Orientation 2009
News
Last minute Orientation questions: What do I need to do, when do I need to get to Reed, and where do I need to go once I arrive?
Parents, there is still time to sign up!
Though the deadline for the Parent Odyssey was August 1, maybe you forgot to register or are still on the fence, well there is still time to register, at https://info.reed.edu/parents/. Please don't wait to register until you are on campus, as registering ahead of time will speed your time through check in, giving you more time to spend with your student, and enjoy campus. If you need alternative means to register or have other questions, please contact Alumni & Parent Relations.
Dates, dates, and more dates:
Parent Odyssey is August 26 and August 27 and New Student Orientation is August 26–30. Students should plan on being on campus for the beginning of New Student Orientation on Wednesday, August 26 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to move into their dorm room. Those participating in an Odyssey can arrive on Friday, August 21 between 1-5 p.m.
Where do I go once I get to campus?
Check-in will occur in Kaul Auditorium. The most convenient parking for this building is the West parking lot. After checking in, you can drive to your dorm. When you arrive on campus, please be sure to follow some basic security measures: lock your car in the parking lots; don’t leave purses or valuables in sight in your car; do not leave items unattended while you’re unloading.
Humanities 110 for parents:
One of the best ways to understand what your son or daughter will be studying for the next few years is to try it yourself. Jan Mieszkowski, associate professor, German & Humanities, will speak on Homer’s Odyssey as part of the convocation ceremony on Wednesday, August 26 at 3:50 p.m. The following morning, parents who have pre-registered will gather in small groups with professors to discuss the reading material and lecture. In order to participate in Humanities 110 for parents, register online at https://info.reed.edu/parents/, so that we can plan for the appropriate number of professors to lead the parent humanities conferences.
Do I really have to read the entire Odyssey?
Much like your Reedie, you will be expected to do specific reading in preparation for the lecture and conference. While the Odyssey is not on the Hum. 110 syllabus, it is recommended reading and imparts a greater depth of understanding to the stories of Homer’s Iliad. We realize that reading the Odyssey can be a challenge, but we encourage you to read the entire book so that you can participate fully in the conference, similar to what your student will be doing in the upcoming year. The classics department recommends the Robert Fagles, Richmond Lattimore, or Robert Fitzgerald translations.
For ideas about where to explore, go to the Portland Oregon Visitors Association website.
Local Shopping Guide—The unofficial guide to setting up a Reed dorm room
While Portland has a very active small business community with many distinct shopping districts in Southeast and beyond, the time crunch felt during orientation can necessitate one-stop shopping to pick up items that couldn’t be squeezed into the car or didn’t make it into your suitcase. Below are directions to some popular stores. If you are looking for more unique nick-knacks and decorative items, I would hit up the Sellwood, Division, Burnside, and Hawthorne areas.
Bed Bath & Beyond
9918 S.E. Washington Street
There is another Target (9800 S.E. Washington Street) located near this Bed Bath and Beyond. Don’t forget that Reed has provided you with a very nice XL twin bed and a dorm bathroom or two. It’s up to you to decide what you need beyond the basics . . . Drive your car east on Woodstock about 3 miles and merge onto I-205 North. At exit 20, turn right onto the ramp and go less than half a mile before turning right onto S.E. Washington Street.
Best Buy
9630 S.E. 82nd Avenue
All sorts of giant TVs and sub-zero freezers are on display to distract you from the things you really might need. Music, movies, cameras, and all sorts of electronics line the shelves of this store. Take Woodstock east and turn right on 82nd Avenue.
Fred Meyer
3805 S.E. Hawthorne Boulevard
Fred Meyer is a Northwest favorite with an extensive selection of clothing, groceries, and home furnishings. This is the only store on this list easily accessible by bus. From the northeast corner of Woodstock and 39th, board the #75 going north (to St. Johns). The bus runs every nine minutes on weekdays. Get off at Hawthorne, about 15 minutes down the road. Take the #75 south (to Milwaukie) to come home. By car, head east on either Woodstock or Steele and take a left on 39th. Continue along 39th until you reach Hawthorne. You will see Fred Meyer on the northwest corner and there is a parking lot behind the store if you go past the Hawthorne light and turn in on the next street.
Home Depot
10120 S.E. Washington Street
Just under seven miles away, Home Depot has the supplies to meet any building, electrical, or hardware need. While you may not need anything from their spacious garden center, they have fans, furniture, and home décor. Head up the hill and take a left on 39th Avenue. Take a right on Powell (US-26) and continue for about a mile before merging onto I-205 N to Seattle. Take exit 20 and turn right onto S.E. Washington Street.
Target
9000 S.E. Sunnyside Road, Clackamas
A quick 15-minute drive will land you at Clackamas Promenade, a shopping center complete with a Target, sporting goods store, Nordstrom Rack, and various other national shopping outposts. Start out going east on Woodstock for three miles. Merge onto I-205 South toward Oregon City/Salem. Take exit 14 and follow the ramp toward Clackamas Town Center. The Target is located on the southeast side of the center, across the street from the Clackamas Town Center mall.
Wal-Mart
4200 S.E. 82nd Avenue
This is store number 2552 in the nationally numbered network of gargantuan stores. Located about en minutes from campus by car, it could also be a doable bike ride, but Reedies don’t generally make it out that way by bike. We understand that some people take issue with Wal-Mart’s business practices, but we can’t help the convenience of this location. Go east on Woodstock from Reed and turn left onto S.E. 82nd Ave. The store will be on your right in under a mile.
NW 23rd, often called “trendy-third” by locals, is the main street along Nob Hill and the Alphabet District. The Alphabet moniker is rooted in the alphabetical sequence of the east-west streets. Trendy-third is known for the trendy boutiques, restaurants, and pubs lining the streets. Great cafes and people-watching exist on both 23rd and 21st (two blocks east), but only 23rd is home to Urban Outfitters, the Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, and other stores more focused on the modern home than the practical dorm.