The Office of the First-Year Experience (FYE) is excited to welcome you to campus. This guide outlines the steps you’ll take this summer to prepare for your arrival and ensure a smooth transition to Skidmore College.
If you have questions along the way, email the FYE team at fye@skidmore.edu.
You’ll get comfortable with Skidmore’s digital systems quickly, but here’s a head start on the essentials:
Your Skidmore username* (e.g. JJonas or TaylorSwift) and password create a "single sign-on" to use across multiple systems. When you enrolled, Admissions sent you instructions for setting this up. Didn’t receive them? Email admissions@skidmore.edu.
*Don’t forget — your username does not require “@skidmore”.
Your personal dashboard and single sign-on hub for Skidmore apps. From here, you’ll access your email, the Skidmore Student System, and other essential tools. You’ll also use the companion app Okta Verify, which you’ll download to your phone for secure two-factor authentication.
Bookmark this URL: Skidmore.okta.com
An app for academic tools, registration, and forms. You’ll access it through Okta.
Your summer to-do list, available in the Skidmore Student System. If you’re part of the London FYE or Opportunity Program, your checklist may look slightly different. Questions?
The pages ahead outline important tasks and what to expect as you prepare for the fall. For detailed information, check the FYE website at Skidmore.edu/fye and your FYE Checklist (in the Skidmore Student System)
■ FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE (FYE)
The FYE Checklist opened May 1: This is your go-to summer to-do list.
Watch for “FYI from FYE,” a biweekly email newsletter with reminders and updates. Want your family or support system to get the newsletter? They can sign up at: share.hsforms.com/1lzY0SA5TRDq5nqypiwCEPQ2b9pt
Not in the Class of 2030 Discord yet?
Scan the QR code to start connecting with your new classmates
■ ACADEMICS
May 18 Academic interest form due
May 18 ........ Scribner Seminar preferences due
May 22 Complete writing (DSP) and quantitative reasoning (QR) diagnostics
June 1 ......... Academic accommodations application opens (if needed)
June 1–26 ..... Meet virtually with your summer advisor
June 23–24 Register for fall classes
■ HOUSING & HEALTH
June 1 ......... Housing application opens
June 19 Housing application due
July 15 ........ Health forms due (portal opens May 11)
July 22 ........ Housing assignments released (if health forms are in!)
■ ADMISSIONS
Before July 31 .. Submit your final high school transcript as soon as it’s available.
■ MOVE-IN
June 28 Opportunity Program students (by invitation)
Varies ......... Fall athletes (check with your coach)
August 27 ..... FYE London students (on site in London)
August 31 International students (by invitation)
September 3 ... Pre-Orientation participants (optional)
September 6 ... All other new students
Detailed dates and deadlines? skidmore.edu/fye/
■ Set up your Skidmore Account and email:
After enrolling, you should have received instructions from Admissions to create your Skidmore Account. Your username and password will be your login for nearly everything at Skidmore. Didn’t receive setup instructions? Contact admissions@skidmore.edu.
■ Submit your final transcript: This is the final step in your admission process. As soon as it’s available, send your final high school transcript to the Office of Admissions.
☐ May 1: FYE Checklist opens
☐ May 18: Academic Interest form due
Even if you’re undecided about a major (like most first-year students), log into your FYE Checklist and identify at least three areas of academic interest.
☐ May 18: Scribner Seminar selection form due
Read the seminar descriptions in your FYE Checklist, then rank your top 10 choices. If choices are not received, you will be placed in a seminar. Make sure that you consider obligations such as sports practice, rehearsal schedule, etc. when ranking your seminars.
☐ May 22: Writing self-placement due
This placement exercise, called Directed Self-Placement (DSP) helps determine which writing course is the best fit for you. Set aside about 90 minutes to complete the placement. You'll find the link to the DSP in your FYE Checklist.
☐ May 20: Advising and registration webinar
Join live at 6:30 p.m. ET – or watch the recording later – for an overview of Skidmore’s academic advising and course registration process. A link to join will be sent to your Skidmore email.
Your FYE Checklist will also reference additional placement exams. These are only for students that plan to take a world language, calculus, chemistry, music theory, or physics class in their time at Skidmore. Please complete these before you meet with your summer advisor and register for classes in June. If you have questions about which exams to take, ask your summer advisor.
Questions? fye@skidmore.edu
☐ May 22: Quantitative reasoning diagnostic due (if needed)
This diagnostic is required unless your test scores meet exemption criteria. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and is available through your FYE Checklist.
You’re exempt if you submitted any of the following: Math SAT score of 650 or higher; Math ACT score of 28 or higher; or Math SAT Subject Test score of 570 or higher. Even if you did not submit test scores for admission, you can submit your scores to receive your quantitative reasoning placement.
☐ Meet with your summer advisor
In June, a faculty advisor will email you to schedule a virtual meeting to help you prepare for registration later this month. You’ll discuss your academic interests, fall course options, and any questions you have about the curriculum.
Questions? Contact the Office of Academic Advising at advising@skidmore.edu.
☐ June 1 – August 1: Request academic accommodations (if needed)
Log into Okta and go to the AIM Manage Accommodation app to begin your request. Documentation is reviewed on a rolling basis. Submit by August 1 to ensure accommodations are in place for the start of classes.
☐ June 1: Housing application opens
Log into Okta, go to the Residential Life Housing app, and complete the form. Your room and roommate(s) will be assigned based on the preferences you share. All residence halls are smoke- and substance-free.
Questions? Email reslife@skidmore.edu.
Housing assignments will be released July 22 only if your health forms have been received by July 15.
Pre-Orientation offers a chance to connect with peers, faculty, and staff before New Student Orientation begins. Registration opens June 1 and closes July 15. Additional fees apply and need-based scholarships are available.
Learn more: skidmore.edu/preorientation
Detailed dates and deadlines? skidmore.edu/fye/
☐ June 19: Housing application due
☐ June 23 or 24: Register for fall classes
After meeting with your summer advisor, you’ll be ready to register. Your registration date is based on the first letter of your last name, and you’ll receive detailed instructions by email.
The Class of 2030 summer reading will be Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service, edited by New York Times bestselling author Michael Lewis. This text is a compilation of essays from the Opinions section of The Washington Post in which the author of each essay profiles a civil servant.
U.S. students will receive a print copy by mail. International students will receive the book when they arrive for International Student Orientation.
☐ July 1 – August 15: Enroll in the Skidmore College Installment Plan (optional)
Families who prefer to pay tuition in monthly installments may enroll in the Skidmore College Installment Plan (SCIP). The fee is $40 per semester. Instructions will be mailed to your home address.
☐ July 1 – August 15: Submit Skidmore ID photo
Your Skidmore ID is your keycard, dining pass, and campus debit card. Upload your photo in advance to avoid delays on move-in day.
☐ July 1 – August 1: Enroll or waive health insurance plan
All students must have health insurance. Each year, you must either enroll in Skidmore’s plan or submit a waiver form confirming alternate coverage. This process is separate from your health records. Instructions will be mailed to you by the Bursar’s Office. You must respond by August 1.
Questions? fye@skidmore.edu
☐ July 13: Dining Services employment survey due (work-study only)
If you’re eligible for work-study, you’ll receive an email from Dining Services. All first-year student employees work for Dining Services.
☐ July 15: Student health forms due
It is both New York State law and Skidmore College policy that fully completed health and immunization records must be filed prior to class attendance or participation in the London FYE Program, Pre-Orientation programs, and/or varsity athletics.. Log into Okta and go to the Health Services app to complete your forms. The portal opens May 11 and closes July 15.
If your last physical was before August 2024, schedule a new exam ASAP to meet the deadline.
☐ July 15: Registration for Pre-Orientation closes
☐ July 17: Complete Student Contact Form
Review and update your contact information, designate emergency contacts, set communication preferences for parents/guardians or other contacts, make your academic and financial information release selections, and acknowledge Skidmore’s photo and video policy. You can access the form through your FYE Checklist.
☐ July 22: Housing assignments released
Only if health forms have been received by July 15.
☐ August 1: Deadline to enroll in or waive health insurance plan
☐ August 5: Vehicle registration opens
Planning to bring a car to campus? All vehicles must be registered in advance. Log into Okta and go to the Ticketrak Parking App before you arrive.
☐ August 15: Skidmore ID photo due
Detailed dates and deadlines?
☐ August 15: Fall semester bill due
Payments must be submitted today. It’s also the last day to enroll in the Skidmore College Installment Plan (SCIP).
☐ August 31: Health education courses must be complete
You’ll receive an email in early August with instructions for completing three mandatory online courses: Alcohol Wise, Marijuana Wise, and Consent and Respect.
☐ August 31: Vehicle registration due
MOVE-INS AND ORIENTATIONS skidmore.edu/orientation
■ September 3–6: Pre-Orientation (optional)
Students who registered for Pre-Orientation (by July 15) will move in on September 3. They will join New Student Orientation on September 6.
■ September 6-11: New Student Orientation
Remaining new students will move in September 6. All students will then begin New Student Orientation together.
■ September 3 or 6: Parent and family orientation (optional)
One-hour program held after move-in.
Move-in instructions will be sent via the FYI from FYE newsletter in August.
☐ September 8: New Student Convocation and first Scribner Seminar meeting
☐ September 9: All other classes begin
☐ September 6: Last day to sign up for a Tuition Stabilization Plan (optional)
This optional plan allows families to prepay tuition for two, three, or four years at current rates. Details will be mailed to your home by the Bursar’s Office.
Questions? fye@skidmore.edu
You’re joining a creative, supportive community where growth happens through both self-discovery and connection. Building relationships early is a meaningful part of your first year at Skidmore — and while you’ll take the lead, we’re here to help.
Peer mentors: Each Scribner Seminar has an assigned peer mentor — an upperclass student who also serves as your Orientation leader. They’ll help you settle in, offer guidance, and model what success can look like at Skidmore.
Resident assistants (RA): Your RA is a trained student leader who lives on your floor and serves as a go-to resource for safety, connection, and support.
Summer reading: Every first-year student reads the same book, giving you something to connect over from day one. We look forward to welcoming Geraldine Brooks, author of the included essay “The Cyber Sleuth” and the subject of her essay, Jarod Koopman on Monday, September 28.
Pre-Orientation and Orientation: Pre-Orientation (optional) is a great way to meet friends early while exploring the region. All students will take part in New Student Orientation filled with campus tours, community activities, and opportunities to get to know your classmates.
Join us online! Want to connect before moving in? Join the Class of 2030 Discord Server — the link is in this guide and on the FYE website. You can also follow these Skidmore accounts on Instagram:
Skidmore College @SkidmoreCollege Skidmore Athletics @SkidmoreSports Residential Life @SkidmoreResLife Student Government @SGA.Skidmore
Detailed dates and deadlines? skidmore.edu/fye/
Wondering what to bring and what to leave at home? Here’s guidance from the Office of Residential Life (reslife@skidmore.edu). Many essentials are available at the Skidmore Shop or nearby stores like Target and Walmart.
Sleeping:
☐ Twin XL sheets
☐ Comforter
☐ Pillows
☐ Blankets
☐ Mattress pad
☐ Mattress protector
Bathing:
☐ Towels
☐ Toiletries
☐ Shower caddy
☐ Shower shoes
Clothing:
Layers for fall and early winter, including:
☐ Winter coat
☐ Rain gear
☐ Hat, gloves, and scarf
☐ Waterproof boots
☐ One business outfit for interviews or presentations
Cleaning:
☐ Small vacuum or broom
☐ Disinfecting wipes
☐ All-purpose cleaner
☐ Liquid laundry detergent
☐ Paper towels
☐ Dryer sheets
Health:
☐ Small first-aid kit
☐ Thermometer
☐ Prescription and over the counter medications
☐ Tissues
Identification:
☐ Health insurance card
☐ License or passport
☐ Copies or scans of additional ID's (birth certificate, Social Security card)
Room supplies:
☐ Fan
☐ Surge protector power strip with on/off switch
☐ Desk or clip lamp
☐ Laundry basket
☐ Waste basket
☐ Mini refrigerator
3.3 cubic feet maximum. One per room. Coordinate with your roommate(s).
School supplies:
☐ Headphones
☐ Notebooks
☐ Scissors
☐ Calendar
☐ Tape
☐ Laptop
Extras: Reusable water bottle, LED string lights, house plant, photos, command strips, small throw rug, sleep mask, ear plugs, desk mirror, small sewing kit, under bed storage (no taller than 30”)
Questions? fye@skidmore.edu
Here's a list of what NOT to bring:
• Alcohol and drug paraphernalia (e.g., pipes, hookahs, beer pong tables, vaporizers)
• Bed risers
• Candles or incense
• Cooking appliances (microwaves, toasters, and hot plates are not permitted. Keurigs are allowed.)
• Extra furniture
• Extension cords or outlet extenders
• Halogen or “octopus” lamps
• Stereo systems or amplifiers
• Tapestries or curtains
• Taxidermy
• Weapons
Your email was created when you set up your Skidmore Account. It follows this format: username@skidmore.edu and is hosted by Microsoft Outlook. Remember, your username does not require “@skidmore”.
There are several ways to check your email, here are three:
• Go to skidmore.okta.com and open the Microsoft Outlook app
• Visit outlook.office.com and log in with your Skidmore Account credentials
• Visit Information Technology’s website, skidmore.edu/IT and review their Knowledge Base articles for ways to set your email up on your phone or computer (will require login).
> You may be prompted to verify your identity using Okta Verify, especially on a new device or Wi-Fi network.
This multi-digit number was emailed to you along with your Skidmore Account setup instructions.
Room and roommate assignments are based on the preferences you submit in your housing questionnaire. Need a housing accommodation?
Visit skidmore.edu/accessibility. The priority deadline is June 23. Late requests may be placed on a waitlist depending on availability. When is tuition due?
Fall semester payments must be submitted by August 15.
Questions? fye@skidmore.edu
Students move in on September 3 (Pre-Orientation) or September 6. You'll receive emails in early and mid-August with your assigned move-in time. You’ll have about two hours to get settled before lunch and programming begins — and yes, that’s plenty of time!
View full academic calendars for 2026-2030 at skidmore.edu/registrar.
Save these 2026-2027 dates:
• September 9: Fall semester begins
• October 2–4: Homecoming and Family Weekend
• November 25–29: Thanksgiving break
• December 19: Fall semester ends
• December 20–January 24: Winter break
• January 26: Spring semester begins
• March 13–21: Spring vacation
• May 14: Spring semester ends
• May 18, 2030: Your anticipated graduation date!
All first-year students living in residence halls are automatically enrolled in the Unlimited Meal Plan. This includes unlimited meals at the dining hall, three guest meal passes per semester, and $50 in dining bucks for concessions.
Allergies or dietary restrictions? Contact Dining Services at 518-580-5850 to meet with the Executive Chef and develop a plan.
Q:
You’ll be assigned a mailbox number in late August through the Residential Life Housing app in Okta. Yes, you can ship packages but please wait until you receive your mailbox number.
Mailing format:
Your name and class year
Mailbox #
Skidmore College 815 North Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-1632