We find that students have a greater investment in their education when they are empowered to take responsibility, so all mailings about the Orientation Web site and deadlines are addressed and mailed to them.
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 paragraphs will help you better understand the tasks assigned to your child through the Orientation Web site.
The Academic Direction Task allows your child to submit their course preferences for the fall 2009 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 child in courses for the fall semester. Your child must complete and submit the Academic Direction task by May 22. If your child 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 child 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 22. If your child 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 2009-2010 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 June 27.
The Student Health Form includes questions about detailed medical information and will require a visit to the physician. It is imperative that your child 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 the Hubbs Health Center Web site 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 child to design an appropriate plan for accommodations that will help your child 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 seats in the program and rental equipment are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. This year we've also added a community service adventure in Geneva, where students will be helping finish a local Habitat for Humanity House.
The Parent Information Task asks your child to fill out information about your home address, job and contact information. This allows us to keep in contact with you after your child arrives on campus. If your e-mail address, phone number or home address changes after your child completes this form, please contact Kerry Cassell in the Office of Parent Relations at parentsoffice@hws.edu or (315) 781-3755.
The Biographical Information Task allows your child 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 child's successes to the local press.
The Extracurricular Activities Task asks your child to let us know what they're interested in by selecting clubs and student groups that might interest them. This allows our Student Activities staff to begin planning campus events that your child will enjoy.
The Photo Upload Task allows your child 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 child 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 child will have to present these forms along with the necessary documentation (usually a passport or drivers license and social security card) under the Orientation tent during Orientation.
The Sports Medicine Task asks your child 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.
