Frequently Asked Questions for First Year Students

Making the Transition

How is college different from high school?

College and high school are different in many ways. Perhaps the biggest differences you will encounter are the amount of personal responsibility and freedom available to you and the expectations faculty may have of you in the classroom. Instead of attending school every day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., you will spend only about fifteen hours in formal class meetings each week. Some days you may be in class for four or five hours. On other days you may not have any classes scheduled. It will be important to manage your unstructured time wisely so that these hours available for concentrated study are not wasted. That isn't to say that you shouldn't spend time with friends or engage in extracurricular activities, but you will want to find a balance between your academic responsibilities and the many other competing demands for your time.

You should expect your college courses to be much more difficult than those in high school. Expectations for academic performance will be much higher. As with anything in life, the more you put into it, the more you'll receive in return. Professors are here to facilitate your learning, not to do it for you or to merely give information to you. Your Colloquium course will be an important resource for learning more about the differences between college and high school.

What is life like at Linfield?

The Linfield community is relatively small and close knit. People around campus will recognize you by your name and face, and not just as a number. If you have a problem or a question, you can find a number of people willing to help you discover the answers. Professors are very accessible, allocating at least 4 or 5 hours per week of open time for students to drop in, and you should not hesitate to seek out your professors for assistance. By the time you're a junior or senior you will probably be good friends with one or more of your professors and may end up at their house for dinner. At Linfield, students are surrounded by people who genuinely care about their well being. That doesn't mean that everything will always go smoothly, but there are always people around who are willing to listen and help where possible. What is important is that you be willing to seek out help. Talk to the faculty, staff, and administrators. One of the big advantages of a small liberal arts college like Linfield is that these personal contacts are available for those willing to take advantage of the opportunities. Learn more about clubs and organizations on campus. For other aspects of life at Linfield, visit the home page and from there explore what Linfield has to offer.

What will happen when I arrive at Linfield?

Your first few days at Linfield will be quite busy, beginning with your arrival at the residence halls. You will check into your room and then participate in a number of orientation activities.

What are McMinnville and the surrounding area like?

About 30,000 people call McMinnville their home. It is a friendly community, of which Linfield is an integral part, with many opportunities for fun, culture, and employment. There are restaurants to serve a variety of tastes and budgets. In any given week you might attend a play at the Gallery Theatre, hear a lecture on campus, or visit one of the coffee shops hosting a local musician. If you are sports-minded and seeking employment, the Parks and Recreation department is always looking for competent people to officiate soccer, basketball, or baseball games. Many of the local activities are within walking distance of campus. If you are looking for outdoor activities, McMinnville has a number of nice parks, and is within driving distance of the Oregon coast, Mt. Hood, Silver Falls, and other natural wonders. Portland is an hour away by car, and is a good place to see concerts, theatre shows, minor league baseball, and professional basketball.

What opportunities are there to meet other people at Linfield?

Linfield is home to many student-run clubs, organizations and a large student government structure. Joining a club or organization is a great and easy way to meet new people. See the ASLC web site for more information.

Academics

 What are professors like?

Linfield professors, like students, are unique individuals with a wide array of interests. What faculty members have in common is that they are well educated, they enjoy learning, and they want to share their enthusiasm for their subject with their students. In the classroom, some professors follow a tight schedule and lecture to their students with well chosen words. Other professors provide more of a framework for discovery and then allow students to engage the material more directly, but informally. Some professors will be funny; others will try to be funny; some won't even try. Regardless of the classroom climate, professors are serious about nurturing scholars. What all faculty members want are students eager to learn and willing to ask questions. If you would like to know more about Linfield professors, visit the faculty and staff page from the Linfield home page.

 

I am in a Colloquium group for Biology majors but I'm really interested in studying Economics. How did I end up in this group and can I switch?

Whenever possible, Colloquium assignments are based on information from your application to Linfield. At the time you applied you may have thought about Biology as a potential major and written it on the application form. Although you may have since decided that a Biology major is not in your future, you will not be allowed to switch Colloquium groups, nor do you need to. All faculty advisors are able to advise students in any area of interest, and will refer you to others if appropriate. At the end of Colloquium, if desired, you can change to a new advisor. Most of what you learn in Colloquium is the same regardless of which group you're in. If you are "misplaced" according to your desired area of study, take advantage of the opportunity. Throughout your academic career you will be surrounded by people studying the same things that you are. Building friendships with students from different majors will enrich your Linfield experience.

Do I need to read the summer common reading book?

Yes! All first-year Linfield students are required to complete the common reading text.  The author of the book will speak at Convocation during Orientation Weekend and you will discuss the book in your Colloquium course.  You will also have opportunities to attend events related to the themes presented in the book. 

Where can I learn more about academic advising and what advisors do?

Visit the Academic Advising web pages to learn more about how academic advising works at Linfield.

Life at Linfield

Will I be able to find a job on campus?

A number of offices on campus offer employment to students. If you are eligible for federal work study, you will find that there are more opportunities available. As you begin to search for a job on campus, remember that the best jobs go quickly. Most work study positions are not decided before the semester begins, so it won't do much good to call Linfield during the summer. It would be smart to begin looking for work during your first week on campus. Your best sources for finding on-campus employment are on the bulletin board outside of the Human Resources Office, on the Human Resources web page, or during information sessions during Orientation. You can also go to professors, your major department, and other places (for example the dining hall and the library) to see if they have work study positions available.

Where can I find more information relating to dorms or student housing?

If you still have unanswered questions, or would just like to know a little bit more about what dorm life is like here at Linfield, visit the Office of Residence Life webpage.

Will I have phone service from my room?

All residence hall rooms are equipped with a telephone jack. You must provide your own telephone, but free voice mail service is already in place and roommates share a telephone number. In addition, while local calls are free to students, long distance calls require a phone card.

Where should I do my banking?

There are several banks located within walking distance of campus and there is a US Bank ATM machine located on the first floor of Riley Hall.

Will I be able to bring a computer to campus?

Students' own computers are great tools to bring to campus. Those that choose to bring their own computer will find the Office of Information Technology a good source of help. See their web page for more information.

Where can I do my laundry?

Each residence hall features a laundry room with several coin operated washers and dryers. More information about residence hall policies.

What is the Linfield Alcohol policy? 

The misuse and illegal use, possession, transportation, distribution, manufacture, or sale of alcohol and other drugs is not permitted on property owned or controlled by the college, or while representing the college on business or in other college sponsored activity. The use of alcohol on college owned or controlled property, or at events associated with Linfield programs, is restricted to those of legal drinking age in that locale. The complete policy can be found at the Office of Residence Life web page:

How can I find out about campus and student government activities?

Information about student government, campus clubs and organizations, community resources and activities can be found in the Associated Students of Linfield College Handbook. The entire handbook can be found on the Associated Students of Linfield College web page.

You will also be given an ASLC handbook when you arrive on campus.

Can I bring my bike to campus?

Bikes are welcome at Linfield and there are several bike racks located around campus. Some residence halls (such as South) have bike storage areas. A bike lock is recommended.

 

Is there a place where I can store extra belongings?

Each residence hall has a storage area, usually located on the first floor or in the basement, available on a first come, first serve basis. More information about residence hall policies.

 

Other Questions? Ask your Advisor

Do you have other questions that weren't answered in this web site? Feel free to contact your Colloquium faculty and peer advisors or the Office of Academic Advising.