Class of 2029!
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 2: 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: alumni.skidmore.edu/fyeoptin.
Not in the Class of 2029 Discord yet?
Scan the QR code to start connecting with your new classmates
■ ACADEMICS
May 15 Academic interest form due
May 15 ........ Scribner Seminar preferences due
May 22 Complete writing (DSP) and quantitative reasoning (QR) diagnostics
June 1 ......... Academic accommodations application opens (if needed)
June 2–27 ..... Meet virtually with your summer advisor
June 24–25 Register for fall classes
■ HOUSING & HEALTH
June 2 ......... Housing application opens
June 20 Housing application due
July 14 ........ Health forms due
July 21 ........ 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 29 Opportunity Program students (by invitation)
Varies ......... Fall athletes (check with your coach)
August 18 ...... FYE London students (for on-campus orientation)
August 25 International students (by invitation)
August 28 ..... Pre-Orientation participants (optional)
August 31 All other new students
■ 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 2: FYE Checklist opens
☐ May 15: 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 15: 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.
☐ 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 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.
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 to 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.
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.
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.
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 21 only if your health forms have been received by July 14.
Pre-Orientation offers a chance to connect with peers, faculty, and staff before New Student Orientation begins. Registration opens June 2 and closes July 15. Additional fees apply and need-based scholarships are available.
Learn more: skidmore.edu/preorientation
dates and deadlines? skidmore.edu/fye/
☐ June 20: Housing application due
☐ June 24 or 25: 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 2029 summer reading will be Stay True by Hua Hsu, a Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir on friendship, grief, identity, and belonging.
U.S. students will receive a print copy by mail. International students will be emailed a link to access the e-book.
☐ July 14: Student health forms due
Skidmore (and New York State law) requires completed health and immunization records before you can attend class, participate in the London FYE Program, join Pre-Orientation programs, or play varsity athletics. Log into Okta and go to the Health Services app to complete your forms.
If your last physical was before August 2024, schedule a new exam ASAP to meet the deadline.
☐ July 14: 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: Registration for Pre-Orientation closes
☐ July 21: Housing assignments released
Only if health forms have been received by July 14
☐ 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.
☐ July 1 – August 31: Register your vehicle
Planning to bring a car to campus? All vehicles must be registered in advance. Log into Okta and go to the Ticketrak Parking app.
☐ July 15 – August 31: Complete Reflection and Projection (RAP) goals exercise
As you prepare for life at Skidmore, take time to reflect on your goals — both academic and personal. Complete this short exercise in your FYE Checklist in the Skidmore Student System.
☐ August 1: Deadline to enroll in or waive health insurance plan
☐ August 15: Skidmore ID photo due
☐ 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 28: 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 28: Pre-Orientation first-year student move-in
☐ August 31: Move-in for first-year students not participating in Pre-Orientation.
☐ August 31: Reflection and Projection (RAP) goals exercise due
☐ August 31: Vehicle registration due
☐ August 31 – September 2: New Student Orientation skidmore.edu/orientation
☐ September 2: New Student Convocation and First Scribner Seminar Meeting
☐ September 3: 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.
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 the author to campus on Monday, September 29.
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 2029 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 16. 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 August 28 (Pre-Orientation) or August 31. 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 2025–29 at skidmore.edu/registrar.
Save these 2025–2026 dates:
• September 3: Fall semester begins
• October 17–19: Homecoming and Family Weekend
• November 26–30: Thanksgiving break
• December 19: Fall semester ends
• December 20 – January 17: Winter break
• January 20: Spring semester begins
• March 7–15: Spring break
• May 8: Spring semester ends
• May 19, 2029: 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.
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