1) What happens during Orientation?

Our New Student and Transfer Orientation Program are specifically designed to help you in your transition to MCLA.  During our orientation program, you will get to know other new students, meet faculty and staff, and register for classes for the Spring 2008 semester!

Parents are encouraged to attend Orientation but are not mandated to come. We do provide a Parents Program during the January Orientation Program to help our parents gain a better perspective of what their students will encounter as a new student at MCLA. This Orientation program will discuss the college’s policies & procedures, dinning services, clubs & organizations, public safety, and much more!

2) When will I receive information regarding Orientation?

After you have paid your admissions deposit you will be sent a letter from our office with details concerning the Summer Orientation Program. Letters will be mailed out the week of May 5th. In order to reserve a spot for the Summer Orientation Program please complete the reservation form that will be mailed to you and return it to MCLA, Annie Ruvolo, Coordinator of Orientation & Student Activities, 375 Church St., North Adams, MA 01247. We cannot accommodate students who do not make a reservation for the program.

3) Do we provide housing the night before Orientation?

We do not provide overnight accommodations for any students or parents the night before the orientation program. Please plan accordingly.

4) How do I register for Orientation, and when is registration due?

After you have paid your admissions deposit you will be sent a letter from our office with details concerning the Summer Orientation Program. Letters will be mailed out the week of May 5th. In order to reserve a spot for the June Orientation Program please complete the reservation form that will be mailed to you and return it to MCLA, Annie Ruvolo, Coordinator of Orientation & Student Activities, 375 Church St., North Adams, MA 01247.

5) Who should I contact if I change my major prior to Orientation?

If you decide to change your major prior to attending New Student Orientation, it is VERY important that you contact the Office of Student Development, 413-662-5129, prior to your arrival. This will allow us to place you in the proper major for advising and registration.

6) Do I need to take placement testing?

Placement testing is scheduled during MCLA’s New Student Orientation Program in order to identify the most appropriate level of classes for entering students. 

All first year students entering the College are required to complete placement testing. The placement tests include: A written essay, mathematics test, reading comprehension and a modern language test. The modern language tests are in Spanish, French and Italian. Students who have completed the equivalent of fours years of a language while in high school are waived of the College’s language requirement.

Transfer students with less than twelve credits will be required to complete placement testing. If you are a student who has less than twelve credits please call Bob Bouquet in the Learning Services Center at (413) 662-5386 by January 10, 2007 to confirm which placement tests you will need to take.

Should you have questions please call Bob Bouquet in the Learning Services Center (413) 662-5386.

7) Where and when is check-in for Orientation?

Check-in for the Summer Orientation Program will be on the Taconic Lawn

Check-in time is from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. on the day of your assigned session. Please arrive at check-in as soon as possible! If you have parents/guests attending with you, they will also need to check-in.

During check-in, you will be given an up-to-date schedule and other Orientation materials.

8) Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

If you or your parents/guests have additional questions regarding our New Student & Transfer Orientation Program, please call the Orientation Office at 413-662-5129.  Our office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.