MERCER UNIVERSITY
NEXT
STEPS
THIS
SUMMER
BEAR FACTS
NEW STUDENT & FAMILY GUIDE
2024
BE THE BEAR AT SUMMER ORIENTATION
Family & Guest Schedule
2:15 PM
to
4:15 PM
Student Schedule
Check-In at Orientation Headquarters ........................................................................ Penfield Hall Large Room
Welcome to Summer Orientation! Check in at our Orientation Headquarters inside Penfield Hall. Enjoy a cup of
coffee, prepare for your day, and hang out on Cruz Plaza before the Welcome begins. Should you have any
questions throughout the day, please stop by Penfield Hall.
Welcome and Overview of the Day .......................................................................................... Toney Auditorium
We are glad that you are here with us! Members of the Mercer community will welcome you and outline today's
schedule.
Family Matters: Academic Support for Your Student ............................................................. Toney Auditorium
There is a lot to consider before fall classes begin in August, and we are excited to share an overview of what you
can expect. Academic rigor, first-year academic support and Bear Beginnings are just a few topics we will
discuss.
Bear Book Bundle Overview .................................................................................................... Toney Auditorium
Academic success cannot happen without the proper tools, and textbooks and other course materials remain
instrumental in this process. Learn more about Mercer’s affordable rental program from our Bookstore
representatives!
Math & Foreign Language Placement Exams .................................................................................. Campus Labs
Mercer's Math and Foreign Language departments have designed placement tests that will help place you into
courses that will not only challenge you, but also ones for which you are prepared. If you have been advised to
and are registered to take either or both exams, please plan to do so this morning.
Ready to BE THE BEAR? ........................................................................................................... Willet Auditorium
Test your knowledge of Mercer and Discover new information with your orientation group! Learn how to win
prizes during the day and receive your orientation punchcard!
As students finish their placement exams, they will join the rest of their orientation group in Willet Auditorium!
College & School Line-up .................................................................................................................Historic Quad
Both families and students will reconnect on the Historic Quad to line up with their college or school before
making their way to Deans Meetings.
Meetings with Deans ........................................................................................................ Locations Listed Below
Students and families will meet with a representative from their college or school to discuss academic
requirements and learn more about what it takes to be a successful Mercer student.
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES: Willingham Hall, Toney Auditorium
STETSON-HATCHER SCHOOL OF BUSINESS: Stetson Hall, Room 251
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING: Science & Engineering, Room 110
TIFT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION: Stetson Hall, Room 158
TOWNSEND SCHOOL OF MUSIC: McCorkle Music Building
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS: Willet Science Building, Willet Auditorium
7:00 AM
to
7:45 AM
8:00 AM
to
8:30 AM
8:45 AM
to
10:00 AM
10:00 AM
to
10:15 AM
8:45 AM
to
10:15 AM
aas.mercer.edu
Be sure to follow us on
social media!
@merceraas
10:20 AM
to
10:25 AM
10:30 AM
to
11:30 AM
BE THE BEAR AT SUMMER ORIENTATION
Making Mercer Connections .................................................................................................................... Cruz Plaza
Join Peer Advisors, classmates, and members of the Mercer community for an interactive session designed to help
you establish connections on campus
Academic Advising Appointments Begin ................................................................................Your Advisor's Office
You will receive an advising time to meet with an academic advisor. As your advising time nears, a PA will help you find
your advisor's office. You'll have the opportunity to review and adjust your Fall 2024 course schedule.
Note: Schedules may possibly need to be adjusted again in July once AP scores are received by the Registrar's Office.
Student Schedule
11:45 AM
to
12:45 PM
11:45 AM
to
12:45 PM
Family & Guest Schedule
Student Health and Safety Panel ........................................................................................... Toney Auditorium
Join representatives from the Division of Student Affairs, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Student
Health Center (SHC), Title IX, Residence Life, and Mercer Police to discuss the support systems in place that
prioritize student health and safety.
11:45 AM
to
12:45 PM
Lunch ................................................................................................... Penfield Large Room or President‘s Dining Room
Redeem your lunch location card with a catering staff member for your meal inside Penfield Large Room or the UC
Presidents Dining Room (PDR).
Academic Advising Appointments Continue ................................................................................. Your Advisor's Office
You will receive an advising time to meet with an academic advisor. As your advising time nears, a PA will help you find
your advisor's office. You'll have the opportunity to review and adjust your Fall 2024 course schedule.
Note: Schedules may possibly need to be adjusted again in July once AP scores and/or dual enrollment transcripts are
received by the Registrar's Office.
1:00 PM
to
2:00 PM
2:15 PM
to
4:15 PM
Options for the Afternoon
Campus Resource Fair ............................................................................................................................... Heritage Hall
Campus Business ........................................................................................................................... Throughout Campus
Campus offices are available throughout the afternoon to answer questions and provide further information to assist in
your transition to Mercer.
Residence Halls Tours .................................................................................................................................... Cruz Plaza
Meet your Campus tour guides on Cruz Plaza at the Ask A Peer Advisor tent to take a tour of a few of our campus
residence halls. (Some residence halls are closed for maintenance or camp use during the summer).
Please arrive at least 5 mins before the allotted tour times for departure:
( 2:15 - 2:45 ) ( 3:00 - 3:30 ) ( 3:45 - 4:15 )
2:15 PM
to
4:15 PM
Residence Life and Move-In Information .............................................................................. President’s Dining Room
Join the Office of Residence Life for a brief presentation about the residence life experience and the Opening Day
move-in process.
Fraternity and Sorority Programs (FSP) at Mercer ............................................................... President’s Dining Room
Interested in Fraternity and Sorority Programs at Mercer? Join representatives from each council to hear more
information about Mercer‘s Greek Life community.
Workshops
2:15 PM
to
3:00 PM
3:00 PM
to
3:30 PM
BEARS DON’T JUST LEARN, We Master
ADVISING APPOINTMENT
REVIEWING YOUR SCHEDULE
While at Summer Orientation, you’ll meet one-on-one
with an academic advisor from your academic college
or school. We encourage you to navigate this advising
appointment independently as an opportunity to
take ownership of your academic experience.
Mercer receives official Advanced Placement scores during
July and adds these scores to students’ records upon receipt.
Adjustments to students’ class schedules are made based on
course credit awarded for acceptable scores. You will have
the opportunity to review your fall course schedule again
with your advisor at Bear Beginnings in August.
PLACEMENT EXAMS
Exams can only be taken once.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
If you studied a particular language for two or more years and
wish to exempt your College or School’s foreign language
requirement or desire to continue studying this language,
take the foreign language placement exam at Summer
Orientation. Students who place at the 112-level or higher will
earn credit hours toward graduation for each course below
their placement level.
Note: The School of Engineering, Tift College of Education,
and the College of Health Professions do not have a foreign
language requirement.
MATH
For students who submitted an ACT or SAT score, Mercer has
calculated a Math Index to place you in an appropriate math
class. If your current placement does not meet the needs of
your anticipated major, then you have the option to take the
thirty-minute math placement exam at Summer Orientation
as an alternative means to place into your desired math
course. Students who are placed into calculus or chemistry
do not need to take the placement exam. Students who were
admitted without submitting ACT or SAT scores are required
to the take the math placement test. Students majoring in
Biology may also need the placement exam. The highest level
placement you can achieve via the Math Index or math
placement test is MAT 191 (Calculus I).
Academic Notes
IMPORTANT DATES
FALL 2024 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
as published by the Registrar’s Office
registrar.mercer.edu/macon/calendars
OPENING DAYS: August 16-17
BEAR BEGINNINGS: August 18-19
FIRST DAY OF CLASS: Tuesday, August 20
LAST DAY FOR DROP/ADD: Friday, August 23
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY: Monday, September 2
MIDTERM: Wednesday, October 9
FALL BREAK: October 3-4
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW: October 25
THANKSGIVING BREAK: November 27-29
LAST DAY OF CLASSES: Friday, December 6
FINAL EXAMS: December 9-10, 12-14
PRE-GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL
SCHOOL ADVISING
Located in Langdale Hall | 478.301.2078
Guidance and support are available for students who plan to
attend professional or graduate school, including those entering
health professions. All students interested in pursuing graduate or
professional school after their undergraduate training should self-
enroll in the pre-Graduate & Professional School (GPS) advising course
on Canvas to be in the know about workshops and guest speakers
brought to you by the Office of Academic & Advising Services.
BEARS DON’T JUST LEARN, We Master
ACCOMMODATIONS
ACCESS & ACCOMMODATION (AAO)
access.mercer.edu | [email protected]
Located in the Connell Student Center, second floor
(p) 478.301.2810| (f) 478.301.2127
Apply for Accommodations Now
This office provides Accessibility, Consultation, Collaboration,
Education, Support, and Services and Accommodations to ensure
access to programs and services for students and visitors with
disabilities as required under Rehabilitation Act Section 504 and the
ADAAA.
If you had a 504 Plan or IEP in high school or currently have a severe
and/or chronic medical, sensory, or psychological/mental health
diagnosis, LD, hearing impairment, or visual impairment that requires
accommodations in the classroom, with testing, and/or for campus
housing, or dining you must apply for accommodations using our
online application (https://access.mercer.edu). Contact AAO after
submitting your application to schedule an interview. Students
requesting housing accommodations should apply 90 days prior to
housing selections. Documentation requirements are outlined on the
disability verification form also on the website. All information with
AAO is confidential and not disclosed to other departments of faculty
except when the student provides permission. We encourage you to
contact AAO if you have a mobility impairment and are concerned
about access to classrooms or housing. Disability Verification Forms,
the Process Overview, Student Responsibilities, and Mercer’s
ADAAA/504 policies and procedures can be found on the AAO
website.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
THE ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER (ARC)
arc.mercer.edu | [email protected] | 478.301.2669
Located on the first floor of Ryals Hall.
Tutoring
• Drop-in tutoring Sunday - Thursday from 6 to 9 PM
• Math, science, and writing tutoring available every night
• A variety of disciplines offered
• Tutoring schedules available on website
• Possible employment as a tutor or lab assistant
Supplemental Instruction (SI)
• Biology (BIO 171 & 172)
• Chemistry (CHM 111, 112, 221, & 222)
• Physics (PHY 141, 142, 161, & 162)
• Accounting (ACC 204 & 205)
• Economics (ECN 150 & 151)
• Finance (FIN 362)
• SI schedules available on website
• Possible employment opportunity as an SI leader
Resources and Study Help
• College study skills courses (LSK 185 & 186)
• Textbooks available in-house for many courses
• Workshops on a variety of study skills topics
Student-Athlete Affairs
• An athletics advisor provides academic guidance and
support for student athletes.
CLASS TEXTBOOKS
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSTORE AT MERCER UNIVERSITY
shopmercerbears.com | Located in Mercer Village
[email protected] | (p) 478.301.2945
In many cases, you will leave Summer Orientation with your fall
course schedule. Although this schedule could change, we
recommend reserving your books early before returning to
campus in August. You can view your textbooks on your
MyMercer account and locate the “Barnes & Noble” tile on the
homepage. Students will be able to start reserving their books
30 days before classes begin every semester.
BEAR BOOK BUNDLE
Mercer’s Bear Book Bundle conveniently includes all required
course materials and textbooks for our undergraduate
students. All eligible students are automatically enrolled into
this cost savings program and it will be included in your tuition
bill statement. The program is based on a flat rate of $24 per
credit hour with expected student savings of 30-50% off
standard retail rates! For example: A student enrolled for 15
Credit Hours would pay around $360 for all required textbook
materials. Should a student not wish to participate in our cost
savings program, they can opt out 30 days before classes begin
until the last date of “add/drop”.
All new students have the opportunity to
continue a Mercer tradition of participating in the
Summer Reading and Essay Contest. Keep an eye
on your email for more details about the selected
readings from the Mercer Reader.
KEY DOCUMENTS, & INFORMATION
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
STUDENT RECORDS RELEASE AUTHORIZATION
(FERPA FORM)
Located in Stembridge Center for Student Success
registrar.mercer.edu|[email protected] |
(p) 478.301.2680 | (f) 478.301.2455
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was
enacted to give students access to their education records and
to protect their privacy. Unless a student is documented as
legally dependent, the University is prohibited by FERPA from
releasing student account information to a parent or guardian
or other unauthorized third party without the student’s
consent. Students who wish to grant access to an authorized
individual should complete and submit the Student Records
Release Authorization to the Registrar’s Office before the
University can discuss any academic and/or financial
information with a parent or guardian.
In order to complete the FERPA form students will log
into MyMercer, and go to Self Help Center. From there,
they can click on FERPA form which will take them to the
launching page for completion and submission.
IMMUNIZATION FORM - to the Student Health
Center (SHC)
shc.mercer.edu/macon | [email protected] |
Location: Drake Field House | (p) 478.301.2696
| (f) 478.301.2116
The Immunization Form is required for all students. It must be
completed and signed by the student and returned to the SHC
along with an official copy of the student’s immunization
(vaccine) record. All documents should be turned in before the
semester classes begin. Students are encouraged to keep a
copy of the documents for their personal records.
The form must be returned to the SHC. This may be done in
person, via e-mail, mail, or fax (all are listed on the form). To
obtain a copy of the immunization form, go to shc.mercer.edu
for Macon campus and click on the “Immunization” link.
IMPORTANT INFO
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE
studentplan.corehealthbenefits.com/mercer
CORE Management Resources
(p) 888.741.2673 (CORE)
Mercer University’s Student Health Insurance
Program (MUSHiP) is a comprehensive student
health coverage plan available each semester of
student enrollment.
Student Health Insurance Program Include:
Primary Care Provider: Mercer Medicine
(on-campus)
Low deductibles
Inpatient/outpatient/office visits include co-pays
Prescription drug card provided: applicable
co-pays apply
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE WAIVER
bursar.mercer.edu/studentinsurance
All students are required to have health insurance
coverage and are billed for the cost of CORE health
insurance coverage based on age-banding. If you
already have coverage under another policy and do
not want to pay for the University approved health
coverage, you must complete the health insurance
waiver process. The waiver process for the fall
semester becomes available in early July. Once your
waiver has been submitted and approved, your charge
is removed.
BURSAR’S OFFICE
bursar.mercer.edu | [email protected] | (p) 478.301.1111
Located in Stembridge Center for Student Success
TUITION
The Office of the Bursar handles online payment plans,
Bear Card transfers, and tuition bills for all Mercer students.
Your bill, authorized payer information, and direct deposit
options can be located in your MyMercer portal under the link
“Pay and Manage My Account.”
Bills will become available approximately 30 days
before the start of the semester. Bill notifications will be
e-mailed to your Mercer e-mail address at that time.
Your account balance is due by the first day of class.
STUDENT CHOICE REFUNDS
You may sign up for Direct Deposit, Refund by Reloadable
Debit Card or get your refund by check.
To set up your refund via direct deposit:
Log in to https://my.mercer.edu
Select the My Finances tab and select Pay and Manage My
Account
Select Manage Refunds
PAYMENT PLANS
bursar.mercer.edu/macon/payment/ | (p) 478.301.1111
Mercer University offers the option to spread out payment
over multiple months. Plan benefits include easy online
enrollment, flexible payment options, and no interest
charges.
Two Available Payment Methods:
Electronic check or check in-hand (no fee)
Credit/debit card (additional fee assessed)
Applicable Fees:
$40-$50 enrollment fee per
semester, based on plan
Steps To Enroll:
Login to MyMercer portal
“Pay and Manage My Account”
“Set Up a Payment Plan” and
follow the steps on the screen
TAKING CARE OF
Bear Necessities
PAYMENT PLAN ENROLLMENT
Payment plans are available through MyMercer beginning mid-July for the fall semester. You should enroll in a payment
plan prior to the first day of class.
AUTHORIZED PAYER
If you would like your parents/sponsors to have
access to your bill and/or make payments on your
account, please enroll them as authorized payers.
To do so, login to your MyMercer portal and choose
“Pay and Manage My Account.” Select “Add an
Authorized Payer” from the home screen and follow
the steps to complete the enrollment.
Parents/ sponsors must confirm their account and
complete the registration process before they earn
access to view your account and make payments.
OFFICE OF STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
(OSE)
financialaid.mercer.edu/studentemployment
Located in Stembridge Center for Student
Success | (p) 478.301.2670 | (f) 478.301.2671
As a part of the Financial Planning Office,
Student Employment is committed to providing
students with part-time employment
opportunities that allow students to earn
income while acquiring valuable foundational
workplace skills. Students can apply for part-
time positions on and off campus through our
Student Employment website. Time
commitments can vary by position, with a work
requirement of 5 to 20 hours per week.
MAIL SERVICES
Located in the University Center | (p) 478.301.2020
Open Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm
All students have a Mercer University post office
box to receive mail from places both on and off
campus. Students are notified of packages ready
for pick up from the University Center via e-mail.
Mail Services also does USPS services (including
stamps), UPS shipping, and FedEx shipping.
To find your MU Box # go to your MyMercer Home
Page. On the left hand side, go to the My Profile
drop down, click on My Information. On this page,
click the Addresses tab and scroll down to the
Mercer University Campus Address. The Box # is
labeled as Address.
Use the following address set up to have mail sent
to you MU box:
DOCUMENT SERVICES
[email protected] | (p) 478.301.2679
Document Services can provide black and white
copying, color copying, wide format/oversized
printing, banner printing, laminating, binding,
folding, scanning, and faxing.
Toby Bear
MU Box #1833
1501 Mercer University Dr.
Macon, GA 31207
Meal Memberships are available to all students.
The minimum Meal Membership required is
determined according to completed hours as
stated in both the Housing and Meal Membership
contract.
Students with First-Year (0-29 hours), Sophomore
(30-59 hours), and Junior (60-89 hours) academic
status are required to purchase a meal plan
REGARDLESS OF CAMPUS HOUSING — including
the Lofts and apartments.
Students under 30 credit hours are auto-assigned
the Unlimited PLUS meal membership. As long as
the student is officially registered for class, the
contract is binding for the entire academic year,
unless a change in class level occurs or the student
is officially released from their housing contract.
Should either occur, the student must submit a
‘Request to Change Meal Membership’ form to
Auxiliary Services for approval.
Student's First & Last Name
MAKING THE MOST OF
Campus Services
AUXILIARY SERVICES
auxiliary.mercer.edu | [email protected]
(p)478.301.2741
Auxiliary Services provides students with their Bear Card,
manages Bear Bucks accounts and Meal Memberships,
oversees campus dining locations, and coordinates Mail
and Document Services.
FEED THE BEAR
DINING SERVICES
mercerdining.com | [email protected]
Located in the Connell Student Center
(p) 478.301.2925
Student's MU Box #
BEAR BUCKS
Your Bear Bucks account – a prepaid,
stored-value account that’s part of your
Bear Card – is the convenient, cashless way
to pay for your purchases on campus and at
a variety of off campus locations. The area’s
most popular local businesses accept Bear
Bucks. Check the website for a complete list
of merchants who accept the Bear Card. To
use it, deposit money into your account, and
the balance will decrease with each
purchase.
MERCER VALUES
Health and Safety
MERCER
STUDENT
HEALTH
& SAFETY
MERCER POLICE
police.mercer.edu
(p) 478.301.HELP (4357)
HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE
residencelife.mercer.edu/macon
Located in the Connell Student Center, Breezeway
(p) 478.301.2687
COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
(CAPS)
studentaffairs.mercer.edu/counseling
Located in off-white house between MEP and Legacy Residence Halls
(p) 478.301.2862
CAMPUS HEALTH
shc.mercer.edu | [email protected]
Macon clinic – located in the Drake Field House
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Please call 478-301-2696 for appointments
Atlanta clinic – located in Sheffield, suite 206
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Please call 678-547-6130 for appointments
TITLE IX
TitleIX.mercer.edu
(p) 478.301.2788
Campus Health provides currently enrolled students with
healthcare services including acute illness and injuries,
immunizations, STI testing, Tuberculosis screening,
limited health screenings, women’s health, health
education, and primary care. Some students may be
referred to specialists, depending on the illness/injury, at
the discretion of the Campus Health providers. All visits to
Campus Health are confidential. No information is
released without the consent of the student with the
exception of students under age 18.
Campus Health provides health services for all Mercer
students regardless of insurance coverage. Campus
Health is considered the primary healthcare provider for
students who have the school insurance (CORE). Students
with this insurance should contact the clinic if
appointments or referrals are needed, prior to seeking
other medical attention unless after hours or in cases of
emergency.
Mercer Police officers are certified by the state of
Georgia and act as the protective arm of Mercer
University. Please program their telephone number
into your phone in case you need to reach them
quickly. Officers are always on duty to ensure Mercer
is a safe place for students, faculty, staff, visitors, and
their property. Mercer Police is also responsible for
parking and traffic enforcement. Remember to get
your free parking decal when you begin class this fall.
Housing and Residence Life supports students while they
live in the residence halls, promoting the development of
relationships with diverse individuals while enhancing
student leadership skills and personal responsibility.
Residence halls are staffed by Resident Assistants (RAs)
who live on each floor.
Challenging, fun, and exciting as it is, college can be pretty
stressful, too. By some counts, last year two-thirds of
college students felt overwhelming anxiety at some point
and just over half felt things were hopeless. It is totally
normal to need some time to adjust, but for those times
when it feels like too much, CAPS provides no-cost,
confidential, professional counseling services to Mercer
students. CAPS is also available in crisis situations and for
consultation. For situations that are urgent, but not an
emergency, CAPS offers Same-Day Solutions sessions. Visit
us on our IG at @mercer_caps, TikTok at @mercerucaps or
our website for up-to-date information and give us a call to
schedule an appointment.
To ensure Mercer is making every effort to fully
address issues of sexual assault and other forms of
sexual violence, our Title IX Coordinator partners with
resources to promote a safe and healthy campus
environment for everyone.
YOUR MERCER
FIRST-YEAR
TRANSITION
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) HELP DESK
it.mercer.edu
Located in Tarver Library, second floor
(p) 478.301.7000
Information Technology (IT) supports, develops, and
maintains the IT environment. Mercer IT can assist you with
wired/wireless network access, recommendations, problem
evaluation, and e-mail access.
MERCER E-MAIL ACCOUNT
mercerlive.mercer.edu
It is important that you check your Mercer e-mail account
on a frequent and regular basis since time-sensitive and
confidential information will be sent to this e-mail address
while you are enrolled as a student. Visit the IT website to learn how to install your Mercer e-mail on a smartphone
or device. NOTE: Your MyMercer, MercerLive e-mail, Canvas, wireless network, and on-campus computer
passwords are all the same, so if one changes, they all change.
MYMERCER
my.mercer.edu
MyMercer is a website that allows students to manage their schedules, view grades, manage financial aid, pay
tuition, apply for campus housing, and much more.
CANVAS
canvas.mercer.edu
Canvas is an online learning management system that supports supplementary learning tools in an online
environment. You can download course materials (e.g., course syllabi), view course announcements, review course
calendars, participate in online discussions, just to highlight a few of the functions. Please note: not all faculty use
all of the system’s functions.
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING &
RESIDENCE LIFE
residencelife.mercer.edu/macon
Located in the Connell Student Center, Breezeway
(p) 478.301.2687
Packing for college is an exciting time! Here are some commonly
forgotten items you won’t want to forget: cleaning supplies, first-aid kit,
laundry supplies, shower shoes, surge protector, ethernet cable, towels,
twin XL sheets, and decorations to make your room feel more like home.
Make sure to leave the following at home, as they are not allowed in your residence hall: alcohol, candles, electric
heaters, extension cords, halogen lights, hot plates/grills, pets (except fish), toaster ovens, weapons, wireless
routers, printers, and more.
For our full packing list with all permitted items, as well as to check out all of our community standards make sure
to visit https://residencelife.mercer.edu/macon/resources
Curious about what your room may look like, or specific dimensions for your room? Check out our virtual tours at
https://residencelife.mercer.edu/macon/halls
COUNTDOWN TO YOUR
FALL '24 SEMESTER
SUMMER PREPARATIONS
SUMMER READING CONTEST
aas.mercer.edu/summer-reading
(p) 478.301.2078
You are invited to submit an essay for the First-Year
Student Summer Writing Award where a first-year
student’s essay will be selected for its outstanding
writing and reflection on the summer reading,
selections from the Mercer Reader. The winner will
receive a monetary award.
Essays are due: July 31, 2024. Follow us on social media
@MercerAAS for updates about the Summer Essay
Contest and much more!
BEAR BEGINNINGS
SATURDAY, AUG. 17 - MONDAY, AUG. 19
aas.mercer.edu/orientation-programs/bear-beginnings
Following the Opening Day festivities, The Bear
Beginnings program begins with all first-year students
checking in and attending the Welcome Ceremony on
Saturday evening!
Bear Beginnings, your MANDATORY three-day fall
orientation program, is designed to help first-year
students transition both academically and socially to life
at Mercer. During Bear Beginnings, you will finalize
your fall schedule, learn about various campus
resources, gain an understanding of Mercer’s academic
expectations, and attend social events. Students
also attend Bear Fair, a student involvement fair that
features many of our campus organizations, on
Monday!
You will experience Bear Beginnings alongside your
Peer Advisor (PA), orientation group (O-Group) of fellow
first-year students, and academic advisor. Once Bear
Beginnings is complete, you will remain connected with
your PA, O-Group, and academic advisor through
University 101 (UNV 101). UNV 101 is a 16-week,
1-credit hour course that discusses important topics,
such as Mercer’s history, study skills, critical thinking,
ethics, health, safety, and careers.
OPENING DAYS
FRIDAY, AUG. 16 & SATURDAY, AUG. 17
aas.mercer.edu/orientation-programs/opening-day
(p) 478.301.4300
We hope that the Opening Days are an exciting time
for you and your family!
Residential Students: Label ALL boxes and bags
with your name and room number! Due to traffic
flow and the assistance of move-in volunteers, you
are asked to move to campus during an assigned
time frame.
You will receive an August newsletter via e-mail,
complete with your Opening Day Parking Pass
and directions to your assigned residence hall or
Commuter Program.
THE FIRST-YEAR BEAR FACTS
PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AND ADVISING SERVICES
aas.mercer.edu | [email protected] | (p) 478.301.2078
SUMMER
CHECKLIST
COMPLETE ONLINE
SUBMIT FINAL HS & ANY COLLEGE,
AP, OR IB TRANSCRIPTS
PURCHASE BOOKS
PLAN FOR YOUR BILL
USE YOUR MERCER
TECHNOLOGY
MAKE A HOUSING PLAN
DISCUSS HEALTH
INSURANCE
STUDENT RECORDS RELEASE
AUTHORIZATION(FERPA FORM)
Log into MyMercer >Self Help Center
>Click on FERPA Form > Submit
IMMUNIZATION FORM
to the Student Health Center
BEAR CARD
from Auxiliary Services
MU BOX NUMBER
from Mail Services
PARKING DECAL
from Mercer Police
OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31207
All students must have final transcripts on file
with Admissions. The Registrar’s Office further
reviews final transcripts for any college, AP,
and/or IB coursework.
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MERCER BOOKSTORE
shopmercerbears.com
Located in Mercer Village | (p) 478.301.2945
Utilize the Barnes & Noble at Mercer University
Bookstore to explore your textbook options. Look into
our new Bear Bundle offer.
Pick up a copy of the Mercer Reader for the Summer
Reading and Essay Contest due July 31.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
bursar.mercer.edu | [email protected]
(p) 478.301.1111
Bills will be posted electronically to your MyMercer
account approximately 30 days before the start of
the semester. Check your Mercer e-mail for
notifications. Your account balance is due by the
first day of class. Find Payment Plan information
online.
MERCER E-MAIL
mercerlive.mercer.edu
Mercer offices will communicate with you using this e-mail.
MYMERCER ACCOUNT
my.mercer.edu
Sign up for “Authorized Payer,” check your bill, and more.
HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE
[email protected] | (p) 478.301.2687
Packing for college is an exciting time! Here are some
commonly-forgotten items you won’t want to forget:
cleaning supplies, first aid kit, laundry supplies, shower
shoes, surge protector, ethernet cable, towels, twin XL
sheets, and decorations to make your room feel more like
home!
Planning on commuting? We’ll see you at our Commuter
Check In Program on August 17th!
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE & WAIVER
bursar.mercer.edu/studentinsurance
If you already have coverage under another policy
and do not want to pay for the University approved
health coverage, complete the health insurance
waiver process (the waiver for the fall semester opens
early-July).
Mercer University
Academic and Advising
Services
@merceraas
