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Preparing for Your Arrival

The weeks and months leading up to your arrival in August will be busy ones. We are here to help guide all new students through the steps you need to take before arriving on campus at the end of the summer. If you have any questions, you can email the F&M Orientation Team.

What's Next

May

June

  • June 12: Housing survey made available

  • June 20: Webinar: Student Employment

  • June 21: Academic surveys due

  • Families receive health insurance information and details on the waiver process

  • Language placement exams emailed to students

  • Student employment information available

  • Instructions regarding the housing application come via F&M email

July

August

  • August 8: Webinar: Living on Campus, Part 2: College Houses, Move-In & Orientation Overview

  • August 9, 2024: Fall payment due

  • Student employment assignments emailed to students

  • Registrar鈥檚 office notifies students about AP/IB credits that have been processed

  • Fall course schedules made available to students

  • Room assignment, roommate name and contact information, College House affiliation, and House Dean information emailed to students

  • Mid-August: If you need to ship any items to F&M ahead of your arrival, please  and ship your belongings to them by mid-August. Learn more about Storage Scholars at F&M.

  • August 20: International student arrival

  • August 20: Pre-arrival programs arrival

  • August 23: New student move-in

  • August 23: Parent welcome at 1:30 p.m. in the the 

    Parent welcome will not be live-streamed or recorded.

  • August 23: Convocation at 3:30 p.m. at the 

    Convocation will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend.


  • August 23-27: New student orientation

What You Need to Know

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Course Registration

The Registrar's Office will create your fall course schedule from the courses you select on the academic survey and from the answers you provide on the language, math and science surveys. These surveys will be accessible through your Canvas course. Note that some forms become available at different points during the summer. You can expect to receive your class schedule in early August. Explore our course catalog to see what sort of courses you may be registered for. 

Placement Exams

Information regarding academic placement exams will be available in your Canvas Course and will be emailed to your F&M Gmail account. 

Credit Transfers

  • Advanced Placement (AP) & International Baccalaureate (IB)
    Make sure you have your AP/IB scores and any college transcripts sent directly to the Registrar's Office at F&M by the end of July. As we create your fall schedule, we will adjust it to make sure you are not enrolled in any course for which you will receive AP credit or transfer credit. If we receive score reports or transcripts after the end of July, we may not be able to adjust your final schedule.
  • Earning Credit During Deferral
    For first-year and transfer students with approval to defer their admission, F&M will allow the study of up to two courses per semester at another institution. Should a first-year or transfer student deferring their admission pursue more than two courses, the student would be required to reapply through the transfer admission process. 

Academic Support Resources

  • Tutoring & Academic Support
    A constellation of tutoring and academic support services are available to you at F&M, many of which are located in one central location on campus. We offer academic coaching, writing support, peer advising, subject-specific tutoring, and much more. You can partner with professionals and student peers to develop skills as a purpose-driven learner, build habits for success, and reflect on how your knowledge provides momentum to achieve your goals.
  • Academic Advising
    Students at F&M are paired with a faculty member who acts as an academic adviser, offering support and encouragement as they journey through their academic pursuits at F&M. Faculty advisers are given extensive support and training resources to learn how to provide students with access to the tools they need to thrive. 

  • First-Year Advising Mentors
    As a new student, you will be connected with a first-year advising mentor (FAM) to help you successfully launch your journey at F&M. Your FAM will assist you with onboarding and learning F&M鈥檚 academic culture, help you add or drop a class to choose that perfect schedule, introduce you to many resources available at F&M, talk about the deep questions of life, and provide tips on where to shop for your new College House room. Most importantly, FAMs will be an important resource throughout your entire F&M experience, listening to your story and helping you craft a distinctive academic path that suits your interests.

The Center for Career and Professional Development

F&M鈥檚 Center for Career and Professional Development cultivates professional development experiences that embolden students and alumni to design and navigate fulfilling careers with courage and curiosity. The Career Center is your partner in success before you even step foot on campus 鈥 and continues to be there for you in the months, years and decades after you graduate, as well. 

Pre-Professional Advising

Several pre-professional advising programs are offered through the Career Center. These programs are offered as a supplement to your chosen major.

Athletics, Fitness & Recreation

Diplomat Athletic Sports Teams

Your coaches will be in touch with steps throughout the summer with specific instructions about move-in.

Athlete Pre-Participation Paperwork

In July, you will receive pre-participation paperwork from our Sports Medicine Office. In August, you will receive additional emails related to paperwork that all athletes must file in order to compete at F&M (and required by the NCAA). 



Club Sports & Intramurals

Club sports begin publicizing their seasons during orientation and during the first week or two of classes. They provide information at campus fairs, by email and through printed posters and fliers. Information about registering for intramural programs is typically announced by the F&M Department of Athletics and Recreation in September.
Learn more

Billing, Financial Aid & Student Employment

Tuition, Fees, and Billing

Each student is charged fees that cover tuition, housing, food, and some charges for activities and labs. All charges and fees for each semester are billed in advance and must be paid in full by the specified term due date. Learn more about tuition, fees, and billing at F&M, including payment options and due dates. 

LEARN MORE

Financial Aid

We鈥檙e dedicated to making an F&M education affordable for all. By offering need-based and merit-based financial aid, we鈥檙e able to welcome talented students from all backgrounds. Need-based and merit-based financial aid is not mutually exclusive; you can qualify and receive both. If you鈥檙e admitted to F&M, we will meet 100% of your institutionally determined financial need for all four years on campus. 

If you have any questions about financial aid at F&M or your specific package, please feel free to reach out to your financial aid contact. Your contact is based on the first letter of your last name: 

LEARN MORE ABOUT FINANCIAL AID

Student Employment

If you鈥檙e enrolled in at least three credits per semester (a full-time course load), you are eligible for on-campus employment. If you are awarded Federal Work Study or College Work Option in your financial aid package, you are given priority status as an aided student and are eligible to apply for any position on campus. If you鈥檙e not work-aided, you are still eligible to work on campus, but will have a limited number of positions available to you.

F&M鈥檚 Student Employment Office (SEO) will guide you through the position search and hiring process, and match you with positions where you will learn valuable, transferable skills that will benefit you both at F&M and beyond. If you are work-aided, SEO will send you an invitation to a virtual job fair via your F&M Gmail account.

If you are seeking campus employment, you must bring original, unexpired identification documents with you to campus during move-in. Copies, scans and faxes are not accepted (per federal government requirements). These identification documents are required before you can start any position on campus.

Dining

First-Year Meal Plans

As a first-year, you鈥檙e required to purchase a meal plan unless you are commuting (though you can of course purchase a meal plan if you are!). If you鈥檙e a commuter and want to purchase a meal plan, please contact housing@fandm.edu. Otherwise, your meal plan pricing is automatically enrolled into your tuition details.

How to Access Your Meal Plan

Your meal plan is conveniently attached directly to your F&M student ID card. All you have to do is swipe your card in the dining hall and our retail locations to use a meal or your flex dollars. 



Coming Early for a Sport?

If you鈥檙e an athlete coming early to campus for pre-season training, you won鈥檛 be able to use your meal plan quite yet. Instead, you鈥檒l be fed in the dining hall. Please talk to your athletic advisors if you have any questions.

Dietary Restrictions

The chefs on campus work closely with those who have specific dietary needs due to allergen restrictions, religious affiliation, lifestyle choices or other dietary restrictions.

Dietary Need Due to Allergies

If you require a specific dietary need due to allergies, Simple Servings is a gluten-free station on campus that serves a variety of delicious meals that don鈥檛 include any of the top allergens, with the exclusion of fin-fish. This station is also gluten-free. The entire dining hall is a nut-free facility, and gluten-free options are available in our retail locations.

If you have other dietary restrictions, our chefs and our dietitian work closely with the Office of Student Accessibility Services to assist you with those restrictions to ensure you have nutritious and delicious meals while at F&M.

KIVO: Kosher, International, Vegan, and Organic

If you keep Kosher or Halal, we have an area in the dining hall called , which stands for Kosher, International, Vegan, and Organic. This space is a Star K certified kosher dining facility, and also houses Trellis, our entirely plant-based dining option.

Health, Wellness & Safety

Health Forms

New students need to fill out a health history form indicating personal and family health history, demographic information, tuberculosis assessment, and immunization records, including meningitis vaccine requirements. Completion of this form is mandatory for all new and all transfer students.

This form is available in your . You must log into Canvas using your F&M Gmail. Please follow the instructions on completion and submission of the required forms. You can direct all questions related to health form requirements to studentwellness@fandm.edu.

Once the Student Wellness Center (SWC) has received and processed your forms, they will mark them as complete in your . If the SWC needs additional information, they will let you know. If this is the case, you only need to send what they鈥檝e requested, not the full set of forms again. If you submit your forms and don鈥檛 receive a response, it just means the SWC hasn鈥檛 yet reviewed your forms; there鈥檚 no need to resubmit.

Please note: Pennsylvania State Law requires that all college students residing in a dormitory must either receive the meningitis vaccine (quadrivalent vaccine is the CDC and F&M recommended vaccine), or sign a waiver declining the vaccine for 鈥渞eligious or other reasons.鈥 You will not be able to receive your room key on move-in day without submitting proof of the vaccine or the signed waiver.


Health Insurance

Health insurance coverage is required for all full-time students. You must enroll in F&M鈥檚 student health insurance program if you don鈥檛 have insurance or if your insurance does not provide comparable coverage 鈥 including mental health 鈥 to the school sponsored plan. 

LEARN MORE

Health, Wellness & Safety at F&M

We offer a comprehensive array of health and wellness resources that not only care for you when you鈥檙e feeling unwell, but teach you how to be proactive in your self-care and learn lifelong skills related to healthy living, stress management and more. 

There are also trained, licensed professionals available and ready to support you when needed. Our Department of Public Safety (DPS) is an accredited law-enforcement agency on campus. Our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a Basic Life Support (BLS) unit licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

LEARN MORE

Student Accessibility Services

The Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) works with students who have disabilities to determine reasonable accommodations and ensure that they have equal access to all aspects of their education. Accommodations may include academic, dining, and housing needs.

LEARN MORE

Housing

Housing Application & Room Assignment

You will receive an email to your F&M Gmail in June with instructions on how to complete your housing application online. We will match you with roommates based upon your answers to those questions. Our College House Deans then review assignments and make adjustments to components that our automated process might have overlooked. Your room assignment (including your roommate鈥檚 name and contact information) will be announced in August. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT F&M HOUSING

College Houses

These are not your average dorm! F&M鈥檚 College Houses are lively hubs of intellectual, extracurricular, and social engagement that not only give you a place to hang out, sleep, and study, but also your own special place to belong.

LEARN MORE

Room Details

When you receive your room assignment in August, feel free to explore the specs of our residential facilities so you can get a better idea of what your room will be like.

Explore room details

What to Bring to Campus

One of the most exciting parts of the summer before college is getting everything you鈥檒l want and need for your room. We know you can鈥檛 wait to get started, so check out this list of what we think new students might need. Be sure to also review what items you should not bring to campus!

View what to bring

Renter鈥檚 Insurance

Franklin & 四虎影院 does not cover the cost of your personal belongings if they are stolen or damaged. Students are expected 鈥 and in some cases required 鈥 to obtain renters insurance before moving in to protect their personal items.

Learn more about renter's insurance

Shipping & Storing Your Items

F&M has a partnership with , a service that lightens the burden of moving and storage. Storage Scholars will ship boxes to your house for packing. Once the team receives your belongings, Storage Scholars will store them and later deliver them to campus so they鈥檙e ready and waiting in your room.

LEARN MORE

International Students

We are eager to welcome you to campus! As an international student, there are some additional steps you will need to take as you prepare for your arrival on campus. You can get started with these materials: 

International Handbook

Explore our International Handbook for an overview of everything you need to know before you arrive at F&M.



Logging Into Your International Student Services (ISS) Portal

International Student Services (ISS) at F&M offers professional immigration support, advocating for your academic success at F&M by ensuring you are compliant with U.S. immigration laws and processes. Learn how to log into the ISS Portal, a tool you will use during your time at F&M.



Learn How to Prepare to Apply for Your I-20

Your first step as an F-1 student will be to apply for your Form I-20, 鈥淐ertificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.鈥 Learn more about how to prepare for your I-20.

Please note this link is only accessible if you're logged into your F&M Gmail account. 



Apply for Your F-1 Visa and Prepare for Your Interview

After you have applied for and received your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Student Status), the next step is to apply for your F-1 Student visa. Learn more about how to apply for your F-1 visa and prepare for your interview. 

Please note this link is only accessible if you're logged into your F&M Gmail account. 



Getting to Lancaster From Various Airports

F&M's location in Lancaster offers easy access to several major airports. There is also an Amtrak train station just two miles from campus. Learn more about how you can get to campus after your flight lands.

Learn more

International Student Orientation

August 20, 2024

On August 20, 2024, international students will be welcomed to campus for an early move-in. During International Student Orientation, students will learn about the requirements of their F-1 status, discover how to succeed in F&M's liberal arts community, and meet other international and domestic students from across the globe. International orientation is mandatory for all international students. There is no additional fee for this program.

Travel Checklist

Coming soon!

Technology

Your Net ID and F&M Google Account

After you sent in your enrollment fee, you received an email from us with your NetID and the information you need to access your F&M Google account. Your NetID is unique to you and you will use it to access a variety of computer resources at F&M. Both the NetID and Google account use the same F&M password.

To start using your NetID and F&M Gmail, you will need to claim your account. Please locate that email and follow the instructions to set up your F&M Gmail if you haven't already.

If you're having trouble, please contact our Information Technology Services (ITS) team by calling 717-358-6789 or emailing helpdesk@fandm.edu

Set Up Google 2-Step Verification

Google 2-Step Verification is a requirement for all F&M accounts. You must complete this process within 90 days after your account is created. If you miss the 90-day mark, you will need to reach out to ITS for assistance.

You can find instructions in this . (Your F&M login is required to view document).

Install the Gmail App on Your Phone

If you haven鈥檛 installed the Gmail app on your phone yet, please do so! Our  TechDoc provides the instructions on how to get that done, whether you have an Apple or Android phone.  

Accessing Your Student ID Number

1. Log into using your F&M Net ID and password

If you haven't set up your F&M Net ID, learn how to do so by reviewing "Your Net ID  and F&M Google Account" above.

2.If you're on a desktop computer, select "Navigation" in the blue bar at the top of the screen, then select "My Info.

3. If you're on the MyDiplomat app on a mobile device, select "Menu" in the bottom right-hand corner, then select "My Info."

4. Select the 鈥淢anage Personal Information鈥 icon.

5. You will find your ID number on the left-hand side of the screen beneath your name.

Computers

We often get questions about what type of computer new students should bring to campus. The answer is: it鈥檚 up to you! We recommend bringing a laptop computer that you are comfortable using. If you want to use Windows or Mac, it鈥檚 your choice; we are not an exclusively Apple or PC campus. 

Keep an Eye Out for Savings

Some vendors, such as , , , and  offer students a discount on their products. We include links directly to these discounts on our website. You may also want to consider purchasing an extended warranty or an accidental damage warranty if it is offered to you.

Software & Applications

  • We recommend  as your web browser.
  • F&M uses  including apps such as Gmail, Google Meet, Google Docs, Google Slides, and more. Google Workspace also offers unlimited storage space for any type of file you may wish to store in the cloud, including Microsoft files that you can edit without moving them to your hard drive. 
  • In addition to Google Workspace, F&M provides you with access to Microsoft Office 365 products, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If you want to use any of these Microsoft products, you can sign in to  with your F&M email and password.

Printers

You do not need to bring a printer to campus. F&M's Information Technology Services (ITS) provides multi-function devices for copying, printing, scanning, and sometimes faxing.


Policies

We have over a dozen technology policies that apply to our computer systems depending on your role at the College. One of the most important ones to be aware of is our Acceptable Use Policy. Please review this policy, as it contains information about using our email system, the internet, and other computer resources accessible to you as a student. It also explains how your data is handled.

View all technology policies

Have a Backup Plan

You never know when your hard drive will crash. Having a spare copy of your files is important. We recommend that you subscribe to a third-party data backup service to keep your files safe. Explore  to see what鈥檚 currently available. 

If you prefer not to subscribe to a service, buying an external hard drive is an option, but make sure you perform frequent backups. Google Drive is an alternative backup plan, but be careful 鈥 although Google Drive provides F&M students with unlimited storage, it only keeps only one copy of a file for you. If you delete it, you may be unable to restore it.

Any Questions?

Any additional technology-related questions can be directed to the Help Desk in our Information Technology Services unit. Visit  or email helpdesk@fandm.edu.

Transportation

Cars on Campus

F&M does not allow first-year students to bring vehicles to campus unless a  is approved.

Shuttles & Buses

We offer free on-campus shuttle services to both libraries, several of the residence halls, and various off-campus housing locations. Our shuttles also provide a link to Lancaster, offering free transportation to nearby grocery stores and pharmacies, as well as downtown Lancaster, Target, Walmart, and the mall. We also offer transportation to Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport at the end of each semester for a fee. Local buses of the also serve the F&M campus, and runs buses from Lancaster to New York City on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

A Bicycle Friendly Campus

F&M was designated 鈥楤icycle Friendly鈥 by the National Bicyclist Group. Our bike loan program provides free bicycles for students to use during the semester. Students are also more than welcome to bring their own bikes to campus. There are plenty of outdoor bike racks to store and lock bikes, two bike repair stations on campus with pumps, and two bike shops within a mile of campus, including Common Wheel, a nonprofit bike center led by an F&M alumna.

Move-In Information

Move-In Dates

Move-in day is Friday, August 23!

Some additional move-in dates for athletics and pre-orientation program include:

August 15: Volleyball, Field Hockey, Women鈥檚 Soccer, Men鈥檚 Soccer

August 17: Cross Country

August 19: Pre-Arrival Program: FOOT

August 20: Pre-Arrival Program: Music, PIT, CURB, MIND, International Student Orientation

Sign Up for Move-In Time

In advance of arrival, you will need to sign up for a move-in time. You should have received signup links from F&M Housing. You will sign up for a time slot based on your assigned College House. If you don't know your College House, please contact housing@fandm.edu.

After check-in, move-in starts at 8:30 a.m. You will NOT be able to get into your room before that time. Move-in concludes by 12:45 p.m. If your family plans to arrive after 1 p.m., you will need to contact housing@fandm.edu to arrange for a time to pick up your key.

Traveling to F&M

Explore our recommendations on getting to campus, including driving directions and estimated travel times. You can also use this to explore the campus and its wayfinding tool to find the best ways around campus.

Check-In

Your day will begin by parking at the followed by registration at the Lombardo Welcome Center. Please follow the signs and directions from our parking staff to park in one of the lots on the west side of the ASFC. You will receive further directions when you arrive.

Keys and F&M Student IDs

You will pick up your key and your F&M student ID when you check in. If you have not already submitted a photo, you will have your ID photo taken on arrival day and will wait for your ID card to be completed. You will not receive your key until the ID process is complete. If you have any questions, you can contact access@fandm.edu.

If you have incomplete health forms or financial aid documents, you will not receive your ID and key until you resolve those issues with student health services or the financial aid office.

College Departments Available at Check-In

The departments listed below will have representatives available between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
  • Financial Aid
  • Student Accounts
  • Student Employment Office
  • Card Services
  • Student Wellness Center 

Student Employment Paperwork

Are you planning to have an on-campus job? If so, you鈥檙e required to bring original and non-expired identification documents with you to campus. Scans and photocopies legally cannot be accepted. During move-in day, a staff member of our Student Employment Office will review your documents for authenticity. Once those documents are reviewed and approved, your family can take them back home if you don't want to keep them on campus.

Residence Hall Move-In

After check-in, you will pick up your move-in day parking pass and be directed to your residence hall. Please plan to unload quickly and move your car promptly to expedite move-in for all new students. Carts will be provided at each housing location, and elevator access will be turned on in all locations. After unloading, please move your vehicle to long-term parking at the .

If you have any questions about the arrival process, you can contact movein@fandm.edu.

Student Orientation and Parent Welcome

The formal programs for students and families will begin at 1:30 p.m. on move-in day.

Students can find their orientation schedule in the Ampersand app.

Our parent welcome program will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the . You鈥檒l learn about the purpose of new student orientation, the student code of conduct, how you can collaborate with F&M staff, how you can become involved with F&M, and your role as a parent of a new college student in charge of their future and academics.

Parent welcome will not be live-streamed or recorded.

2024 Convocation

Immediately following our parent welcome program is the 2024 Convocation Ceremony beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the . Convocation is a longstanding F&M tradition that brings the campus community together to celebrate and welcome the incoming class and transfer students and kick off the opening of the academic year. 

Convocation will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend.

Is Your Family Planning to Stay in Lancaster?

They can stay at hotels near campus and grab a bite from one of Lancaster鈥檚 more than 100 restaurants, cafes and eateries, featuring food from around the world! Explore our recommendations, including our and partners that offer a special rate for F&M visitors.

Learn more 禄

Webinars

We hosted webinars throughout the summer for new students and their families to introduce what you need to know about living, learning, and belonging at F&M. You can find recordings of these webinars here.

How to Partner in Your Student's Education

Held On May 16

This webinar is for new parents and families.

College transitions are exciting and challenging. Our first webinar covered FERPA (The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and provided opportunities to learn more about how to support students as they transition to college life.


Fall Courses: Making Your Choices

Held On May 23

We used this time to discuss beginning your academic journey at F&M, including the academic surveys you are required to complete, how First-Year Advising Mentors (FAMs) can support you, and more.


Pre-Professional Advising

Held On May 30

F&M's Center for Career and Professional Development offers several pre-professional advising programs for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, law, or science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). This webinar covered how you'll receive personalized guidance on recommended courses to take and specialized programming, resources, and more to help you develop the skills and experiences you鈥檒l need to be a competitive applicant to professional school.

Student Employment

Held On June 20

During this webinar, we discussed what you need to know about student employment at F&M, including:

  • How and when you can access postings for vacant jobs
  • How work-aided students can prepare for the Virtual Student Employment Fair (to be held on Wednesday, July 17)
  • The support you can expect to receive from the Offices of Student Employment (SEO) and the Center for Career and Professional Development during your job search


Living on Campus, Part 1: Housing, Dining, Transportation & Safety

HELD ON July 18

During this webinar, we discussed housing, dining, public safety and more.

 

Living on Campus, Part 2: College Houses, Move-In & Orientation Overview

HELD ON August 8 

During this webinar, we discussed the College House life at F&M and what to expect on move-in day and during orientation.

Discover Your New Home: Lancaster

F&M鈥檚 extraordinary home city of Lancaster is a rich hub of arts and culture filled with experiences for every taste and preference 鈥 all within safe walking distance of campus.

Explore the city 禄