New Student Orientation: General FAQs
When should I arrive on campus?
All on-campus new students are asked to arrive on campus on August 13. The New Student Orientation (NSO) Schedule will be posted on or before June 30 on the Spelman College Web site at www.spelman.edu.
How may I ship my belongings to Spelman before Orientation?
Incoming students should ship personal belongings a week to ten days prior to their arrival date. Personal belongs should be packed well and secured with packing tape. Avoid over packing boxes. Extremely heavy boxes are difficult to handle and have a greater chance of arriving damaged.
Fifty pounds per box is generally a good rule of thumb for a manageable weight allowance. Be advised the Mail Center staff is not permitted to transport packages to residence halls. As a courtesy hand trucks are available to assist you in transporting large packages to your room.
Please note that you may not have your box number when shipping your belonging. Don’t be alarmed. The Mail Center staff will place your campus box numbers on your packages and store them until your arrival. Upon arriving to campus, you will be issued your campus mailbox assignment. After receiving your mailbox assignment, you will be directed on how and where to pick-up your personal belongings.
How do I get to Spelman?
Here are directions from the major highways that run through Atlanta. You may go to Mapquest.com for door-to-door driving directions; however, once you reach Atlanta, follow the directions below, as the Mapquest route will lead you to the pedestrian entrance of the College.
What is my mailing address at Spelman?
Campus mailbox numbers are assigned after all residence hall room assignments have been made, generally late July to early August.
Campus mailboxes are assigned for personal mail only. Students are not allowed to operate a business from their assigned campus box. Get more information about mail at Spelman College. Only students residing in the residence halls are permitted access to a campus mailbox.
What is my e-mail address at Spelman?
Your Spelman email address will be assigned later in June. We will contact you with instructions for logging into your new Spelman account.
What happens during New Student Orientation?
NSO introduces new students to Spelman programs and services, and provides an opportunity for new students to interact with staff, faculty, and administrators. During NSO, new students also receive academic advisement and register for classes. All new students are required to attend orientation.
How will I choose my classes?
You will be pre-registered for your English, African Diaspora and the World, and Computer Science classes. You will register for your remaining classes with your advisor during Orientation. Your advisor will have your placement test scores and any college credit (i.e., Advanced Placement credits, IB courses, etc.) to help you register for your classes. Your advisor will be able to answer additional questions you may have.
When is my payment due?
Fifty percent of your first semester tuition and related fees are due on July 29. The remaining 50% is due September 30 unless you opt for the Deferred Payment Plan. If this is the case, then 25% of the remaining tuition is due October 31. A fee of $150.00 is included when using the Deferred Payment Plan. .
Are there events for parents?
Yes. The Parent Orientation begins on Saturday, August 13 and concludes on Sunday, August 14, 2011.
What is the Parting Ceremony?
The Parting Ceremony is a celebratory ritual noting the new students’ transitioning to Spelman College. It allows families participate in a rich Spelman tradition as they express their final personal best wishes to their new Spelmanite.
Are parents required to attend New Student Orientation?
No. New Student Orientation is designed to assist each new student in our College community with her transition from home to college. Parents have a separate schedule of events on Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14. Please see the Parent Orientation Schedule.
If my permanent home address has changed, how do I let Spelman College know?
Please submit your name, date of birth, telephone number, old address and new address to the Office of Admissions.
When is the best time to purchase books and where?
Books may be purchased at the Spelman College Book Store, located across from the Manley College Center. Books are available prior to the first class meeting; however, you may want to attend the first class before purchasing your books.
If I purchase my books from the bookstore and change my class or if I purchase the wrong book, will my money be refunded?
Yes. With proof of purchase (a receipt), you can receive a full refund through the drop/add period.
Will I survive without my own computer?
Yes, Spelman has a General Computer Laboratory located in the Academic Computing Center which operates twenty-four hours daily during the academic year (except holidays and official college closings). Additional open access computer labs are located in Giles 201& 316 and Cosby Writing Center 332. Individual hours of operation are posted in each lab. You may also use the Woodruff Library computer labs.
Should I study for the placement exams?
The only preparation for a placement exam is a good night's sleep and nourishment. Placement exams are designed to test your knowledge in a particular area (i.e., Math, Foreign Language, etc.). These results will be used by your Advisor to help you select courses that are best for your skill level. It is not possible to fail a placement exam. However, you are encouraged to take the exam seriously and to do your best. For example, a low score on a math placement exam by a science student may slow your progress towards the required math level for your major. Visit the Math Department Web site for a sample math placement exam. (This is the only sample placement exam).
If you have a question that has not been addressed, please contact the
Office of Undergraduate Studies. We welcome all questions and comments.
