PTV: Prologues, Transitions, and Viewpoints
PTV 2020: August 25-28
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Program Description
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.
Reservations are not necessary as all freshmen will participate. Event details will be sent via email during the summer.
Check-In
Commuter Students
Students planning to commute to campus during the school year will check-in for PTV on August 25 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 Union on the McNichols Campus.
Temporary 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). Students interested in staying on campus for the week will need to complete a PTV Commuter Housing Request Form, which will become available in July. Students granted temporary housing will check-in with their belongings at Shiple Hall between 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. on August 25.
Residential Students
Students planning to live on campus during the school year will check-in for PTV during their assigned move-in time on August 25. 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
The Red Schedule will be available in the spring.
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Blue Schedule
The Blue schedule will be available in the spring.
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 can dress casually and should plan to wear their red class t-shirt.
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
First-Year Retreat
August 2020 • Desales Retreat Center
The First Year Retreat is an optional, three-day, two-night experience that encourages community formation and explores your faith. The First Year Retreat serves as a prelude to PTV, allowing you to move-in early and form friendships before beginning your time at Detroit Mercy. During the retreat you will hear from students who have already navigated the personal, academic, and spiritual transitions of college life; you'll enjoy good food, games and make space for prayer and personal goal-setting.
Details and registration will be available in the spring.
First-Year Convocation
To kick off PTV, students and their families will take part in 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 dress casually and wear their red class t-shirt. A picnic dinner for all guests will be served following the ceremony.