PREPARING FOR ORIENTATION WEEK
- All MEM and MF students are expected to attend and participate fully in Orientation. Students must attend the sessions flagged as mandatory in the orientation schedule.
- Wear your sustainable name tag throughout the week, including to social events. Student leaders and staff have been asked to wear their name tags as well.
- Keep your mobile device handy and upload your photo for your Mobile DukeCard before coming to campus. You will need your Mobile DukeCard to access classrooms and buildings on campus.
- Academic advising. Before Orientation, students should schedule a meeting with their academic advisor on Monday or Tuesday afternoon and participate in their group advising sessions on Monday after lunch. Advisors can be reached by email. By mid-August, students will receive an academic advising assignment letter with their advisor’s name and contact information.
- Students who were awarded an assistantship should participate in assistantship interviews this week.
- Prepare for warm weather. It is likely to be hot outside. Stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle. Dress comfortably and bring layers. Students are encouraged to use sunscreen and bring sunshades.
- Students must park in their designated parking space during Orientation. The school will not provide parking. Be sure to purchase a parking permit before you come to Durham, should you need one. Typically, after 5:00 PM, students with a valid permit can park closer to Grainger Hall/LSRC. The Parking and Transportation Office will mail you a permit in advance. The university offers many alternative transportation options to help you reduce your carbon footprint.
- Student Health will host an immunization event to help students meet immunization requirements.
- The Nicholas School provides kitchenettes on each floor in Grainger Hall, each with a refrigerator, sink, and microwave for student use. Students are responsible for keeping the kitchenettes, refrigerators, sinks, and microwaves clean and odor-free. Snack and drink vending machines are available on the basement level of the LSRC, A wing.
- Building Access. Keep your Mobile DukeCard with you at all times. Grainger Hall and the A wing of the LSRC are accessible 24/7 for Nicholas School students with a valid Duke mobile ID. Both buildings are open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM (or thereabouts) Monday through Friday. After 6:00 PM on weekdays and weekends, these buildings can only be accessed by your Mobile DukeCard – this applies to interior and exterior doors. The lab spaces (1104, 1105, and 2107 GH; A153 LSRC) are kept locked at all times and access is by ID card only. Do not prop open any locked or card-access doors, as this will sound an alarm and summon security.
- The Graduate and Professional Student Services Office compiled resources from Student Affairs and other Duke Units that might be useful to you this week and beyond. Check out these resources at your leisure.
- Connect with your ‘buddy’ during Orientation or the first week of classes.
- After the Honor Code Orientation, submit the Honor Code Statement by Friday, August 23.
- Prioritize your health and wellness throughout the week and the semester.
- Connect with new and returning students. Build your social network.
- Explore the Duke and Durham communities.
- Share and upload your orientation photos!
- Enjoy the experience and Have Fun!