Reed Online Orientation Modules, Pre-Arrival Registration, and Important Dates
Dear student,
We are so excited that you have chosen Reed, and we hope to make your journey here as smooth as possible.
Throughout the summer, we will be sending regular emails to provide you with key information. We’ll also remind you of important dates and share helpful links.
Upcoming Action Items
Over the summer, we will send you three online Orientation modules with information about academics, student life, and campus and community resources. All three online Orientation modules should be completed before the first day of in-person general Orientation on August 24.
You will also need to complete a series of new student forms. These forms have two major deadlines: June 1 and July 1. Some of the actions you will need to take by June 1 include submitting proof of required vaccinations, submitting disability and accessibility accommodation requests, and applying for housing.
Online Orientation Overview
We are sharing Module 1 today. Please review each module soon after receiving it, as each contains action items for you to complete and reminders about upcoming events.
Module 1 focuses on academic planning and campus policies. This module will cover Reed’s academic program and culture, including an introduction to Humanities 110, Reed’s first-year humanities course for all new students.
Module 2 of online Orientation will be sent on June 23 and will include information about various student support services like the Health & Counseling Center (HCC) and Disability & Accessibility Resources (DAR). Module 3, the final module, will be sent on July 26 and will focus on campus life, working at Reed, and general in-person Orientation Week logistics.
Accessing Online Orientation
Here are some tips for viewing:
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Sign in with your Reed username and password.
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We estimate that it will take between two and three hours to complete Module 1. You do not have to complete it in one sitting, as the platform will save your place when you leave.
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Once you complete a section, you can return to that section to review the material. The materials will remain available as a reference for the remainder of the academic year.
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A red “Next” button on the bottom right indicates when you can advance to the next slide.
Pre-Arrival Registration
On July 1, you will receive an email asking you to sign up for a meeting with your Registration Coach. These 30-minute Zoom meetings will take place August 10–13. Coaches will talk through your plans and prepare you to register for classes. During this meeting, you will receive the PIN that you need to access SOLAR, Reed’s online registration system.
On August 17 and 18, you will register for classes through SOLAR. On the 17th starting at 9 a.m. PT, you will select your first-choice courses for fall and spring. On the 18th, you will register for your remaining fall and spring courses. You will receive more information about registration in early August.
If you are traveling to campus early for any of the pre-Orientation programs, class registration may overlap with your travel plans. If you are worried about any conflicts, please reach out to the Office of Admission at admission@reed.edu.
Placement Exams
Online placement exams will be open June 22–July 17.
We strongly recommend that you take a placement exam for every subject in which you think you have sufficient mastery. Completion of a placement exam at a certain level enables you to skip the introductory course in some departments. Exams that identify placement at second- or third-year language levels may also help satisfy a language requirement. Placement exam results last for your entire Reed career, so you are encouraged to take relevant exams as soon as possible.
Students with disabilities who anticipate needing testing accommodations for placement exams (such as extended time or a reduced distraction testing space) can request accommodations by filling out the placement exam accommodation request form.
Please fill out the accommodation request form at least two weeks prior to taking your placement exam. Once you have completed the form, staff from Disability & Accessibility Resources will review your request and may reach out if they need more information regarding your needs.
Orientation and Accessibility
The Reed Orientation Team strives to create an Orientation experience that is as accessible as possible. If you have life-threatening food allergies or anticipate any issues with the format, materials, or activities during Orientation, please fill out the Orientation Accommodation Request Form as soon as possible.
We require three weeks’ notice, if possible, to ensure accommodations are available. Students with disabilities may also wish to contact Disability & Accessibility Resources to discuss a range of options for removing barriers during Orientation and the academic year, including official accommodations.
Upcoming Events for New Reedies
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Disability & Accessibility Resources – Tuesday, May 12, at 3:30 p.m. PT hosted by Jess Gibson, Director of Disability & Accessibility Resources
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Getting the Most from Academic Advising –Thursday, May 21, at 3 p.m. PT led by Professors Kelly Chacón, Suzy Renn, and Kristin Scheible
Dates and Links
A list of all required forms can be found on the deadlines & forms page of the new students website.
June 1
June 22–July 17
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Placement exams available on Moodle
July 1
August 10–13
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Zoom meeting with Registration Coach
August 17
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SOLAR opens at 9 a.m. PT (register for first-choice courses for fall and spring)
August 18
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SOLAR opens at 9 a.m. PT (register for remaining courses for fall and spring)
August 21–24: In-Person Pre-Orientation
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August 21: International student move-in
August 24–30: In-Person General Orientation
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August 24: New student move-in
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August 27: Meet with your Academic Adviser
You will be assigned both a Registration Coach and an Academic Adviser. Your Adviser may or may not differ from your Registration Coach. You will review your course selection and begin mapping out your four-year plan with your Adviser.
Sincerely,
The Reed College Orientation Team