What to expect
Calvin’s orientation programs have three objectives:
- To introduce you to Calvin's purpose, people, and programs
- To help ensure your smooth transition to college
- To prepare you academically for your years at Calvin
International Passport is designed along two tracks—one for you and one for your family members. You’ll attend a few of the sessions together. Here’s a sampling.
Participate in:
- Academic advising and placement tests, so you can plan your fall schedule
- Campus worship and group activities
- A trip to Lake Michigan
Learn about:
- The cultural transition to North America
- Living in the residence halls or off-campus
- Calvin’s core curriculum, your major, and academics
- The transition to college
Hear from:
- Calvin’s President
- A panel of faculty members
Before you arrive
- Register yourself and your family members for the program on e-Enroll
- Pay your enrollment deposit, if you haven’t already
- Be sure you have received three confirmation emails from the Student Development Office:
- the first, two weeks following your registration
- the second, one month prior to International Passport
- the third, one week prior to International Passport
- Fill out your travel arrival form if you need us to pick you up from the airport, bus station or train station.
Travel Plans
Please plan to arrive on Thursday, August 23. While students may also arrive on Friday, August 24, by 2:00 p.m., coming on Thursday will give you the opportunity to participate in a campus and city tour and allow for flight delays. If necessary, someone from Calvin will pick you up from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport or Grand Rapids bus station.
- Please note that you will need to find your own transportation from Chicago or Detroit to Grand Rapids. The most convenient way is by a connecting flight. It is not recommended to take a taxi, as it is very expensive.
- If you arrive before August 23, you will need to stay at the Prince Conference Center or other accommodations at an additional expense. Be sure to make reservations in advance. As soon as you know your travel plans, let us know by submitting the travel arrival form.
Checking-In
Upon arrival follow the road signs to the residence halls. You will check-in at Schultze Eldersveld. Make your way to the front lobby of the hall where you'll:
- check-in
- obtain a resource packet
- receive a room assignment if staying on campus
- receive a personalized schedule
Accommodations
For Students:
If you choose to stay on campus during Passport you will be placed with a roommate and suite mates in a residence hall designated for students only.
For Parents:
See our Parents & Family International Passport page for information.
Meals:
All meals are served in Knollcrest Dining Hall and require your International Passport nametag for entrance. Meals begin at lunch on Thursday, August 24 and continue through Thursday, August 29th.
Dates
2012 Session: Friday, August 24 - Wednesday, August 29
International Passport officially begins with dinner at 6:30 pm on Friday, August 24. We strongly suggest students plan to arrive on campus on Thursday, August 23, as there are several important pre-orientation activities scheduled on Friday--a trip downtown, campus tours, and setting up your banking. Please DO NOT plan to arrive later than 2pm on August 24 or before August 23. Housing is NOT available before August 23.
Schedule
Download PDF schedule
Registration
Register online using e-Enroll Go! »
Note: If you need to make changes to your orientation registration, fill out the Orientation Changes webform.
Orientation Costs
A $350 orientation fee will be charged to your student account in early September. This fee covers costs associated with orientation, with the majority covering meals.
