life and Engagement – Questions about Pre-Orientation, including SCOOP (Skidmore Outdoor Orientation Program).
Uber and Lyft are the most common options for transportation from the bus station, airport, and train station. If arriving via Albany Airport or the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station, plan a 45-minute ride and $45-$65 fare.