Orientation, Deadlines, and Upcoming Events
Dear Student,
We are so excited that you have chosen Reed, and we hope to make your journey here as smooth as possible.
Throughout the summer, we will be sending regular emails to provide you with key information. We’ll also remind you of important dates and share helpful links.
Upcoming Action Items
Over the summer, we will send you three online pre-Orientation modules with information about academics, student life, and campus and community resources. We will email you a link to the first module in June. These modules should be completed by the time you attend the first day of in-person Orientation on August 26.
You will also need to complete a series of new student forms. These forms have two major deadlines: June 1 and July 15. Some of the actions you will need to take by June 1 include submitting proof of required vaccinations, applying for housing, and filling out an academic questionnaire that helps us match you with a faculty adviser.
Pre-Orientation Programming
Reed offers two pre-Orientation experiences designed for specific populations of students: Peer Mentor Program participants and international students.
The Peer Mentor Program (PMP) is a yearlong program designed to foster a sense of belonging and support among students from underrepresented backgrounds and introduce first-year Reedies to valuable campus resources and relationships. PMP begins with a pre-Orientation experience (August 22–26) and continues throughout a student’s first year at Reed.
The application for the Peer Mentor Program is open and all incoming first-year students are eligible to apply to PMP; we especially encourage applicants who come from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Applications are due by June 1. The Peer Mentor Program is completely free, including the pre-Orientation experience.
International Student Orientation (ISO) (August 22–26) is required for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders. It is an essential part of the international student experience and is carefully designed to help launch you into a successful semester at Reed. US citizens or permanent residents living abroad are also invited to register. The program is hosted by international student services and orients international students to the United States and Reed. ISO also connects each student with an InterConnect peer mentor who will guide students through their first semester.
Complete the International Student Orientation registration form by July 15 (form opens on June 1). There is no registration fee for ISO; all activities and meals are free for participants.
Supplemental Orientation Experiences
Supplemental Outdoor Orientation Experiences bring small groups of students to a variety of areas around Portland, and to the rivers, oceans, and mountains of the Pacific Northwest. These trips are designed for a range of experience levels, so you can decide what’s right for you. These programs take place August 31–September 1, so they do not impact your move-in day.
These experiences are optional but recommended. Spots are limited, and space is reserved on a first come, first served basis. Preregistration is required. Applications will open June 1 and will close on July 15. While there is a cost associated with participating, financial assistance is available. Please indicate your need on your application and we will follow up.
Placement Exams
Online placement exams will be open online July 1–August 9.
We recommend that you take a placement exam for every subject in which you think you have sufficient mastery. Placement exam results last for your entire Reed career, so you are encouraged to take relevant exams as soon as possible. Please review the placement exam webpage carefully to ensure that you complete all of the requisite placement processes. Completion of a placement exam at a certain level enables you to skip the introductory course in some departments. Exams that identify placement at second- or third-year language levels may also help satisfy a language requirement.
Orientation and Accessibility
The Reed Orientation Team strives to create an Orientation experience that is as accessible as possible. If you have life-threatening food allergies or anticipate any issues with the format, materials, or activities during Orientation, please fill out the Orientation Accommodation Request Form as soon as possible.
We require three weeks’ notice, if possible, to ensure accommodations are available. Students with disabilities may also wish to contact Disability & Accessibility Resources to discuss a range of options for removing barriers during Orientation and during the academic year, including official accommodations.
Upcoming Events for New Reedies
- Getting the Most Out of Academic Advising – Friday, May 17, at 3 p.m. PDT led by Professors Kelly Chacón and Libby Drumm
- Disability & Accessibility Resources – Wednesday, May 22, at 3:30 p.m. PDT hosted by Jess Gibson, Director of Disability & Accessibility Resources
Helpful Links
A list of all required forms can be found on the deadlines & forms page of the new students website.
June 1
July 15
July 1–August 9
August 22
August 26
We can’t wait to see you on campus!
Sincerely,
The Reed College Orientation Team