PASSPORT

PASSPORT is a 1.5-day summer program for new students and adult family members, with three sessions offered throughout the summer. In this program, you'll learn more about college life, meet with an academic advisor to plan your fall course schedule and meet your new classmates.

Looking for an alternative to PASSPORT? Check out Wilderness Orientation, a program that takes you to a variety of wilderness settings. It’s a great way to build new relationships, learn important skills and reflect on your place in God's big world.

Your adult family member(s) are welcome to come too. Please note the program is designed for adults. Younger family members are welcome to accompany parents, but we are unable to provide programming for them. If you register siblings to attend, please note they will be attending the parent portion of PASSPORT.

Dates

PASSPORT I – July 1 (8 a.m.–11 p.m.), July 2 (8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
PASSPORT II – July 16 (8 a.m.–11 p.m.), July 17 (8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
PASSPORT III – August 31 (8 a.m.–11 p.m.), September 1 (8 a.m.–8:30 p.m.)

Schedule

Download the following printable PDF schedules for detailed, hour-by-hour events listings:

PASSPORT I–II schedule – download
PASSPORT III schedule – student parent

Orientation costs

A $250 orientation fee will be charged to your student account in early September. This fee covers costs associated with orientation, with the majority covering meals. Note that additional costs are associated with Wilderness Orientation. Up to two adult family members can attend at no additional fee; additional family members will be charged $50 each.

More information

What to expect at PASSPORT

Calvin’s PASSPORT orientation program has 3 main objectives

To introduce you to Calvin’s purpose, people, and programs
To help ensure your smooth transition to college
To prepare you academically for your years at Calvin

PASSPORT is designed along two tracks—one for you and one for your family members. You’ll attend a few of the sessions together. Here’s a sampling:

Participate in

Academic advising and placement tests so you can plan your fall schedule
Make sure to visit the First Year Academic Guide to learn more about course registration, advising, placement tests and more.
Campus worship and group activities

Learn about

Living in the residence halls or off-campus
Calvin’s core curriculum, your major, and academics
The transition to college

Hear from

Calvin’s President
A panel of faculty members
Current upperclass students

Before you arrive

Register both yourself and your family members for the program on e-Enroll (see the "Registration" tab)
Pay your enrollment deposit, if you haven't already
Be sure you have received three confirmation emails from the Campus Involvement and Leadership Office (sent to your Calvin email account):
- the first, two weeks following your registration
- the second, one month prior to your session
- the third, one week prior to your session
Print out driving directions and a campus map (see our Information & Resources page)

Checking in

Upon arrival follow the road signs to the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex. Make your way to the turn-around in front of the fieldhouse where you will:

Check-In
Obtain a resource packet
Receive a room assignment if staying on campus
Receive a personalized schedule

PASSPORTS I-II Check-In

Check-in is between 7:30am - 9:30am on the first day of PASSPORT
Early check-in is between 7:30pm - 11:00pm on the evening before PASSPORT. Check-in is located at the turn-around at the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex. Students must request early arrival on their registration. Please contact us if you have already registered and would like to arrive early. Please note that there is an additional $25 fee for early arrival.

PASSPORT III Move-In and Check-In

If you are a residential student, move-in is scheduled between 9:00am-11:00am on August 31. PASSPORT begins in the afternoon on August 31.
Check-in is between 8:00am and 10:00am on August 31.
If you need to move-in early (the evening of August 30) you may move in between 6:00pm and 9:00pm.

Accommodations

If you choose to stay on-campus during PASSPORT, you will be placed with a roommate and suitemates in a residence hall designated for students only. If your parents are coming to PASSPORT, they will have their own room in a separate residence hall designated for parents only.

If you are attending PASSPORT III, you will move into your permanent residence hall when you arrive.

There is no charge to stay in the residence hall for students or parents other than for early arrival. If you choose not to stay in the residence hall, your PASSPORT fee will not decrease.

Steps to register

Choose from one of three PASSPORT sessions this summer

PASSPORT I – July 1–2
PASSPORT II – July 16–17
PASSPORT III – August 31 and September 1 (designated for students and families who must travel long distances)

PASSPORT III occurs immediately prior to the time when all new students must report to Calvin. This session is planned intentionally to accommodate new students who live a considerable distance from Grand Rapids and cannot make two trips.

Register online using e-Enroll Go!

Register early to increase the chances you'll get into the session you want. Preference will be given to students who apply before May 1.

If you need to make changes to your Orientation registration, fill out the Orientation Changes webform.

Early check-in

Did you sign-up for an early check-in? Upon arrival follow the road signs to the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex. Make your way to the turn-around by the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex where you’ll check in, obtain a resource packet, receive a room assignment if staying on-campus, and receive a personalized schedule.

PASSPORTS I–II early check-in

Early check-in is between 7:30 p.m.–11 p.m. on the evening before PASSPORT. Check-in is located at the turn-around at the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex.
For students and families arriving the night before PASSPORT there will be refreshments and activities offered in the evening. Please note that meals will not begin until breakfast the following morning.