What to expect
Calvin's PASSPORT orientation program has 3 main 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
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
Learn about:
- 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
- Current upperclassmen students
Before you arrive
- Register both yourself and your family members for the program on e-Enroll (see the "Registration" tab)
- Pay your enrollment deposit, if you haven't already
- Be sure you have received three confirmation emails from the Student Development Office (sent to your Calvin email account):
- the first, two weeks following your registration
- the second, one month prior to your session
- the third, one week prior to your session
- Print out driving directions and a campus map (see our Information & Resources page)
Checking in
Upon arrival follow the road signs to the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex. Make your way to the turn-around in front of the fieldhouse where you will:
- check-in
- obtain a resource packet
- receive a room assignment if staying on campus
- receive a personalized schedule
PASSPORTS I-II check in:
- Check-in is between 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. on the first day of PASSPORT
- Early check-in is between 7:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. on the evening before PASSPORT. Check-in is located at the turn around at the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex. Students must request early arrival on their registration. Please contact us if you have already registered and would like to arrive early.
PASSPORT III move-in and Check-in:
- If you are a residential student, move-in is scheduled between 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on August 26. PASSPORT begins later in the afternoon on August 26th.
- Check-in is between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on August 26.
- If you need to move in early (the evening of August 25) you may move in between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Accommodations
If you choose to stay on-campus during PASSPORT, you will be placed with a roommate and suitemates in a residence hall designated for students only. If your parents are coming to PASSPORT, they will have their own room in a separate residence hall designated for parents only.
If you are attending PASSPORT III, you will move into your permanent residence hall when you arrive.
There is no charge to stay in the residence hall for students or parents. If you choose not to stay in the residence hall, your PASSPORT fee will not decrease.
What to bring:
- Toiletries
- Fan (optional) - We do provide fans that can be rented for a small fee; however, availability is on a first come, first served basis.
- Comfortable shoes
- Casual clothing
- Umbrella (optional)
- Backpack/Day bag
- Alarm Clock (optional)
Pillows, linens, and towels are provided for you in the residence halls--you do not need to bring them
Meals:
All meals are served in Knollcrest Dining Hall and require your PASSPORT name tag for entrance. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided on your first day as well as breakfast and lunch on the second day.
Dates & Schedule
Dates
- PASSPORT I - July 1 (8:00am -11:00pm), July 2 (8:00am - 2:30pm)
- PASSPORT II - July 18 (8:00am -11:00pm), July 19 (8:00am - 2:30pm)
- PASSPORT III - August 26 (8:00am-11:00pm) - August 28 (9:00am-12:00pm)
Schedule
Download the following printable PDF schedules for detailed, hour-by-hour events listings:
Steps to register
1) Choose from one of four PASSPORT sessions this summer:
- PASSPORT I - July 1-2
- PASSPORT II - July 18-19
- PASSPORT III - August 26-28 (designated for students and families who must travel long distances)
PASSPORT III occurs immediately prior to the time when all new students must report to Calvin. This session is planned intentionally to accommodate new students who live a considerable distance from Grand Rapids and cannot make two trips.
2) Register online using e-Enroll Go! »
Register early to increase the chances you'll get into the session you want. Preference will be given to students who apply before May 1.
If you need to make changes to your Orientation registration, fill out the Orientation Changes webform.
Did you sign-up for an early check-in?
Upon arrival follow the road signs to the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex. Make your way to the turn-around by the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex where you'll check in, obtain a resource packet, receive a room assignment if staying on-campus, and receive a personalized schedule.
PASSPORTS I-II early check-in:
- Early check-in is between 7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. on the evening before PASSPORT. Check-in is located at the turn-around at the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex.
- For students and families arriving the night before PASSPORT there will be refreshments and activities offered in the evening. Please note that meals will not begin until breakfast the following morning.
Note: PASSPORT III does not have early check-in.
Orientation costs
A $225 orientation fee will be charged to your student account in early September. This fee covers costs associated with orientation, with the majority covering meals. Note that additional costs are associated with Experiential Orientation. Up to two adult family members can attend at no additional fee; additional family members will be charged $50 each.
