PTV: Prologues, Transitions, and Viewpoints
Prologues, Transitions, and Viewpoints is a three day orientation comprised of the following activities:
Prologues is a unique program focusing on academics and emphasizing interaction, integration, and connection with faculty. You will be introduced to Detroit Mercy professors from various disciplines who will discuss academic success in college. Next, you will attend special sessions to hear from faculty in your specific major. The time spent alongside members of the University's faculty will help prepare you for the rigors of academic work.
Participation in Transitions will give you a good foundation to begin college life by developing personal identity and interpersonal relationships with current Detroit Mercy students and the University community. You will participate in activities to create awareness of personal value and a sense of community and connectedness. We want our students to be successful and this starts with a solid transition to college.
Viewpoints is an introduction to Detroit's remarkable social and cultural environments. The program will help you to begin to understand the needs of the city and its residents and ways you can develop the leadership skills necessary to address those needs. You will spend a few hours at one of several Detroit social services agencies such as Focus:HOPE, Crossroads, the Catholic Worker, or Habitat for Humanity engaged in service learning.
You will then take a guided walking tour of Detroit's downtown area and its landmarks. You will learn how the city has begun a residential and commercial revitalization process that will take Detroit into the future. A highlight of the tour is a visit to Pizza Papalis in Greektown.
First Year Retreat
The First Year Retreat is an optional, three-day, two-night experience away from the distractions and busy-ness of everyday life. The getaway serves as a prelude to PTV at an off-campus retreat center. Students will learn the art of listening and reflecting through small and large group discussions. There will also be free time and fellowship-building.
Common Read
The "Common Read" is designed to introduce you to the academic and intellectual culture of Detroit Mercy through a shared reading experience. All first-year students are encouraged to finish the Common Read before PTV, so that they can participate in discussions. Assignments surrounding the book will also be given in your fall English courses.
First Year Convocation
At the end of PTV, students will take part in the First-Year Convocation. This event formally marks the beginning of the college experience. The program features a student processional, introduction to key administrators, and a keynote speaker. Students should plan to wear business casual attire. Lunch will be served following the ceremony.
Check-In
Commuter Students
Students planning to commute to campus during the school year will check-in for PTV between 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. and will remain on campus for the day to participate in the scheduled activities. Check-in will be located in the Student Center on the McNichols Campus.
Housing for Commuter Students
A limited number of residence hall rooms are available for commuter students who are interested in staying on campus during PTV (at no extra charge). Requests for temporary housing during PTV will be taken beginning August 1. Students granted temporary housing will check-in with their belongings at Shiple Hall between 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Residential Students
Students planning to live on campus during the school year will check-in for PTV during their assigned move-in time. Residential students will receive move-in details via their Detroit Mercy student email account.
Schedule
Students will follow one of two schedules according to their major.
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Red Schedule - Coming Soon
Red Team Schedule - Coming Soon!
Architecture
Engineering
Science including Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical and Pre-Physician Assistant -
Blue Schedule - Coming Soon
Blue Team Schedule - Coming Soon!
All programs other than Architecture, Engineering, and Science
Packing List
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Suggested Attire/Packing List
Service Project Attire
Students will live out the Detroit Mercy Mission by spending a morning at a social service agency committed to doing positive things in Detroit. Since the service projects often involve gardening, clean-up work or even painting, students need to wear clothes that can get dirty along with gym shoes. Students may not wear open-toed shoes, sandals or flip-flops. Finally, some of the sites do not allow tank-tops, so please bring a shirt with sleeves.
First-Year Convocation Attire
Students are expected to wear business casual attire to First-Year Convocation.
Packing List for Commuter Students Staying in the Residence Halls
- Sleeping bag/bedding
- Pillow
- Towel
- Bathrobe (optional)
- Shower shoes/flip flops
- Personal toiletries
- Casual attire including gym and service project clothes
- Business casual attire for First-Year Convocation
- Alarm clock
- Small fan