Mercer University provides entering students with a comprehensive New Student Orientation program designed to ease the transition from high school to college. The program prepares entering students for Mercer's educational opportunities and expectations, and it also introduces them to the intellectual, cultural, social and spiritual climate of the institution. By introducing new Mercerians to the many facets of campus life, the New Student Orientation program helps integrate them as members of the Mercer community.

 

Mercer's commitment to its entering students includes programs that begin during the summer and continue throughout the fall semester (for students entering the University in August).  For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Orientation Office at (478) 301-4300 or the Office of Academic and Advising Services at (478) 301-2078 or e-mail us at  orientation@mercer.edu.

 

During the summer, Mercer hosts several one-day sessions on the Macon campus for incoming students and their families.  During Summer Orientation, students will meet with an academic advisor and review their fall course schedule. Students will also have the opportunity to meet current Mercer students as well as other member of the incoming class, tour the campus, and meet with representatives from various campus departments to learn more about their programs and services. Family members will learn more about the Mercer culture, student health and safety, the financial aid process and other services offered to students and their families. Separate sessions are held for incoming transfer students to specifically address their unique needs. Click here for more information about Summer Orientation.

 

New students will arrive on campus several days before classes begin to move into their residence hall and get acclimated to campus.  The Bear Beginnings program is designed to help students transition both academically and socially to life at Mercer. During Bear Beginnings, students will meet with their orientation groups and academic advisors, learn about academic expectations, attend social events and explore all of the possibilities that Mercer has to offer!  Click here for more information about Bear Beginnings.

 

Throughout their first semester at Mercer, students participate in a course designed to help ease their adjustment to college life.  New students join dedicated faculty and upper-class student leaders who are sensitive to first-year students' needs and dedicated to helping students achieve academic success.

 

These courses help students better understand themselves as independent thinking adults and become more aware of the vast array of opportunities available to them.  Additionally, in this supportive and comfortable environment, students will develop friendships and build working relationships with their academic advisors, who serve as the course instructors.  More information about students' first semester experience is available by contacting the Office of Academic and Advising Services at (478) 301-2078.

 

 

International Student Orientation - International students arrive three days prior to Bear Beginnings in August to adjust to life in the United States. Students learn more about immigration and visa policies, attend social activities with one another and go shopping for all the necessary conveniences for their new home.  International Student Orientation is coordinated by the Department of International Programs.

 

Spring Orientation - A one-day session, similar to Summer Orientation in content, is held each January prior to the beginning of classes for all new students enrolling at that time.