Virtual Days: TBD
Spring Welcome Day (In-person): TBD
Orientation is required for all students new to Arcadia. A detailed schedule will be sent to you as we get closer to the date, but here’s what you can expect:
- Meet your Orientation Leaders and fellow classmates.
- Hear from multiple campus partners like Student Success, Financial Aid, and Campus Life/Housing.
- Gain knowledge on Arcadia and what it’s like to be a Knight.
- Explore technology used at Arcadia.
- Hear about academics and your majors.
- Learn about how you can get involved on campus.
Steps for New Students in Spring ’24 – Checklist
- Activate your Arcadia email address and access PortalGuard – Due Date: TBD
- PortalGuard access is required for many onboarding activities!
- Submit your Housing Application – Due Date: TBD
- You must activate PortalGuard to submit a housing application.
- Complete your Math, Writing and Modern Language placement tests. – Due Date: TBD
- Transferring from a 2- or 4-year institution? You will be contacted if placement tests are needed.
- Register for Spring Virtual Orientation – Due Date: TBD
- Orientation is required for all new students.
- Upload your health information and immunization documentation in your Patient Portal found on your PortalGuard – Due Date: TBD
- This includes your COVID vaccination and booster information.
- For more information please contact shs@arcadia.edu.
- Submit your photo to the GET app for your KnightCard – Due Date: TBD
- Your KnightCard is your student identification.
- Email knightcardservices@arcadia.edu for help.
- Click HERE to learn more about the GET app.
- Upload your proof of insurance via your PortalGuard – Due Date: TBD
- Contact shs@arcadia.edu for information.
- Submit your final college or high school transcript – Due Date: TBD
- Email admiss@arcadia.edu for help.
Meet the Orientation Leaders
Orientation Leaders are here to help you transition easier. They are current students who have a lot of knowledge and experience about Arcadia University.
Miracle Ruiz
(she/her)
Junior, Psychology
Involvements include: Resident Assistant, REAL Mentor, Peer Mentor, Ambassador
Julianna Chambers
(she/her)
Junior, Biology with Forensic Science Minor
Involvements include: Orientation Leader
Frequently Asked Questions
What is virtual orientation?
Virtual Orientation is a 2-hour session where you can learn about financial aid, student success, and housing, while hearing about Arcadia’s technology and connecting with students.
Spring Orientation FAQs
What is virtual orientation?
Virtual Orientation is a 2-hour session where you can learn about financial aid, student success, and housing, while hearing about Arcadia’s technology and connecting with students.
What is the time of virtual orientation?
Thursday, Dec. 15 or Thursday, Jan. 5, both from 5 to 7 p.m. EST.
What will be covered during virtual orientation?
You will hear from the office of Financial Aid, along with a member of our Student Success team, Housing Team, and our Orientation Leaders who are excited to meet you.
Should my parents/support team attend the virtual orientation with me?
They are welcome too! The beginning of our virtual program is focused on connecting you with other students. Content that parents and families may be interested in begins at around 5:30 p.m.
Should I bring anything for the virtual orientation?
Any questions you may have!
What should I do if I can’t attend either virtual orientation day?
While orientation is required for all incoming students, we understand things come up. Please email orientation@arcadia.edu to discuss options.
Will I receive my spring class schedule at virtual orientation?
No. You will have a one-on-one session to schedule classes. Transfer students will work directly with their program chair and undeclared students or first year students will work with the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Success. Keep an eye on your Arcadia email once your placement exams are complete.
Spring Welcome Day FAQs
What is Spring Welcome Day?
Our Spring Welcome day is an in-person day where you can get to learn more on campus. You’ll hear from our campus partners and be able to attend a plated lunch. You will also get to meet energetic orientation leaders who want to show you what it means to be a Knight.
Is Spring Welcome Day mandatory?
Yes. We want all of our new students to have the best experience and gather as much information as possible before starting classes.
What day and time is the Spring Welcome Day?
Monday, Jan. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST.
What is covered on the Spring Welcome Day?
Peer to peer networking, academics and majors, Knight Code of Honor, and Access, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing a notebook and pen. Also, wear comfortable shoes as you will be moving around campus.
What if I can’t attend the Spring Welcome Day?
Contact orientation@arcadia.edu to discuss options.
Should I bring my family or support structure to the Spring Welcome Day?
The Spring Welcome Day is designed for new students only.
General FAQs
When do I receive my KnightCard?
You will receive your KnightCard the day you check in for your Spring Welcome Day. Students can submit your photo ahead of time in the GET app.
What is an Orientation Leader?
Orientation Leaders or OLs are current students who want to help ease your transition to Arcadia University. They will be a great resource for you since they have been in your shoes not too long ago. OLs will serve as your connection to the University.
When is the first day of class?
Tuesday, Jan. 17
I will be living on campus. When will I move in?
New and returning students move-in to campus housing on Sunday, January 15th. Contact housing@arcadia.edu for questions.
When do I find out who my academic advisor is?
You will receive an email with who your academic advisor is.
How will my previous college credits transfer?
Previous university credits will be reviewed by the Registrar’s office in conjunction with relevant departments/programs upon receipt of official transcripts for final equivalency. These credits will be available for review in your academic plan on self-service. Transfers will also receive a finalized credit sheet prior to meeting with a faculty advisor to inform their scheduling choices.
