NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION – SPRING 2021
The ultimate aim of orientation is to provide an academic and social introduction to the university and help you transition to campus life. Richmond has put a comprehensive and dynamic programme into place so that you are still able to do this – even virtually!
The ultimate aim of orientation is to provide an academic and social introduction to the university and help you transition to campus life. Richmond has put a comprehensive and dynamic programme into place so that you are still able to do this – even virtually!
Orientation will take place in two phases:
QUICK LINKS
Orientation
Spring Orientation
Undergraduate & Visiting Virtual Orientation: 11 – 15 January 2021
Postgraduate Virtual Orientation: 14 – 15 January 2021
Spring Orientation Week will take place virtually .
Orientation week will cover the information you need to know prior to attending Richmond, including receiving your class schedule, how to access academic support, student life and more.
During this induction period, we will also be connecting you with other Richmond students, both current and new. Incoming undergraduate and visiting students will also be provided Peer Mentor groups. Find out more about our Peer Mentor programme.
Review the Virtual Orientation Week Step-by-Step Guide below for more information on how to prepare for Spring Virtual Orientation.
Campus Arrivals – Important Update
Timeline
NEW!
New restrictions are in place during the UK’s National Lockdown
I am contacting you with important information concerning your studies at Richmond following the announcement by the UK Government on 4 January 2021 to enter into a National Lockdown from 6 January until late February 2021 due the current situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK.
Given the restrictions imposed by the National Lockdown and in accordance with UK Government guidance, both undergraduates and postgraduate teaching will be delivered online only from 18 January until after our planned spring break, 8-12 March.
More information about the National Lockdown restrictions is available here.
Travel advice for new and returning domestic & international students
Based on government guidance, we strongly encourage international students who are were planning to arrive in the United Kingdom for Spring 2021 semester NOT to travel due to the current health-related risks associated with international travel. If you have booked accommodation, please contact us concerning your pre-paid housing fees.
If you do intend to travel, please be aware that because of the National Lockdown restrictions:
- All teaching will be online until March 2021
- We are limited in the offer we have for student life on campus, but are dedicated to supporting you with your academic studies and mental health and wellbeing
- In residing in the UK, you will be required to adhere to all National Lockdown rules and regulations, and we encourage you to take part in our asymptomatic testing scheme to protect yourself and the other members of your community.
Advice for international students who remained on campus/in the United Kingdom during winter break
Similarly, we encourage international students who remained on campus/in the UK for the holiday period NOT to travel home due to the current health-related risks associated with international travel. Our Richmond campus will remain open and we will support you through your on-line studies. More information about access to facilities will be available later this week.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) undoubtedly presents universities across the globe with challenges. Please be assured we are working hard to maintain continuity for you and are fully committed to providing the best possible academic experience in 2020/21.
We are closely monitoring the wider Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and will continue to update you through our Covid portal.
New arrival dates and guidance will be coming soon.
*Postgraduate Orientation is 14 – 15 January online only
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Review the Campus Orientation Schedule below to find out what sessions are offered during the week. Be sure to save live academic and social events to your calendar.
Campus Orientation will be delivered via a mix of in-person and virtual events. The virtual sessions will be hosted on the university academic portal, Blackboard. You will be added to a Campus Orientation Fall 2020 course in the lead up to the event.
Campus Orientation is an opportunity to get to know the campus and local community better. We will be hosting club and Student Government events, as well as small, socially-distant sessions so you can get to know your classmates. Both staff and student leaders are very much looking forward to meeting you soon!
Note: Visiting Students are students attending Richmond as part of a short-term exchange or study abroad opportunity for a semester or year. For example, students here as part of a University of Southern California, Tulane University, Southern Methodist University, Institut Supérieur de Gestion or Paris School of Business exchange, and any students applying directly for study abroad would fall under this category.
Have any questions?
Visit our FAQs section for more details about Spring 2021 Orientation.
“I am excited to welcome you to new student orientation Spring 2021. We’re offering a full menu of remote activities to get you ready to join classes with us. Please get involved, stay connected and take part!”
Allison Cole-Stutz
Vice President for Student Affairs/ Dean of Students
ORIENTATION STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Take a look at your next steps in your Richmond journey.
Step 1: Complete your Pre-Orientation Checklist
By early December, you will be given access to your university email account. We will send to this account a Pre-Orientation Checklist for you to complete. This is a final confirmation of your attendance at Richmond. (It should only take you a few minutes to fill out!).
Step 2: Access to Orientation
If the steps within the Pre-Orientation Checklist have been completed and we do not need any additional information from you, then in the week leading up to Orientation you will receive an email invitation to the university portal, Blackboard. This is where the majority of orientation will take place.
Keep an eye on your inbox!
If you submit the Pre-Orientation Checklist, but it is incomplete or a staff member contacts you for additional information based on your responses, those tasks need to be completed prior to receiving an invitation to Blackboard.
If you are having any trouble with this please email studentaffairs@richmond.ac.uk.
Step 3: Log into Blackboard
Once you receive an invitation to Blackboard, log into your account to test it out and make sure you see the Orientation course. You are welcome to explore the content available right away, but please note live sessions and virtual social events won’t begin until Virtual Orientation week starts.
Follow these tips from our IT Department to have the best Blackboard experience.
If you are having any trouble logging in please email studentaffairs@richmond.ac.uk.
Step 4: Orientation Schedule
Take a look at draft Spring Orientation Schedule to get a sense of what to expect. We have provided a mix of academic and social activities to help you get started on your Richmond journey.
Step 5: Meet Your Student Leaders & Other New Students
Orientation is not just about academics and administrative tasks. It is also about getting to know current Richmond students as well as other new students. We have provided opportunities to do this in a number of ways:
- Peer Mentor Weekly Sessions
- Student Government Sessions
- Virtual Social Activities
- And more!
See the Meet Your Student Leaders webpage and the Orientation Schedule for more information.