We find that students have a greater investment in their education when they are empowered to take responsibility, so all mailings about the Orientation website and deadlines are addressed and mailed to directly to students.
We recognize, however, that parents play a critical role in the transition to college, so we would also like to keep you informed of important dates, events and deadlines. The following will help you better understand the tasks assigned to your student through the Orientation website.
The Academic Direction Task allows your student to submit their course preferences for the fall 2011 semester. By completing this form, your student is not registering for classes; instead, they are providing First-Year Deans David Mapstone '93 and Lisa Kaenzig with information that will help them hand-place your student in courses for the fall semester. Your student must complete and submit the Academic Direction task by May 23. If your student runs into problems using the form, they should contact the HWS Help Desk at (315) 781-4357 or helpdesk@hws.edu. If they have questions about selecting courses, they should e-mail Dean Lisa Kaenzig at Kaenzig@hws.edu (William Smith students) or Dean David Mapstone '93 at Mapstone@hws.edu (Hobart students).
The Lifestyle Task allows your student to select a meal plan and complete information about their lifestyle that will help us place them with a compatible roommate. This form must be completed and submitted by May 23. If your student has questions about roommates or meal plans, they should contact the Office of Residential Education at (315) 781-3880.
The Math Placement Exam is for students who are planning to take a math class during the 2011-2012 academic year. Students not planning to take a math class need not take the test, although students interested in studying science, medicine or architecture are strongly encouraged to take it.
The Medical Information Task allows students to download two very important forms: the Student Health Form and the Disabilities Disclosure Form. These forms must be mailed to Hobart and William Smith by July 8.
The Student Health Form includes questions about detailed medical information and will likely require a visit to the physician. It is imperative that your student submit the Student Health Form, as they will not able to live in a residence hall or attend classes until we have all of the necessary medical documents on file. The health history, which is confidential, will in no way affect their college standing. If you have any questions about the Health Form, visit Hubbs Health Center or contact the Center at (315) 781-3600.
The Disabilities Disclosure Form is for students who have or think they may have a disability. It is important to disclose that information to Hobart and William Smith so that David Silver, our disability services coordinator, can work one-on-one with your student to design an appropriate plan for accommodations that will help your student have the best possible HWS experience. For more information about disability services, contact Silver at (315) 781-3351 or ctl@hws.edu.
The Pre-Orientation Adventure Program Task allows students to sign up for the Pre-Orientation Adventure Program, a five-day outdoor adventure for incoming first-year Hobart and William Smith students. Students interested in hiking, kayaking and camping should fill out the form as soon as possible as spots in the program and rental equipment are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Parent Information Task asks your student to fill out information about your home address, job and contact information. This allows us to keep in contact with you after your student arrives on campus. If your e-mail address, phone number or home address changes after your student completes this form, please contact Kerry Cassell in the Office of Parent Relations at parentsoffice@hws.edu or complete the directory information form.
The Biographical Information Task allows your student to let us know if any of their personal information has changed since they applied for admission, for example, if they have a new address or would like to list a religious affiliation. This task also asks for information about a student's hometown newspaper. This is so we can mail press releases regarding your student's successes to the local press.
The Extracurricular Activities Task asks your student to let us know what they're interested in. This allows our Student Activities staff to begin planning campus events that your student will enjoy.
The Photo Upload Task allows your student to upload a photo that will appear on their HWS ID card. This will save them time when they arrive on campus.
The Employment Requirement Task features two forms, the W-4 and the I-9, which your student will have to download, print, complete and bring to Orientation. To be eligible to work on campus (including as part of a work study agreement), your student will have to present these forms along with the necessary documentation (usually a passport or drivers license and social security card) under the tent during Orientation.
The Sports Medicine Task asks your student to list any first aid certifications they may have as well as any interest or past experience working with sports medicine or training.
If you have any questions, please contact Kerry Cassell in the Office of Parent Relations at parentsoffice@hws.edu or or (315) 781-3755.
