First Year Student Orientation

Your Crimson & White Experience

Orientation is not just an event at BSU— it is an engaging process that begins from the moment a new first year student deposits to the end of their first semester! At BSU this is called the “Crimson & White Experience.” Throughout the orientation process students will get to know the campus community, meet classmates, select a course schedule and get a glimpse of all that Bridgewater has to offer.

Students are encouraged to bookmark this website and regularly check back. This page will be updated often with important details, updates and new opportunities about their Crimson & White Experience.

students around a table with laptops open and an Orientation Leader helping them

Crimson & White Beginnings Part 1

Advising, Registration and Financial Success
Available in May

Crimson & White Beginnings Part 1 is a self-guided tool to introduce you to the advising and registration process, and the academic support and resources available to you at BSU. This along with a 1:1 advising appointment will prepare you to finalize your first semester schedule! You will also get acquainted with tools for financial success during college!

Orientation Leader talking to new students working together at a table

Crimson & White Beginnings Part 2

Getting to Know BSU
Available in July

Crimson & White Beginnings Part 2 is a virtual online orientation experience for new students to explore the BSU community, ways to get involved, and all the resources available to students!

Bear Launch

New students will receive a welcome text message to schedule their Bear Launch with an orientation leader. Students can email orientation@bridgew.edu if they do not receive this text. New students can opt for a 1: 1 phone call or a small group chat via zoom.

professor helping a student at a desk with a laptop open

Advising and Registration

June

After completing placement testing, students receive their personalized Advising Welcome email with recommended courses to register for and the link to sign up for their individual advising appointment. During this appointment, their advisor will finalize their schedule and answer questions!

Orientation Leaders and first year students engaged in outdoor activity

Bear Huddle

June

The Bear Huddle is an opportunity for first year students to connect with their peers through fun, interactive group activities led by Orientation leaders. Bear Huddle is a two-hour program on designated dates in June.
Schedule your Bear Huddle today!

Virtual Bear Plaza

July 27 and 28

Virtual Bear Plaza is a fun, interactive online event that connects students directly to departments who are eager to share their resources and services. Event times and more information will be sent to your BSU email in early July.

Crimson & White Day

August 3, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
August 4, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Crimson & White Day is a virtual event that provides new students the opportunity to meet members of the current BSU community and chance to start to build those lifelong connections with fellow bears! Students will receive an email with the link to their assigned date in July.

Bear Essentials for Academic Success

August 24

Bear Essentials for Academic Success is a program that allows incoming students to review their degree requirements, first year advising programming, and resources for a successful academic semester! Event details and the link to RSVP will be sent to the student's email.

Orientation Leader helping new student on computer

Bear Connections

Bear Connections is a program that runs throughout the first semester. All new first year students are connected to a trained student leader who serves as a peer guide as they navigate the ins and outs of being a new bear!

Campus Resources and Offices

BSU's comprehensive array of programs assists students in reaching their intellectual pursuits in a warm and friendly environment. Our campus provides a safe, supportive culture for all students and offers a wide range of services to help with housing, academic support, internships and career planning.