New Student Orientation
We're excited for you to participate in our three-part orientation experience for Fall 2026, Ready, Set, Griffins!
Part One: Griffin Ready
At Griffin Ready Days, you'll spend time with current and future Griffins on campus as you learn about GMercyU student resources and opportunities. You will also learn more about your Fall 2026 courses and academic program while having the opportunity to meet faculty and staff to start building connections.
Families are very welcome! We have a special schedule just for those who will be joining you at your Griffin Ready day.
You only have to attend one Griffin Ready day, and it may be major/program specific. Event registration and additional information will be emailed to you in early March.
First-Year Griffin Ready Days
- Saturday, May 30, 2026
- Tuesday, June 23, 2026
- Thursday, June 25, 2026
- Monday, July 13, 2026
- Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Transfer Student Virtual Griffin Ready Days
Join us for these optional but highly recommended virtual sessions! All take place from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Watch your email for event registration details.
- Mission and Mercy (Wednesday, June 10; Tuesday, July 21)
- Designing Your Griffin Path/Financial Services (Wednesday, June 17; Tuesday, July 14)
- Guide to GMercyU Panel (Wednesday, June 24; Tuesday, July 28)
Contact your admissions counselor or admissions@gmercyu.edu with any questions about Griffin Ready Days!
Part Two: Griffin Set
After attending a Griffin Ready day, you will receive an invitation to our Griffin Set Canvas site. In Canvas, you will find online resources and additional to-do items prior to your first day of classes.
Part Three: Griffin Orientation
Griffin Ready and Griffin Set have led to this final step...welcome to Griffin Nation! Orientation will prepare you for academic success, foster positive relationships with all members of our community, connect you to supportive resources, and strengthen GMercyU’s mission and core values.
Transfer Student Orientation: Thursday, August 20, 2026
First-Year Student Orientation: Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29
A comprehensive two-day program, both days run from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Have questions? Please reach out to orientation@gmercyu.edu.
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. Our Orientation Leaders are excited to meet you at Griffin Ready days and welcome you back at Orientation! Get ready to join #GriffinNation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Griffin Ready Days and Orientation are required for all first-year (freshmen) students.
Transfer Orientation is for anyone that holds 24 credits or more from their previous institution. It is highly recommended to attend, but not required. If you are a resident transfer student, you are required to attend the First-Year Orientation.
Feel free to reach out to us if you have questions about either event! Contact admissions@gmercyu.edu about Griffin Ready Days and orientation@gmercyu.edu about Orientation.
Please note Orientation is for students only.
Families are encouraged to attend the Griffin Ready Days, where they will join our faculty, staff, and administration as we show you our version of “Mercy Hospitality” and welcome you and your family to our Gwynedd Mercy University community. At this session, you will hear about some of the resources we offer to keep students healthy, engaged, and active participants in campus life.
GMercyU's move-in day for fall athletes is Tuesday, August 18.
Move-in day for first-year residents and transfer residents with 24 credits or more is Thursday, August 27. Your housing assignment letter will include the specific time and location of resident student check-in.
For more questions and information for living on campus, please reach out to reslife@gmercyu.edu.
Orientation is mandatory for all first-year (freshmen) students. It 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 fun activities to help you bond with other new Griffins, a service project, prizes, and tons of info sessions and activities. You will also officially be inducted into Griffin Nation at our Griffin Nation Celebration! A schedule of events will be posted one to two days before Orientation.
A note for commuter students: Orientation is not an overnight program.
If you have any questions, please contact orientation@gmercyu.edu.
Please see GMercyU's campus map to find the parking lot closest most convenient for you.
We're happy to answer any questions you have! Please reach out to orientation@gmercyu.edu or call 215-646-7300, ext. 21020.
If you have Griffin Ready questions, please contact admissions@gmercyu.edu.
You can also follow us on Instagram @gmercyustudentengagement.
Meet Your Orientation Leaders
Get to know the friendly faces who will make you feel at home during Orientation!
Brayden Augustine ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Commuter, Sport Management major
High School: Wissahickon High School
Fun Fact: I love to play soccer.
What I Love About GMercyU: The opportunities I have within my major to achieve my goals
Ask Me About: Game Club Vice President, Basketball Team Student Manager, Referee for Intramurals, Sport Business Association Member
Dani Boyce '28
About Me: Junior, Commuter, Nursing major
High School: North Penn High School
Fun Fact: I competed in Odyssey of the Mind for 10 years.
What I Love About GMercyU: I love the community and friends I have made along the way.
Ask Me About: Disability Alliance, National Society of Leadership and Success, Best Buddies
Jazzmine Bruce ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Respiratory Care major
High School: Governor Mifflin High School
Fun Fact: I don’t know how to ride a bike.
What I Love About GMercyU: The inclusion and opportunities to get involved
Ask Me About: Athletic Teams work-study program, Residence Hall Association, Black Student Union, Passion for Christ Association
Czariah Castelo ’27 (Orientation Assistant)
About Me: Senior, Resident, Nursing major
High School: Abington Senior High School
Fun Fact: I have four chickens.
What I Love About GMercyU: I love the ability to make meaningful connections and the benefit of small class sizes. The smaller classroom environment allows me to build stronger relationships with my professors and classmates.
Ask Me About: Black Student Union, Orientation
Naziyah Campbell ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Computer Information Science major
High School: Mount Olive High School
Fun Fact: I love everything music and performing.
What I Love About GMercyU: The community
Ask Me About: Black Student Union, Open Jam, Dance Team, TeamFTK, Griffin Theater Club, and one upcoming club I created (name announced soon).
Soul Cuffee ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Psychology major
High School: Upper Darby High School
Fun Fact: My favorite music group is BTS.
What I Love About GMercyU: The calming scenery of campus
Ask Me About: Black Student Union, Passion for Christ Association, Criminal Justice Association, Mercy Center student worker
Jennah Deeb ’28
About Me: Junior, Commuter, Nursing major, Healthcare Administration minor
High School: First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School
Fun Fact: My name means “Paradise” in Arabic!
What I Love About GMercyU: I love how peaceful it is, all year round.
Amanda De La Rosa ’27
About Me: Senior, Resident, Nursing major
High School: Boyertown Area Senior High School
Fun Fact: My first language was Spanish, and I’m Dominican on both sides.
What I Love About GMercyU: The close, tight-knit environment and how many resources are available to me like counseling, tutoring, and clubs to get involved in
Ask Me About: Black Student Union Secretary
Jayda Demar ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Nursing major
High School: MaST Community Charter School
Fun Fact: I danced for 16 years before coming to Gwynedd!
What I Love About GMercyU: I love how the faculty truly want to see you succeed and support you throughout your entire time here. I also love how they celebrate your accomplishments, big or small, right alongside you!
Ask Me About: Griffin Scholars Program, Griffin Ambassador
Kamya Durant ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Radiologic Technology major
High School: Norristown Area High School
Fun Fact: I enjoy singing and performing arts.
What I Love About GMercyU: The people and big variety of clubs and activities that are hosted here! Gwynedd certainly feels like a community, not just a university.
Ask Me About: Black Student Union, Dance Team (Social Media Coordinator and Dancer), Griffin Scholars Program
Cara Ellerkamp ’28
About Me: Junior, Resident, Nursing major, Psychology minor
High School: William Tennent High School
Fun Fact: I have a pet gecko.
What I Love About GMercyU: The beautiful campus
Evelyn Escamilla ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Commuter, Nursing
High School: Hatboro-Horsham High School
Fun Fact: I’m a licensed cosmetologist.
What I Love About GMercyU: The calmness of campus
Ask Me About: Hispanic/Latinx Student Alliance
Aja Foster ’27
About Me: Senior, Resident, Nursing major
High School: Abington Senior High School
Fun Fact: I am an only child.
What I Love About GMercyU: The opportunity to meet new people and build relationships with my professors and classmates
Ask Me About: Black Student Union Vice President, Orientation Leader
Riley Gallagher ‘26
About Me: Sophomore, Commuter, Radiologic Technology major
High School: Archbishop John Carroll High School
Fun Fact: I help out with a nonprofit organization, Quinn Harper Foundation, ran by my parents. We help families who struggle with infant loss.
What I Love About GMercyU: I love how beautiful the campus is, all of the events around campus, and how helpful the teachers and faculty are.
Ask Me About: Cheerleading
Justin Hall ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Nursing major
High School: Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia High School
Fun Fact: I’m fluent in Latin!
What I Love About GMercyU: The community and how we are supportive of everyone
Ask Me About: Griffin Ambassador, Black Student Union Treasurer, Student Activities Committee, Passion for Christ Association, Intramural Basketball
Jessica Kepner ’27
About Me: Senior, Commuter, Criminal Justice major
High School: Central Bucks East High School
Fun Fact: I had knee surgery last year. As an athlete, I’m not the type who’s able to sit still completely, so I taught myself how to play the guitar.
What I Love About GMercyU: The professors in my major truly want what’s best for their students. They care about each of us and want to help us do our best. I also love the Athletics Department. They also want to see us succeed and do all they can to make sure we are successful in the classroom and in our sports.
Ask Me About: Softball
Dajaé Ledbetter '29
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Education Studies major
High School: Hope Christian School
Fun Fact: I love to read my Bible outside on nice summer days.
What I Love About GMercyU: The friends that I’ve made
Ask Me About: Passion for Christ Association President, Hispanic/Latinx Student Alliance, Student Success Center greeter, Integrated Studies Peer and Primary Mentor
Kennedy Marshall '29
About Me: Sophomore, Commuter, Nursing major
High School: William Tennent High School
Fun Fact: I am a total movie buff and love everything film, show, and celeb/pop-culture related!
What I Love About GMercyU: The diversity in faculty and student body!
Kelly McErlean ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Commuter, Criminal Justice major
High School: Owen J. Roberts High School
Fun Fact: I can play the viola!
What I Love About GMercyU: One thing I really love about Gwynedd Mercy University is how close-knit the community feels. It’s super easy to get to know people, and the smaller class sizes make it less intimidating to talk to professors or ask for help. Everyone is really supportive, which makes a big difference, especially when you’re adjusting to college. It just feels like a place where you’re not just another number.
Ask Me About: Voices of Gwynedd, Best Buddies, Alpha Lambda Delta, National Society of Leadership and Success, Integrated Studies Peer Mentor
Michael McKeehan ’27 (Orientation Assistant)
About Me: Senior, Commuter, Biology major, Chemistry and Psychology minors
High School: St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
Fun Fact: I am left-handed.
What I Love About GMercyU: The accessibility to professors and the open line of communication they show their students
Ask Me About: Alpha Lambda Delta Co-Vice President, ECO Secretary and Treasurer, Student Govement Association Social Media Liaison
Ashlyn Merz ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Commuter, Early and Special Education major
High School: Bensalem High School
Fun Fact: I play softball here at Gwynedd.
What I Love About GMercyU: The students and faculty are very welcoming.
Ask Me About: Softball, Integrated Studies, Best Buddies, Education Outreach Club
Kate Miller ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Commuter, Nursing major, Psychology and Public Health minors
High School: North Penn High School
Fun Fact: I have a cat named Fatty!
What I Love About GMercyU: The class sizes! I love how intimate my classes are because I get to connect with my peers and professors on a deeper level.
Ask Me About: Chemistry tutoring
Samantha O’Brien ’28
About Me: Junior, Resident, Social Work major, Psycholoy and Counseling minors
High School: Neshaminy High School
Fun Fact: My favorite part of nature are cherry blossom trees! I had one behind my house growing up.
What I Love About GMercyU: The community and knowing there is always someone in your corner rooting you on
Ask Me About: Social Work and Psychology Co-President, Student Government Association Vice President, Voices of Gwynedd Secretary, Griffin Ambassador, Sigma Phi Sigma, Alpha Lambda Delta, Phi Alpha
Joseph O’Malley '26 '27
About Me: Commuter, Occupational Therapy graduate student, Counseling and Psychology minors
High School: Paul VI High School
Fun Fact: I have my boating license.
What I Love About GMercyU: The community that is built from clubs on campus
Ask Me About: Student Activities Council Executive Council, Black Student Union, Student Occupational Therapy Association Assembly (Student Delegates Representative), Griffin Ambassador, Integrated Studies Peer Mentor, Orientation Leader
Emily Pezzuto ’27
About Me: Senior, Commuter, Radiation Therapy major
High School: Wilson Area High School
Fun Fact: I really love the parmesan cheese in the dining hall. 😊
What I Love About GMercyU: The friends I’ve made here!
Ask Me About: Disability Alliance Executive Board, Residence Hall Association Executive Board, Best Buddies, Orientation Leader, Lambda Nu, Alpha Lambda Delta, and National Society of Leadership and Success
Mary Rivas-Leiva '29
About Me: Sophomore, Commuter, Nursing major, Psychology minor
High School: Hatboro-Horsham Senior High School
Fun Fact: I am a first-generation college student in my family.
What I Love About GMercyU: How easy it is to get to know everyone since it's a small school and how it's overly welcoming to everyone
Ask Me About: Cross County and Track and Field teams
Jillian Rodgers ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Radiologic Technology major
High School: Camden Catholic High School
What I Love About GMercyU: The campus, especially in spring when the flowers are in bloom
Ask Me About: Student Activities Committe, Passion for Christ Association, Game Club, Residence Hall Association
Hailey Rodriquez ’27 (Orientation Assistant)
About Me: Senior, Commuter, Early Childhood and Special Education dual major
High School: William Tennent High School
Fun Fact: Justin Bieber has held my hand.
What I Love About GMercyU: I really love how close everyone is. Coming to a small school, I was a little worried about finding my place, but there was no issue with that. The girls I met during my freshman year orientation are some of my closest friends.
Ask Me About: Orientation
Noelle Santana ’28
About Me: Junior, Resident, Digital Communications major
High School: Bristol Middle-High School
Fun Fact: I love to travel!! I've been to a ton of states in the U.S., Italy, and Puerto Rico.
What I Love About GMercyU: The environment is truly nurturing, and the community truly cares for one another.
Ask Me About: Office for Student Engagement student worker, the Griffin Society Vice President, Griffin Scholars Program
Krista Schofield ’27
About Me: Senior, Commuter, Psychology major, Counseling minor
High School: Archbishop Wood High School
Fun Fact: My dream job is to become a Child Life Specialist.
What I Love About GMercyU: The community!
Ask Me About: Disability Alliance, National Society of Leadership and Success, Best Buddies
Cassidy Sproehnle ’27
About Me: Senior, Resident, Psychology major, Counseling Minor, Honors program
High School: Seton Home Study School
Fun Fact: I love to country line dance!
What I Love About GMercyU: The people. I have found a community at Gwynedd where I have been accepted and celebrated for who I am. I have found connection with peers, friends and faculty in the Gwynedd community. Without the people here, I would not be the leader and person I am now.
Ask Me About: SCHEAP/Mercy Center Synodal Fellow, Counseling Services receptionist, Student Government Association President, Social Work and Psychology Club Co-President, Open Jam Club Treasurer/Guitarist, Psi Chi President, Sigma Phi Sigma Vice President, Alpha Lamba Delta, National Society of Leadership and Success, Orientation Leader
Josh Steltzer ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Radiation Therapy major,
High School: North Harford High School
Fun Fact: I enjoy cooking obscure recipes!
What I Love About GMercyU: The amazing staff that makes Gwynedd feel like home. Get to know them! They're here for you.
Ask Me About: Game Club, Residence Hall Association, Voices of Gwynedd, Public Health Club
Jayda Thompson ’28
About Me: Junior, Resident, Nursing major
High School: Collegium Charter School
Fun Fact: I have never broken a bone.
What I Love About GMercyU: The community and how welcoming everyone is
Ask Me About: Cheerleading
Aubrey Werner ’29
About Me: Sophomore, Resident, Radiation Therapy major
High School: Twin Valley High School
Fun Fact: I’m very involved on campus.
What I Love About GMercyU: The community and friends
Ask Me About: Student Activities Committee, Best Buddies, Beyond the Books, Library circulation desk worker, and Integrated Studies
Christin Wilson ’28
About Me: Junior, Resident, Public Health major
High School: Hatboro-Horsham High School
Fun Fact: I have a dog.
What I Love About GMercyU: The community it gave me
Ask Me About: Black Student Union, Office for Student Engagement
Sara Wojciechowski ’27
About Me: Senior, Resident, Criminal Justice major, Psychology minor
High School: Council Rock South High School
Fun Fact: I spent two months in Cambridge, England in the summer of 2025 studying abroad.
What I Love About GMercyU: How everyone feels connected through our community and mission to serve
Ask Me About: Student Government Association Funding Treasurer, Criminal Justice Association President, Griffin Ambassador, Student Success Center tutor, Sigma Phi Sigma, Alpha Lambda Delta, National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Phi
Giana Yacura ’28
About Me: Junior, Resident, Early Childhood Education and Special Education dual major
High School: Arthur P. Schalick High School
Fun Fact: I have a dorm fish named Bubbles M. Diamond.
What I Love About GMercyU: The people here are all so welcoming and kind, the professors are very understanding as well.
Ask Me About: Cheer team, National Society of Leadership and Success, Tri Alpha