What is Welcome Week?

Welcome Week helps new students connect to the people, programs and possibilities that make Marist a community. The program begins on Opening Day, August 24th.

The Welcome Week guide lists all activities and provides information to help new students navigate their early days on campus. The events provide important information and fun and memorable moments for students to meet students, faculty and staff.

Students who attend all of the mandatory events and three social events will be entered into a raffle drawing. A sampling of prizes includes free books for a semester, Marist gear, coffee/soda with the President, and more.

Where can I get the Welcome Week schedule?

The Welcome Week schedule is available through the Guidebook app. Get the guide to access the most up-to-date information about the week including schedules, a campus map, dining locations and hours, and much more. 

To download the guide, follow these steps:

Click here.

Tap the "Download" button to download the free Guidebook app.

Open Guidebook and you can find our "Marist Welcome Week 2019" guide.

If you prefer to view the schedule online, it can be found here. 

Yes, Welcome Week is for transfer students. Transfer students have certain mandatory events on Saturday and Sunday that are designed with transfer needs in mind. The remaining mandatory events are for all students new to Marist. All social events are for all new students. Students who attend all of the mandatory events as well as at least 3 social events will be entered into the Welcome Week raffle on Friday night.

First year students must swipe in at Beyond the Classroom (Sunday at 10:15 in the McCann Center), Living in the Fox Den (Tuesday at 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm, OR 6:30 pm), and Meet the Deans and Faculty (refer to the schedule for your specific school).

Transfer students must swipe in at The Nuts and Bolts of Being a Transfer Student (Saturday at 2:30 pm in the Murray Student Center, Nelly Goletti Theatre), Keys for Success/Transfer Tools of the Trade/Lunch and Learn (Sunday at 10:45 am in the Murray Student Center Room 3105), Living in the Fox Den (Tuesday at 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm, OR 6:30 pm), and Meet the Deans and Faculty (refer to the schedule for your specific school).

Swipe in with your student ID at each event you attend. If you attend all mandatory events and at least 3 social events, you will be entered into the prize drawing that occurs on Friday night. You will receive an email Friday morning letting you know that you have been entered into the raffle. Prizes include Marist gear, coffee/soda with the President, and a free semester of books!

How do I know which First Year Seminar course I have been placed into?

If you see the acronym FYS on your Fall 2019 schedule, you've been placed into a First Year Seminar course. Visit the First Year Seminar website to match your course's section number with the course title. Remember that some factors (e.g., certain programs of study, special scheduling circumstances, etc.) may lead to you taking the FYS in the spring semester rather than in the fall. If that is the case, you will have the chance to choose your FYS course during the regular registration process. 

As a transfer student, do I need to complete the Common Read?

What health information is required? When is the deadline?                                                                           

All students were required to complete Mandatory Health Forms by June 30th for the fall semester.

Please call Health Services (845-575-3270) if you have questions.

What if I can’t have a physical exam by the deadline?

If a student has had a complete physical exam in the prior 12 months documented on a comparable form, it can be submitted for review.

What does the Health Services Fee cover?

The mandatory Health Services Fee, assessed each semester with Tuition and Fees, covers full-time undergraduate students for care at the Marist College Wellness Center (Health Services and Counseling Services). There is no charge for visits, with the exception of allergy immunotherapy. The Health Services Fee does not cover prescriptions, tests, or care outside of the Marist Wellness Center.

What care is available at Health Services?

Marist Health Services is staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and clerical staff. We provide evaluation and treatment for undergraduate students with illness or minor injury. Students are seen on an appointment basis. Emergencies and walk-ins are triaged promptly and seen in order of urgency. Problems beyond the scope of Marist Health Services are referred to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital Emergency Department, across the street from campus, or Vassar Brothers Medical Center, about 10 minutes from campus. Nutrition consultation is available on referral by Health or Counseling Services staff.

What are Health Services hours?

Health Services is open 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On weekends, please call the Office of Safety & Security regarding Urgent Care transportation between 11:00 am - 4:00 pm or for ER transportation any time.

What if someone gets sick after hours?

If Health Services is not open, students should contact their Resident Assistant (RA) or Resident Director (RD) for help in determining whether they should seek care immediately or wait to be seen in Health Services. Students can also contact the Office of Safety and Security for assistance. After hours, students are encouraged to seek care at Emergency One (4274 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538) for non-emergent illnesses, as their insurance plans permit. Hours for Emergency One can be obtained by calling 845-229-2602 or visiting their website. 

Can I get a flu shot at Health Services?

Health Services sponsors Flu Vaccination Clinics in the fall and on an as-needed basis. Students will be notified about details via email and campus media in the fall. Flu shots are also available at Rite Aid Pharmacy, across the street from campus.

Can I get my ADHD medications at Health Services?

Students who are on medication for ADD/ADHD are encouraged to maintain a relationship with their treating health care professionals at home. The Marist College academic calendar is published online, and follow-up appointments at home should be scheduled to maintain continuity of care. Marist Health Services medical staff can provide follow-up appointments and write prescriptions for continuation of ADD/ADHD medications if specific criteria are met. Please Health Services for details in the document entitled ADD/ADHD Information.

What if I need to see a specialist while I'm at college?

While specialty care in most fields is available in the Poughkeepsie area, not all practitioners participate in all insurance plans. If a student anticipates needing off-campus care, it should be researched through the student’s insurance carrier to identify participating providers in the Marist College area. The provider can then be contacted directly. 

If the need for specialty referral arises during the course of care at Health Services, the staff will make every effort to facilitate referral to a provider who participates with the student’s insurance.

Are my Health Services records confidential?

All Health Services medical care, counseling, testing, and health records are confidential. Any communication about confidential health information requires the specific consent of the student (if 18 or older) or a parent or guardian (if the student is 17 or younger). Health Services will not release any information without written permission, except as authorized or required by law, or in our judgment as necessary to protect you or others from a serious threat to health or safety.

What if parents want information?

Communicating effectively with parents is a priority for Health Services staff. Parents are not notified when students visit Health Services, but students are encouraged to keep parents apprised of health issues. Among the Health Forms for incoming students is an optional “Consent to Discuss Health Information for Students 18 or Older.” This form can be signed by the student and submitted for inclusion in the Health Services medical record. Both students and parents should be aware that such consent can be revoked at any time.

What about emergencies?

Parents should be aware that confidentiality statutes allow for communication in an emergency. Fortunately, emergencies are rare. Marist College is just minutes from Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital, the regional trauma center, as well as the local rescue squad. Residence Life staff and Safety and Security staff are available around the clock. Parents will be notified in the case of an emergency.

What are common issues that motivate students to seek counseling?

Students' concerns are wide ranging and include adjusting to college life, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, depression, sleep difficulties, eating/body image concerns, family issues, alcohol/drug use, grief/loss, academic and career concerns, suicidal thoughts, and identity questions.

What services does we offer?

We provide group and individual counseling, medication management, consultation, crisis intervention, workshops and trainings for students, faculty and staff, and community referrals.

How long will I be in counseling?

The majority of students are seen for 1-5 sessions; for others, their concerns may be more complex and will need additional counseling to resolve.

Where is Counseling Services located?

Counseling Services is located in the Health and Wellness Center (Student Center, 352).

Do I need an appointment to see a counselor?

Typically, students are asked to schedule an appointment. For emergencies during regular office hours, students will be seen without a scheduled appointment.

How do I make an appointment?

You may either call 845-575-3144 or visit the office to schedule an appointment. Same day emergency appointments are available during regular office hours.

How much do services cost?

All visits to Counseling Services are provided free of charge.

Is what I tell a counselor confidential?

Counseling Services are confidential and not part of your official college record. Disclosure of information about your contacts with us to anyone outside the center requires your prior consent. Exceptions to maintaining confidentiality occur only if you pose a clear danger to yourself or others, in reporting child or elder abuse as mandated by law, or if your records are subpoenaed.

What are Counseling Services' hours during the academic year?

Counseling Services is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some evening hours are available, by appointment only. (Summer hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

How do I contact Counseling Services in an emergency?

During regular office hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), call (845-575-3314) or visit our office (Student Center 352). Immediately tell the receptionist the nature of the emergency, and a counselor will speak with you directly.

What if I need to talk to somebody at night or on the weekend?

For evening or weekend emergencies, inform your RA, RD or contact Campus Safety and Security (845-471-1822) and they will contact the on-call counselor who will assist you.

Are counselors experienced working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures?

Our counseling staff consists of licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, a mental health counselor, a psychiatrist, and a consulting nutritionist who are trained in and committed to providing culturally-sensitive services to a wide diversity of students.

Do you have counselors who are familiar with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning concerns?

The counseling staff respects sexual diversity and is versed in addressing the unique concerns of LGBTQ+ and questioning students.

What if I need medication?

Students may be referred for a medication consultation to either the Counseling Services psychiatrist or an off-campus provider, typically following an assessment with one of our counselors.

If I need accommodations for a disability, who should I contact?

Contact the Office of Accommodations and Accessibility (OAA) at 845-575-3274 or stopping by the office located in Donnelly Hall #226. We encourage all students with disabilities to provide documentation as soon as they are accepted into the College. After OAA staff reviews a student's documentation, the student will be notified of their approved accommodations. Students are encouraged to meet with OAA staff at the beginning of the semester to review their approved accommodations. 

1. When and how will I receive my roommate information?

Housing assignments will be posted on the Housing and Residential Life section of the my.Marist website by the Office of Housing & Residential Life on August 2, 2019. Assignments and rommate email addresses can be accessed as follows:

1. Visit my.Marist.edu (login required).
2. Log in using your username and password.
3. At the top of the page you will see several menu options. Click the Student tab.
4. Listed on the drop-down menu you will see several links. Click on the Housing & Residential Life link.
5. Your housing assignment will be posted under My Housing Assignment located on the top right of the page. 

How can I obtain information about purchasing items for my room?

More information regarding the purchase of linens, refrigerators/microwaves, carpets, renters insurance, and Dining Plans will be available in June; brochures for ordering such items will be included in the front of the Orientation Parent Handbook. 

I am interested in Special Interest Housing. How do I get more information and apply?

Marist currently offers special interest living for Science Majors and students in the Honors Program. More information on Honors Housing is available on the Honors page and more information about the Science Housing is located in the Marist Housing Frequently Asked Questions page. 

As a student with fewer than 50 earned credits, I know that I am not permitted to bring a car to campus. How will I get around if I want to go shopping or explore Poughkeepsie?

Students may register for and rent one of four Marist Zipcars. In addition, students may locate their own transportation (taxi, bus, and train) using Marist's online directory.  

Additionally, Marist College, Dutchess Community College and the County Loop Bus System have developed a new bus route which provides Marist and DCC students access to many businesses, restaurants, grocery stores as well as the train station and the Residence Inn on a regular basis. The bus runs daily Monday through Sunday. This is part of Marist’s efforts to provide affordable transportation to students to vital local services (train station, grocery stores, etc.) and to contribute to the College’s support of sustainability efforts.

The route, identified as Route H is available to all students for FREE by showing their Marist ID card.  It also allows students to ride for free on any other county bus which can be accessed at the Poughkeepsie Transportation Hub located across from the Civic Center on Market Street.

The bus can be picked up on Fulton Street (the Starbucks side of the street) directly across from the road access to Beck Place. Drop off is at the same location on the Beck Place side of the street.

You can access the most current Route H schedule here.

I am required to arrive on campus before the freshman move-in day because I am part of a team, band or campus function. Are there any student conduct policies I should review or become familiar with?

All students who arrive early in August to move into campus housing are expected to adhere to and understand all college policies. Students will receive a copy of the Code of Student Conduct during move-in day; however, students and parents are encouraged to review the Code of Student Conduct over the summer to become familiar with college policies and the discipline system at Marist College.  

I have a housing question that is not listed here. What should I do?

You should visit our Marist Housing Frequently Asked Questions. If you do not find your answer on Housing's website, call the Office of Housing & Residential Life at (845) 575-3307.  

All freshmen students residing on campus are enrolled in the Anytime Dining plus $75 Thrifty Cash and 3 Pick Three options at campus retail locations. Our Anytime Dining Plan allows participants to access the Dining Hall as often as they would like without worrying about counting swipes. As an Anytime Dining participant, you have unlimited access to the Dining Hall throughout the semester with the ability to enjoy anything from a cup of coffee to a full meal upon entry.

This dining plan or any of the other flex plans are available for commuter students. To learn more about dining plans at Marist College, visit our page and click Plan Options, or call Dining Services at (845) 575-5100.

Thrifty Cash is the dollar amount associated with a dining plan which can be used at campus cafes for on-the-go eating. Purchases made using Thrifty Cash are tax free. You may add to your Thrifty Cash balance at any time if you are on a dining plan. Contact Office of Student Financial Services to transfer money to a Thrifty Cash account at 845-575-3230 or studentfinancialservices@marist.edu. Your Thrifty Cash carries over from Fall to Spring semester, provided that you remain enrolled in a dining plan. Thrifty Cash does not carry over at the end of the Spring Semester to the following Fall Semester.

The Dining Hall is open continuously from morning until close, seven days per week. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 7:15 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Breakfast is served until 11:00 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and dinner 4:30 p.m. to 8:00p.m. Light fare is available at all other times.

Any student enrolled in a Dining Plan and requiring accommodations for a medical or dietary concern should contact the Marist Dining Services Dietitian Marie Murphy at Marie.Murphy@sodexo.com; or General Manager Colene Doughty at (845) 575-5114 or Colene.Doughty@sodexo.com.

Your first year at Marist is an excellent time to begin exploring potential career areas and, for undeclared students, possible majors. Our skilled Career Coaches can assist you with a career assessment to help you better understand your interests, values, abilities, and personality as they relate to majors and careers. Attendance at career workshops and panels is also recommended. The career fairs held each fall and spring present excellent opportunities for students to interact with recruiters and company representatives. Students are encouraged to ask questions and learn about potential internships and employment. This is also a good time to consider taking the course Career Planning & Decision Making.

• Create a profile in FoxQuest, an online job and internship database for all Marist College students.
• Design a first draft of your resume to highlight your skills and previous work experience.
• Schedule an appointment with a career coach to have your resume reviewed, learn how to network with employers and Marist alumni, or begin your internship search.
• Attend an on-campus career services workshop or employer event.
• Make a LinkedIn profile and have it reviewed by a Career Services staff member.

Will I be required to visit the Center for Career Services?

It is highly encouraged that students visit the Center for Career Services at several key times during their Marist experience. We believe that students need to work collaboratively with their faculty, advisors and the Career Services staff to develop a plan for their post-Marist lives. Career choices should be carefully thought out and a plan needs to be developed and set in motion to achieve a student’s goals. We encourage new students to attend and participate in all of our Career Fairs, Alumni Networking Events, Interview Preparation Day, and Employer Information Sessions. As you look at a summer job next year, we encourage you to visit Career Services and get that first “real” resume prepared. That initial resume will be the first step in your career preparation.

Will Career Services help me get an internship?

If you are enrolled in a curriculum that requires an internship, you will work with the Internship Faculty Coordinator in that department to set it up. Students enrolled in a major without a curricular requirement may participate in an elective credit internship. Career Services assists students in locating elective internships. At Marist, internships are credit-bearing and students generally must have completed 60 credits (transfers must have completed 12 credits at Marist) prior to beginning the internship. A 2.5 GPA must be maintained in order to apply for internships. However, some academic departments have higher GPA requirements. More details about the Internship Program can be viewed on our page.

Does Career Services help students find jobs after graduation?

Our emphasis is on providing students with the tools and skills needed to complete a successful job search and also to provide opportunities to connect with prospective employers. We provide both on- and off-campus interview events and experiences. We work collaboratively with employers, associations and recruiting consortia to expose our students to diverse employment initiatives. Our Road to the Workplace trips are site visits that give students chances to network with Marist College alumni and other professionals who work at a variety of companies. Students can also get a sense of an organization’s culture and learn about professional development opportunities. Companies who have hosted Marist students for Road to the Workplace trips include Deutsche Bank, Madison Square Garden, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and more. In addition we have an active Alumni Career Network that will allow students to speak with Marist graduates currently working in their chosen fields. The Career Services staff continues to attract new employers to our campus. The Marist brand is becoming highly regarded among prestigious employers.

Does Career Services help students with graduate school and fellowships/scholarships?

Career Services has one staff member dedicated to assisting students as they determine whether or not to attend graduate school, search for schools and programs, apply to schools, and take entrance examinations, etc. An annual Graduate School Forum brings graduate school representatives to campus to discuss their programs. Admissions examination prep courses are offered at a reduced rate and held on campus. Individual assistance with identifying and applying for national and international fellowships and scholarships is also available.

Is there a “dress code” for Career Services' programs?

Professional business attire is strongly encouraged for participation in Career and Internship Fairs and Interviewing and Networking events. We believe in the importance of a great first impression.. A business suit is ideal for professional business attire. However, button down dress shirts, jackets and dress pants can also be great options for professional events. The dress code can vary by industry. Appropriate footwear is always recommended.

What is the Center for Multicultural Affairs (CMA)?

The Center for Multicultural Affairs (CMA) is a department in the Division of Student Academic Affairs at Marist College. The CMA strives to engage the Marist community in events and activities that highlight diversity and multiculturalism creating a climate of access, equity, and inclusion that celebrates the rich contributions of all cultures, and empowers students to achieve academic success by preparing them to become engaged global citizens.

Specifically, the CMA:

• Administers academic support services to assist students in developing successful study habits, cultural awareness, self-identity, and goal setting strategies for the future thus ensuring their growth as scholars and global citizens.
• Organizes programs and activities to assist all Marist students in making a successful and enriching cultural transition to the Marist campus environment.
• Advocates in the interest of first generation, racial/ethnic or otherwise underrepresented students in areas of personal, social, and cultural development.
• Provides opportunities for students to develop academically and socially by offering support in areas of leadership development, cultural identity, self-identity, career discovery via networking with alums, and goal setting for the future.
• Acts as a resource and support to student groups and culturally focused clubs.
• Serves as a resource for faculty and staff on issues of identity, cultural and socio-economic diversity.
• Conducts workshops and activities to support the learning process of students in the in the First Year Seminar and/or other courses.

What is the Center's background and what programs does it house?

The Center for Multicultural Affairs was created in September 2008 to meet the growing needs of a changing college population. CMA houses the:

• Academic Enrichment Program, which provides direct support services to First Generation college students and/or ethnically underrepresented students including the Hearst Foundation Scholars and Academic Enrichment Scholars,
• Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program, which administers a comprehensive academic support services program designed for New York State residents,
• International Student Programs, which delivers comprehensive academic and cultural orientation and personal support to both matriculated and non-matriculated undergraduate and graduate students from around the world,
• Cultural Enrichment Program, serving as a resource to faculty, students, and staff on issues of cultural and socio-economic diversity and sponsoring events in observance of various cultures.

What services can all traditional undergraduate students receive?

• Educational programming
• Cultural observances and appreciation
• Training on diversity and social justice issues
• Cultural networking

How can I secure these supportive services?

The Center for Multicultural Affairs welcomes everyone to visit our department during business hours. We are open Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Feel free to stop by the Cannavino Library Suite 337, call x3204 or email us at multicultural@marist.edu. Please visit and “like” our Facebook page, and follow us on Instagram @marist_multicultural_affairs.

How do I obtain a Marist ID?

If you did not attend Orientation, you can obtain a Marist ID by visiting Card Services (Donnelly 241) on move-in day. The office will have extended hours on that day.

I will be participating in a fall sport. How will I receive information about arriving early?

Student-athletes participating in a fall sport will receive necessary information from the Department of Athletics. Their phone number is (845) 575-3699.

What will my mailing address be at Marist?

A letter concerning your Marist mailing information will be mailed in early August to all first year students that will be living on campus. Students have the responsibility to check their mail throughout the year. A sample address follows:

Student's Name 

Marist College 
MSC#
3399 North Rd 
Poughkeepsie NY 12601-1354

What kind of laptop should I bring to Marist?

All of the minimum required computer specifications, as well as the recommended Lenovo and Apple models and links to purchase a computer through Marist College can be found here.