Lewis & ClarkCollege of Arts & Sciences

New Student Orientation

Frequently Asked Questions

Balloons at PioFairQ: When do I hear about my hall and roommate assignments?

A: The mailing with your room and roommate assignments will be sent on July 16, 2010. You can expect the mailing to arrive shortly thereafter.

Q: How do I find out the balance on my student account and how do I settle my account?

A: To check the balance of your student account you can use WebAdvisor. Click "students" and then under the heading "Financial Information" click "My Account Statement."

For information on settling your student account visit "Settling Your Account".

Q: How do I set up e-mail?

A: You can set up your e-mail on IT's Account Management page. Click on "Create E-mail Account."

Q: Can I register for language classes during my registration appointment over the summer?

A: You can only register for foreign language classes once you have taken the placement exam in the language you would like to study. If you are taking French or Spanish you can take the language exam online. If you are interested in taking a language other than Spanish or French you will take your placement exam during New Student Orientation.

Q: I have no idea what my major is going to be, is that a problem?

A: That is not a problem. If you do not know what major you are going to select, you should take classes that interest you and see where you end up. However, there are some majors that you should start in your first semester. You can find more information on these majors and what classes to start with here. If you are considering one of the majors that you should start early then you should sign up for those classes and you can decide later in your college career. You are asked to declare your major after the second semester of your sophomore year.

Q: How are registration appointments determined?

A: Students register for one class at a time (in rounds) because otherwise the first students that register would get all of their first choices and the last students that register would get what was left over.  Remember that at Lewis & Clark, class sizes are small so that you'll have more direct interaction with the faculty, and this means that there aren't an unlimited number of seats in a class and the more popular classes will fill up.  You will most likely be able to take a closed class in another semester.  By registering in rounds, every student has a more likely chance at getting the some of the most popular courses.

Q: How do I register for Exploration & Discovery?

A: You will be sent notification asking you to submit a preference registration form for the upcoming fall semester. The preference form is located on the E&D registration webpage. The form is then sent to the Program Coordinator who will process the information.

In October, you will submit a preference form selecting preferences for the upcoming spring semester. Each semester you will be given the opportunity to select five preferences from the sections/faculty listed.

Q: Can I change my class schedule if I need to?

A: Yes you can change your class schedule. It might be difficult to get into classes you want to take after everyone has already registered but if certain classes are not working you can work with the Registrar, professors, and your advisor to figure out your schedule.

Q: If I go on a New Student Trip before Orientation can I move my stuff into my residence hall room before the trip?

A: No. You cannot move your belongings into your dorm room prior to the first day of orientation. Neither can your parents. If you are going on a New Student Trip you will be able to store your belongings securely in College Outdoors storage.

Q: Can I send packages to the school before my arrival so my belongings are there when I get there?

A: Yes. Beginning the week prior to orientation you and your parents can send packages to the College with your name and preferably with your HALL ASSIGNMENT on the box. Boxes that arrive prior to orientation will be placed in your room for you by orientation student leaders.

Q: Is there wireless on campus?

A: Yes, there is wireless on campus although the entire campus is not yet wireless. You can access wireless internet in the Howard residence hall and in Tamarack in the forest complex. Most all of the academic buildings have wireless access. The campus does have plans to go entirely wireless. For now, you can view the Wireless Map of current wireless locations.

Q: Do I have to have a meal plan?

A: Yes, a meal plan is obligatory when you live on campus. Our food service provider, Bon Appetit, has a twenty year history of working cooperatively with students and staff to offer excellent quality, variety and presentation of food service on our campus. They are open to suggestions and eager to meet the needs of Lewis & Clark students. If you have a medically prescribed diet that our food service cannot provide for you, an exemption to the meal plan may be in order. Complete procedure guidelines for exemption are available from the Office of Campus Living.

Q: What type of linens do I need?

A: All mattresses are all extra-long twin. You will want to bring a mattress pad, sheets, pillows, pillow cases and a comforter.

Q: If I am coming to school via the train or airplane and don't have a ride to school, how do I get to school?

A: If you need a ride from the train station or airport you can fill out the arrival form on the Arrival Information page. NSO Leaders can pick you up from the train station or airport if you let us know in advance.

Q: What should I bring to school?

A: Check out the What to Bring page. And remember, we have stores out here in Oregon. Better to under-pack and buy things here than scare your roommate away with too much stuff.

Contact Us

email nso@lclark.edu

voice 503-768-7182

Student Director Molly O’Donnell

New Student Orientation
0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Road, MSC 19
Portland, Oregon 97219