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The Polar Bear waves from the Bowdoin College exit sign.

Bear-y Important Newsletter #1

Michael Wood - Thursday, May 7

Updates

Bear-y Important Newsletter | May 7, 2026

Hey Future Polar Bears!

Welcome to the very first edition of the Bear-y Important Newsletter. As you prepare for your transition to Bowdoin, this newsletter will be your go-to guide for everything you need to do before arriving on campus. Deadlines, updates, next steps ... we’ve got your back.

Every other week, we’ll send you all the must-do information to help you stay on track all summer long, so stay tuned! We are so excited to be a part of this journey with you.

-Fabi, Faith, & Graeme

Your Orientation Coordinators

! Top Tasks !

Complete your Academic Interest Form & Advising Survey
Prep your Health Forms
Sign up for Housing and Rooming Assignments
Do your Workday Onboarding

Find all the details below!

ACADEMICS

Start Your Academic Plan

Your first step is completing the Academic Interest Form and Advising Survey, which will give your liberal arts advisor and dean the background needed to support you when you arrive.
Next, explore the Academic and Course Registration pages and note key summer deadlines for placement surveys, advising/placement Zooms, and course registration.

Deadline: Due June 19

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Get a Head Start on Your Student Health Forms

Take a look at the New Student Health Forms Page. Save your checklist and begin gathering your documents.  

→ New Student Health Forms
→ Health Services Checklist

Deadline/Priority: Due June 26

RES LIFE

What Brick will you live in? Housing form live: May 12.

This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself so we can create solid roommate groups for the upcoming year. Login to Bowdoin’s housing portal, Bricks and Beyond, and select “First Year Housing” located on the black banner right under the building image. Must be completed by June 2.

→ Your Housing Form

Deadline: Due June 2

STUDENT ACCOUNTS

Welcome Aboard!

Students must complete Onboarding in Workday each semester before registering for classes to ensures that personal information and preferences are accurate. Complete these tasks early and read through them carefully. Students will be unable to register for classes until their Onboarding tasks are completed.

→ Workday
→ How To: New Student Onboarding

Deadline: ASAP

Top Tips

Visit the First-Year Experience website for more information on upcoming pre-arrival events
Follow the Orientation Instagram account: @welcometobowdoin
Contact Orientation@bowdoin.edu for any questions!
Hang the Orientation Checklist you'll get via snail mail on your fridge
TRIVIA: Win a $5 café coupon by emailing Orientation the name of Bowdoin's most famous marathoner. We'll draw names in a week and let the winner know!

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