NEC’s programs for new students connects you to our community resources and encourages you to think more about your life, skills, 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
Orientation and transition to the college environment are a process, and therefore, do not occur solely over the course of one program. We consider orientation a process that begins in the spring and continues throughout the summer and into the fall. 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:
Unable to Make Orientation?
Please view these videos.
Get Your Bearings:
Online Module Part 1
June or January
Get Your Bearings is an online orientation module that will introduce you to key university resources. You will learn information about getting registered for classes and learn information about key enrollment paperwork requirements. You have a direct link to access the online orientation module in your NEC email, or access the Get Your Bearings: Online Module, Part 1
Online Module Part 2
July or January
Get Your Bearings 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 will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online orientation platform in July or January and can do this at your own pace. It should be completed by August 6 or January 25.
Expedition Orientation Expedition Orientation is a one day sessions (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.) offered in the summer for you and up to two 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, how to be a successful student, tour the campus, meet other students (current and new), and ask questions you have. Space in the sessions will be limited.
There is no additional charge for this optional event. By registering for Expedition Orientation, you are signing up for an optional program that does NOT replace the orientation modules or the fall welcome program. All components are a part of the full orientation process.
Henniker
Sample family schedule
Sample student schedule
Manchester
Sample family schedule
Sample student schedule
Henniker
June 24, 2022
July 8, 2022
Manchester
June 23, 2022
Join us online for a virtual campus visit. 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, how to be a successful student, tour the campus, meet other students (current and new), and ask questions you have.
The family session will cover the following topics and more: Life in the times of COVID-19, wellness paperwork, 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.
The student session will cover the following topics and more: preparing for first day, campus with any pertaining COVID information, technology information, Diversity and Inclusion, advising, meeting Faculty, meeting Peer Leaders, and Q&A.
Spring Welcome begins with Move-In Day and is focused around a 1 day orientation session in Henniker for both campuses. There are social events throughout the rest of the weekend. Spring Welcome is required for all new students starting in January. Commuter students and transfer students also participate in Spring Welcome. During Spring Welcome, you will meet with your FYS Group, engage in academic experiences, review safety and wellness procedures, and participate in fun college traditions. View tentative schedule.
Please click here for the Henniker January Orientation schedule.
All move in times are 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Henniker: January 27th
Manchester: January 27th
Henniker: Check in at Simon Center, 98 Bridge Street.
Manchester: Check in at French Hall at 148 Concord Street.
*Dates are subject to shift due to COVID restrictions.
This course and lab provide 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 will engage in workshops and interactive activities to understand campus resources, build a community of support, and gain skills towards being an active and prepared college student. Students are expected to participate in a weekly seminar, Community Wednesday events, and a First-Year Lab.
The FYE Lab
What’s It All About?
Who Takes FYE Seminar and Lab?
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 FYE lab?
“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 2021–2022 Peer Leaders
Are you interested in becoming a Peer Leader?
Learn more about becoming a Peer Leader.
