Commuter Orientation

Fall Orientation for Commuter Students

We are excited to welcome you to Merrimack’s campus for our Fall Orientation sessions for commuter students! We have a full calendar of activities planned for you and your family.

We are excited to welcome you to Merrimack’s campus for our single-day Orientation session! We have a full calendar of activities planned for you and your family. 

Looking for a different Orientation session?

Commuter Student Orientation Schedule

Fall Orientation for commuter students is from Friday, August 23, to Sunday, August 25, 2024.

We have a full schedule of Orientation activities planned for you. You’ll get acclimated to campus, meet your fellow Warriors and have some fun.

Reference the schedule below to guide you through the daily sessions. Check your Merrimack email for additional communication from the Orientation team regarding group numbers and your assigned Orientation Leaders. For the most up-to-date locations, please download CORQ and review the Orientation events. Commuter students should plan to park in Lot C during Orientation days.

If you have any questions, contact your Orientation Leader or email [email protected].

Additional Opportunities During Your Sessions
  • Engagement Showcase – 12-1:45 p.m.
    You and your family can see the various campus offices, including student employment, available to you when you return in the fall.
  • Academic Resource Fair – 2:30-5:15 p.m.
    Learn more about our academic resources, including the Academic Success Center where you can discuss changes to your schedule and/or major.
  • Decompression Zone On the Go 
    You can take a break and practice some wellness activities before rejoining the Orientation sessions or groups.

Friday, Aug. 23, 2024

Time

Activity

7:30 a.m.-5 p.m

Mack Card Photos: Warrior One Stop

For students who have not uploaded their MackCard photo.        

9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Breakfast and Lunch: Sparky’s Place

Complimentary for students and their families.

3-4 p.m

Merrimack Legacies Welcome: Arcidi Center

We honor incoming Legacy students carrying on a proud family tradition at Merrimack College. This includes those having a grandparent, parent, or sibling that has graduated or is currently attending Merrimack College. RSVP to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations is required.

4-5 p.m.

Commuter Check-In: Rogers Center for the Arts Patio

Commuter students should check in here to receive their MackCards and meal tickets prior to attending the Welcome BBQ.

4:30-6 p.m.

Welcome BBQ: O’Brien Plaza

Join the Merrimack College community for a Welcome BBQ to kick off Fall Orientation. Following the BBQ, students will say goodbye to their families and begin their Orientation events.

6-7 p.m.

Group Time: Various Campus Locations

Students will meet their Orientation Leaders in O’Brien Plaza before the start of the evening activities. Groups will be dismissed from the BBQ.

8:30 p.m.

First Class Bash: Monican Basketball Court

Join fellow classmates for games, giveaways, food, and other fun activities!

Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024

Time

Activity

9:30 a.m.

Commuter Student Breakfast: Sparky's Place

Commuter students will discuss their experiences living off-campus and opportunities available to all students. Commuter students will meet with their Commuter Advisor, connect with other commuter students, and learn about resources and upcoming programs.

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Campus Safety: MPR, Sakowich

11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

Lunch with Groups: Sparkys

1-2:45 p.m.

I am Warrior: Groups 8-14

This session is a two part session. In the first, training we will delve into the diverse aspects of personal identity, including race, gender, and socioeconomic status, to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of how these identities influence our interactions and perspectives. We will then move into a panel discussion with current Merrimack students regarding their experiences becoming a Warrior.


Wellness Activities with the Wellness Peer Educators: Groups 1-7

Meet your Wellness Peer Educator and take a moment to learn about some of the supportive services available at Merrimack. Participate in a sampling of activities hosted by your WPE contact, get to know them as a peer-to-peer support, and assist in building a campus culture of wellbeing, resilience, and self -advocacy.

3-5 p.m.


I am Warrior: Groups 1-7

This session is a two part session. In the first, training we will delve into the diverse aspects of personal identity, including race, gender, and socioeconomic status, to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of how these identities influence our interactions and perspectives. We will then move into a panel discussion with current Merrimack students regarding their experiences becoming a Warrior.


Wellness Activities with the Wellness Peer Educators: Groups 8-14

Meet your Wellness Peer Educator and take a moment to learn about some of the supportive services available at Merrimack. Participate in a sampling of activities hosted by your WPE contact, get to know them as a peer-to-peer support, and assist in building a campus culture of wellbeing, resilience, and self -advocacy.

5-6:30 p.m.

Dinner with Your Group: Sparky’s Place

6:30-9 p.m.


Back to School Shopping Salem Plaza (Salem, NH)

Please RSVP on the Corq App if you would like to attend this trip.

8-10 p.m.

Night Event: LED Fest: St. Clare Court

Join us in celebrating with games like Mini Golf, and LED cornhole, connect four and frisbee and cool down for the weekend with a snowcone from Kona ice!

Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024

Time

Activity

8-10 a.m.

Breakfast: Sparky's Place

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Orientation Olympics

The talk of who is the best orientation group comes to an end with the Orientation Olympics. Work with your group to complete challenges and go head to head with the other orientation groups to settle this debate once and for all.

12:30-2 p.m.

Nourishing New Beginnings

This is an event to welcome and support all BIPOC, first generation, LGBTQIA+, and disabled students. During this lunch faculty, staff and upperclassmen students who share these identities will be in attendance to engage with you and answer any questions you might have about our community.


OR


Lunch with Groups: Sparky’s Place

2-3 p.m.

Compass Student Meeting: Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher

This session is for students within the Compass program.

2 p.m.

Group Time with Orientation Leaders: Various Locations

3 p.m.

A Deeper Connection with Mya Kermelewicz

Join Mya, founder of MK Prevention Services for “A Deeper Connection” to embrace your voice and help create a safe and empowered campus! From personal stories of dating violence to sexy ways to ask for consent and mental health coping skills, she covers it all. You will have the opportunity to dive into important topics and ask any questions you need answered to have a powerful first year and beyond.

5-6 p.m.

Mass: Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher

Experience how the Merrimack community gives praise and thanks to God. Students of all faiths are welcome.

5-7 p.m.

Dinner: Sparky’s Place

6 p.m.

Campus Ministry Ice Cream Social: Gladstone Plaza

Enjoy an ice cream social sponsored by Campus Ministry and learn more about what they offer on campus.

Connect With Us

Social Media

Get to know your future classmates and stay up to date on what’s happening at Merrimack.
Orientation Instagram
Office of Student Involvement Instagram

Campus Events Calendar

Programming throughout the fall to connect with your new classmates. View the Campus programming calendar

Mack Chat: Ask Me Anything!

Our chatbot, Mack, is your go-to for any questions you have. You ask! We’ll answer! (Tip: look at the bottom right corner of this page.)

Meet the Team

Our Orientation team is here for you. Stay in touch – we can’t wait to see you in person! Meet the Team