NEC’s programs for new students connects you to our community resources and encourages you to think more about your life, skills, and goals and what it means to live and learn in the context of our rich liberal arts environment.
Allyson Birchmeier
Director of New Student and Family Programs
603.428.2248
abirchmeier@nec.edu
After you deposit, you can begin your enrollment paperwork. This will include your housing contract, medical paperwork, financial aid/billing, and other important documents to be ready to begin courses at the start of the term. To login, visit nec.edu/apply and click “Login.” You received an email from the College with your login credentials. If you have trouble logging in, please reach out to your admissions counselor for assistance.
Orientation and transition to the college environment are a process and, therefore, do not occur solely over the course of one program. For our fall-start students, our programs begin in June and continue into the fall semester. For our spring-start students, our program begins in January and continues through the spring semester. It is our hope that by participating in our programs, students will increase their understanding and knowledge of resources on campus to help them manage this transition.
There are four parts to the program:
Online Module Part 1
June or January
Get Your Bearings Part 1 is an online orientation module that will introduce you to key university resources. You will learn about registering for classes and completing key enrollment paperwork requirements. Login to begin now.
Get Your Bearings: Online Module, Part 1
Online Module Part 2
July or January
Get Your Bearings Part 2 is an online orientation module that will introduce you to key university resources as you prepare to begin classes. You will receive an overview of student life, academic support resources, and key safety protocols. You can do this at your own pace.
Expedition Orientation
Expedition is a one-day orientation session offered in the summer for students and family members. You will have an opportunity to learn more about campus services, get your technology set up, meet and engage with faculty, learn how to get involved on campus and how to be a successful student, tour the campus, meet other students (current and new), and ask questions you have.
Families can learn about the first-year curriculum, campus safety and wellness, policies, and how NEC partners to support students, as well as ask any questions. The Expedition does NOT replace the online orientation modules or the fall welcome program. All components are part of the full orientation process.
Sample family schedule
Sample student schedule
Register for the Expedition selecting the date you wish to attend below. Registration opens in April.
Join us for a virtual expedition on Zoom.
Tuesday, July 18, at 7:00 p.m. EST
Register for virtual expedition.
This orientation session will cover the following topics and more: enrollment paperwork, wellness information, Student Financial Services information, how we build partnerships, understanding campus code of conduct, diversity and inclusion, campus safety, residential life, student engagement, academic support services, and Q&A. Students will have a breakout session in the second half to meet fellow students, go over basic NEC technology, meet Peer Leaders, and interact with faculty from their divisions.
Unable to Make Orientation?
Please view these videos from 2021.
Fall Welcome begins with Move-In Day and continues until the start of classes. Fall Welcome is required for all new students. Commuter students and transfer students also participate in Fall Welcome. There is a separate program offered for our non-traditional (22+) commuter undergraduate students. During Fall Welcome, you will meet with your First-Year Student group, engage in academic experiences, review safety and wellness procedures, and participate in fun college traditions. More information about Fall Welcome will be released by mid-summer.
Fall Orientation
All move in times are 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
When should I plan to move in and where do I go when I arrive?
Incoming students (first-year and transfer) who are not playing a fall sport will move onto campus on Thursday, August 24.
At check-in, you will receive a list of any outstanding paperwork items to complete and will meet with those offices to complete any items before proceeding to receive your key/codes from Residential Life.
Check in at Simon Center, 98 Bridge Street, Henniker, NH
What is a FAST pass?
A FAST pass is given to students who have completed all enrollment paperwork and requirements prior to August 14. If students have completed all tasks in the enrollment portal and are fully cleared through Student Financial Services, they will be emailed a FAST pass a few days before move in. On move-in day, FAST pass students drive up to a parking lot and receive all of their welcome bag and housing information without waiting in any lines. Students who do not receive a FAST pass will proceed to complete any paperwork prior to being allowed to move in.
What should I bring for my residence hall? What can’t I bring?
Check out the packing list of what is allowed in the residence halls and what is not; it can also be found on the Residential Life webpage. As a friendly reminder… remember that less is more!
Do commuters need to check in?
Yes, if you are a commuter student who does not receive a FAST PASS, we ask that you check into campus between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, to complete your remaining requirements.
When do classes begin?
Classes begin on Monday, August 28.
This course provides students with the foundation for a four-year liberal arts education. Students will explore the meaning of a liberal arts education within the context of a yearly theme. Students will engage in community activities that enhance their education and provide meaning to their academic, social, emotional, and personal growth while at New England College. Students are expected to attend regularly, participate in discussions, and engage in the larger community.
What’s FYS all about?
Who takes FYS?
All first-year students take this course, which is a graduation requirement, during their first semester at NEC. Transfer students are also able to take the seminar and lab.
What are students saying about FYS?
“It was great to have a community of people I could talk to about anything.”
“The class helped me be more confident about my college experience.”
“The staff and Peer Leaders were always there for us with anything we needed.”
“FYS helped me be more open with new people and become aware of new opportunities around me.”
“This course helped NEC feel more like home to me.”
Who are the peer leaders?
Peer leaders (PLs) are upper-class students who assist new students in their transition to college life. Beginning at Orientation, PLs welcome students and their families to campus and then continue to provide support to new students throughout the fall semester in the Bridges to Learning course and beyond. They not only help students connect with campus resources, but they also strive to build camaraderie and help new students engage in the greater NEC community.
Our 2023–2024 peer leaders
Are you interested in becoming a peer leader?
Learn more about becoming a peer leader
