New Student Orientation
Welcome to Griffin Nation!
We are excited for you to join this community of leaders who demonstrate the Mercy values of respect, integrity, service and social justice. By joining Griffin Nation, you are now a part of the global family of Gwynedd Mercy University's Distinctive Mercy Graduates.
Our Orientation Leaders are excited to meet you and spend the day getting to know you! Get ready to join the #GriffinNation! Meet your Orientation Leaders below!
Fall 2023 Orientation
New Student (First-Year) Orientation
Friday, August 25, 2023 - Sunday, August 27, 2023
See the orientation schedule here
Registration is now closed, but please reach out to orientation@gmercyu.edu with any questions.
NSO is mandatory for ALL first-year (freshmen) student and any transfer student who plans to reside on campus. There will be general events and events tailored specifically for first-time students, transfer students, commuters, residents. Please complete the registration form above so we can confirm your attendance and T-shirt size!
First-Year Commuter Students: Residence Life is happy to offer you overnight New Student Orientation accommodations! Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is now closed; maximum capacity reached.
Academic Convocation
Friday, August 25, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.
Academic Convocation is a formal academic ceremony that welcomes first-year and new transfer students to the university. It brings together administrators, faculty, and students to commemorate the start of the academic year. First-year students will attend in person. Transfer students and families are encouraged to watch the livestream below from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Mission
Orientation prepares students for academic success, fosters positive relationships with all members of our community, connects students to supportive resources and instills in students the GMercyU mission and core values.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Student Orientation will introduce you to the culture, traditions, and expectations of Gwynedd Mercy University and prepare you for your first semester. You will also receive the information and resources you need to be successful in your college experience.
The weekend includes service projects, gameshows, prizes, and tons of info sessions and activities. You will also officially be inducted into Griffin Nation at our Griffin Nation Celebration!
New Student Orientation is mandatory for all first-year students.
If you have any questions about New Student Orientation, please contact orientation@gmercyu.edu.
We're happy to answer any questions you have! Please reach out to orientation@gmercyu.edu or call 215-646-7300, ext. 21020.
You can also follow us on Instagram @gmercyustudentengagement.
Karam Aldarwich '24
About Me: Senior, Biology major, Resident
Fun Fact: "I was born and raised in the Middle East and moved to America when I was 10 years old."
What I Love About GMercyU: "The great community and habit of pushing each other to be successful in our lives."
Maya Campbell '26
About Me: Sophomore, Social Work major, Commuter
Fun Fact: "I love corgis, and I was on a competitive swim team for about 8 years or even longer."
What I Love About GMercyU: "Everyone is so welcoming, and helpful. They set up a lot of events between classes occasionally."
James Davey '25
About Me: Junior, History and Secondary Education major, Honors Program, Commuter
Fun Fact: "I own an accordion."
What I Love About GMercyU: "The school has a fantastic mix of commuter-focused classes."
Samanta Disha '26
About Me: Sophomore, University Studies major (intended for Nursing), Commuter
Fun Fact: "I can crack the entirety of my spine very loudly. I'm basically my own chiropractor."
What I Love About GMercyU: "One thing I love about Gwynedd is that a lot of my friends are from different programs like Radiation Therapy, X-ray, Respiratory Therapy, and Psychology, but we are still taking the same general requirements. We hope to work in the same hospital or unit in the future. Ultimately, I am surrounded by health professions, and I love it."
Alexis Erazmus '26
About Me: Sophmore, Nursing major, Resident
Fun Fact: "I love the beach!"
What I Love About GMercyU: "The small, friendly, community and being able to see everyone on campus!"
Alyssa Fortunato '24
About Me: Senior, Nursing major, Commuter
Fun Fact: "I spent three weeks in Ireland last summer with Gwynedd’s nursing study abroad program."
What I Love About GMercyU: "The community of people. I have made so many amazing friends through Gwynedd, and this school really feels like my second home."
Bri Godwin '26
About Me: Sophomore, Early Education and Special Education, Resident
Fun fact: "I'm on the lacrosse team!"
What I Love About GMercyU: "Everyone here is so willing to help you."
Justin Hartranft
About Me: Junior, Public Health major, Commuter
Fun fact: "I play guitar in a band on campus."
What I Love About GMercyU: "I love walking around and exploring different trails."
Sydney Hertzog '24 (for BHS) and '25 (for MSOT)
About Me: Senior, Occupational Therapy major, Commuter
Fun Fact: "I love hiking and exploring new places."
What I Love About GMercyU: "The ability to personally connect and bond with faculty and staff."
Patrick Hinckle '26 (but may be able to graduate a year early)
About Me: Sophomore, Computer Information Science (Web Design) major, Resident
Fun Fact: "I like to play video games in my spare time, and I enjoy going on nighttime walks."
What I Love About GMercyU: "The community is accepting of others."
Erin Huggard '25
About Me: Junior Social Work major, Resident
Fun Fact: "I love country music."
What I Love About GMercyU: "One thing I love about Gwynedd is the community. I love how all of the staff in Gwynedd is ready to help students whenever they need it. It is always nice to see friendly faces around campus as well!"
Cari Jones '26
About Me: Junior, Public Health major, Resident
Fun Fact: "I love, desire, and strive to encourage other people."
What I Love About GMercyU: "What I love about GMercyU is the people and the clubs the university has to offer. I love how, especially upon living on campus, one is enable to get to know other people and become friends all while getting used to life on-campus."
Elisabeth (Liz) Kerper '24
About Me: Senior, Gerontology major, Commuter
Fun Fact: "I have been to Alternative Spring Break with Gwynedd Mercy University twice!"
What I Love About GMercyU: "The community and all the people that I have met!"
Joshua Kolasa '25
About Me: Junior, Biology major, Commuter
Fun Fact: "I want to use my degree to pursue ecology with a focus on parasitology."
What I Love About GMercyU: "The great community around campus, especially between the teachers and students."
Emma Larsson '25
About Me: Junior, Early Education and Special Education major, Commuter
Fun Fact: "I have a learning disability."
What I Love About GMercyU: "That everyone makes me feel like family."
Cheyanne Looby '24
About Me: Senior, Nursing major, Psychology minor, Resident
Fun Fact: "I love all things art and have been drawing since the second grade."
What I Love About GMercyU: "The welcoming community and friendships that are made meeting new people."
Lada Melius '24
About Me: Senior, Nursing major, Resident
Fun Fact: "I am the captain of the cheer team!"
What I Love About GMercyU: "The beautiful campus and close relationships."
Shyanne McGonigle '26
About Me: Junior, Biology and Philosophy major, Commuter
Fun Fact: "I am allergic to watermelon!"
What I Love About GMercyU: "One thing that I love about Gwynedd Mercy is how easy it is to network and make connections."
Ines Monsalve '26
About Me: Sophomore, History with Secondary Education major, Commuter
Fun Fact: "I love to bake, especially pumpkin bread!"
What I Love About GMercyU: "The campus in the fall!"
Joseph O'Malley '25
About Me: Junior, Occupational Science major, Resident
Fun Fact: "I have my boating license."
What I Love About GMercyU: "The community."
Samantha Peralte '25
About Me: Junior, Nursing major, Resident
Fun Fact: "I used to play three sports!"
What I Love About GMercyU: "How close everyone is with each other."
Toni Robinson '26
About Me: Sophomore, Early Education and Special Education major, Resident
Fun Fact: "I have a food blog on instagram because I love to go out and enjoy new experiences!"
What I Love About GMercyU: "The moment my foot touched the soil on campus for my Saturday visit tour, I was truly taken back by the everlasting welcome and kindness that was present. I was intrigued to learn Gwynedd Mercy provides hands-on student teaching opportunities. Considering I’ve been student teaching since 10th grade, getting back in the class room was a must. Overall, Gwynedd Mercy University seems to accept not just me but everyone in society no matter the race, religion, style, sex, or grades. I’m honored to be a participant in sharing and spreading the Mercy values this university has."
Maya Scheuerman '26
About Me: Sophomore, Nursing major, Resident
Fun Fact: "I've canoed from the Perkiomen Creek in Schwenksville to the Delaware River just by Fort Mifflin / the airport."
What I Love About GMercyU: "I love that there are so many opportunities to learn and help others."
Annie Wenrich '26
About Me: Sophomore, Nursing major, Resident
Fun Fact: "I have an Emotional Support Animal on campus; she is a cat named Dottie."
What I Love About GMercyU: "The community atmosphere."
Ethan Wharton '25
About Me: Junior, Nursing major, Resident
Fun Fact: "I can solve a Rubix Cube!"
What I Love About GMercyU: "The clubs."
Preview
Wondering what New Student Orientation is like? Here's a sneak peek!