Gateways Orientation 2025

If you will be commuting from home, meet fellow commuters and spend time with Gateways Orientation Staff, getting to know one another and learning more about the College before First Night at Holy Cross.

Do you have remaining immunizations to be compliant? Schedule an appointment to receive your remaining vaccines. If you cannot attend the clinic to receive your required immunizations, you will need to utilize an off-campus provider, such as Walmart or CVS Pharmacy. Sponsored by Health Services

Stop by for iced coffee or hot coffee and meet Dean Todd! This is a great time to unwind after Move-In Day and the first day of Gateways Orientation.

Learn about accessibility at Holy Cross, including programs, individualized accommodations, disability-related resources and more. Drawings, giveaways and snacks will be available.
Sponsored by Student Accessibility Services

The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery is more than just a space for exhibitions; it’s a place where art and academic life converge to inspire curiosity, reflection and discovery. Stop by for a tour.

Learn how members of the Gateways Orientation Staff have applied their learning inside the classroom to experiential learning opportunities throughout Worcester and the world. Sponsored by J.D. Power Center for Liberal Arts in the World

Enjoy food, music, and activities in community with one another, while learning about affinity spaces on campus and ways to engage across differences within the Holy Cross community.
Sponsored by the Office of Justice, Equity, Belonging, and Identity (JEBI)

Meet members of the Student Government Association and learn how to get involved on campus with the SGA.

Come to your first HC Glow! Check out the Glow in the Dark park, play glow games and enjoy food trucks! Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board

Pause and catch your breath at the beautiful Joyce Contemplative Center! You’ll enjoy a delicious meal, build community with your classmates, and have an opportunity for quiet time. Student leaders will share their insights on the importance of slowing down, and how engaging in self-reflection has contributed to their overall wellbeing at Holy Cross. Students of all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds are welcome! Registration is required on myHC. Space is limited! Sponsored by the Office of the College Chaplains

Shuttles to Walmart and the Shops at Blackstone Valley, which includes major retailers such as Target, Kohl’s and Home Goods, will depart every hour.

College is a time to broaden your perspectives and learn from others. Start applying the skills from today’s Conversations that Connect presentation by joining the SPEECH Peer Educators for the first Dialogue Dinner of the semester. Enjoy a delicious catered meal paired with engaging and meaningful conversation. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Experience the Worcester Art Museum like never before with an exclusive after-hours event for Gateways Orientation. Enjoy an evening of creativity, exploration and inspiration as you wander through the galleries and immerse yourself in all the Worcester Art Museum has to offer. Participants will have the opportunity to create a themed piece of artwork for their residence hall. All experience levels are welcome. Pre-registration is required and space is limited so sign up for this unforgettable night!

There’s something happening on every floor of Hogan! Play casino games for a chance to win prizes, join a board game competition, and trivia is taking place in the basement. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board

Come together with fellow first-year students, student leaders, faculty and administrators to celebrate the start of your journey together. You will reflect on what it will take for you to succeed at Holy Cross, like Saint Ignatius of Loyola, whose transformation began with reflection on the top of Montserrat, and learn about the gifts your classmates bring to the community. Remarks will be given by President Vincent D. Rougeau and other administrators. More formal attire is invited. Begins promptly at 5:30 p.m.

Please join President Vincent D. Rougeau for dinner immediately following First-Year Convocation, which will officially conclude orientation. “Songs of Holy Cross” will be performed by the Holy Cross Choirs.