What is Beginnings?
What Will Happen At Beginnings?
When Do I Attend?
What If I Need To Change My Date?
What If I Am Unable To Attend Beginnings?
What do I have to do to prepare to attend Beginnings?
Where Should I Go?
Should Parents/Guardians Attend Beginnings?
When am I going to know what courses I will be taking in the Fall?
What should I do if my course schedule is not what I wanted?
What is Beginnings?
Beginnings is a one day program designed to help you feel more comfortable about starting your first year at F&M. You can think of it as your first official activity as a Franklin & Marshall student. During the day, you will complete important tasks that are part of getting ready for the first year of college. You can also expect to meet some of your new classmates (including members of your college house), a few current students, the faculty don and prefect of your college house, and a faculty member who will work with you on your courses for the fall semester. In addition, the day offers opportunities for you to learn more about programs and activities that interest you. This year Beginnings is offered on three different days, May 14, 16, or 18.
What Will Happen At Beginnings?
You will be given a final schedule for the day once you arrive. Registration and check in takes place from 8:00-8:30 a.m. and the official Welcome begins at 8:45 a.m.
Introductions. You will have the opportunity to meet members of the Class of 2015, the faculty don and prefect of your college house, and other members of the college community.
Academic Advising and Course Preference Selection. You will have time to meet with a faculty academic adviser who will assist you with your course requests for the fall semester.
Math Placement. Prior to coming to Beginnings, it is very important that you complete the "Mathematics Questionnaire" on the New Student Forms website (F&M authorization required) . You will also have an opportunity to ask questions about math placement during beginnings. Also see Common Academic Questions.
Foreign Language Placement. If you are planning to enroll in a language in the fall, you will be asked to take a Language Placement Exam at Beginnings.
Housing Registration. You should plan to complete the "Housing questionnaire" and the "Room and Food Services Contract" on this website before coming to Beginnings; you will have a chance to learn more about the college houses and the house system. You will also meet with a student member of your college house to begin the process of matching you with a first-year roommate.
An Information Fair. Ask questions of the Office of College House Administration, Health Services, Student Aid, the Business Office, Student Activities, Study Abroad, Athletics and many others. Representatives from local banks will also be available. The majority of the varsity coaches will be available and expecting to see you.
ID Photos. You will have your official F&M ID Card photo taken during Beginnings.
Learn About Computers @ F&M. Talk to someone from F&M Computing about your needs.
When Do I Attend?
You will be pre-assigned a date to attend that will appear on your New Student Reply Form (F&M authorization required). The date also will appear on a Beginnings letter from Dean O'Day that you will receive in the mail.
What If I Need To Change My Date?
If you would prefer a different date, use the pull-down menu on the New Student Reply Form (F&M authorization required) to select one of the other dates offered.
What If I Am Unable To Attend Beginnings?
If you are unable to attend Beginnings, you are likely an international student living abroad at this time or a domestic student where distance precludes your attendance. In either case, we obviously realize that you are unable to attend the program. Incoming students who are not able to attend Beginnings will complete all of the same forms and will be contacted by a staff member in the Office of College House Administration to verify you selections and to answer any questions. If this pertains to you, please check the appropriate button and complete the New Student Reply Form (F&M authorization required), by logging into the Beginnings website through this page.
What do I have to do to prepare to attend Beginnings?
Prior to coming to Beginnings, it is critical that you complete the New Student Reply Form (F&M authorization required), complete the Mathematics Questionnaire, and do all you can do to complete the Registration Worksheet. All of this is explained in detail under Common Academic Questions.
In the mailing you received, there are important forms you will need to return to the College, such as the Health Forms and the CIRP survey. If you are attending Beginnings, please bring them with you. Otherwise, please return them as soon as possible to the College.
Where Should I Go?
Please proceed to the parking lot adjacent to College Square on Harrisburg Pike. If you park on the street, please be aware of the street cleaning signs to avoid being ticketed. Registration will take place in the Lobby of the Barshinger Life Sciences and Philosophy Building. For directions to campus, as well as lodging information, visit The Campus Visit Guide.
Should Parents/Guardians Attend Beginnings?
Yes, there are important information sessions for parents as well as students during Beginnings. Parents will also receive an itinerary upon registration.
When am I going to know what courses I will be taking in the Fall?
Your course schedule will be mailed in early August.
What should I do if my course schedule is not what I wanted?
F&M guarantees students that they can take the courses they need to graduate in four years. We cannot promise, however, that every student can enroll in every course that they request. Before course schedules are mailed, each one will be reviewed to ensure that you have received the courses you need to pursue your expressed academic interests. You will also have the opportunity to meet with your academic adviser and address your concerns during Fall Orientation. No schedule changes will be processed during the summer.
