Frequently Asked Questions

When will I move into my room?
What should I bring?
When will I get my academic schedule?
What is my mailing address and telephone number at Cushing?
Will there be an Orientation Program for me?
When will I meet my advisor?
How much money do I need?
What do I need to do to go home or visiting for the weekend?
What about if my parents come and surprise me and want to take me off campus?

When will I move into my room?
On registration day (Saturday, September 6) you will start in the Admission Office and end up in your room! You will have time to get unpacked and settled before dinner (and the start of Orientation.)

What should I bring?

• Our beds are standard twins – don’t forget a pillow!

• Bring: hangers, extension cords, and a power strip

• Touches of home help make things brighter – a throw rug, small plastic drawer units, posters, a small shelf, a fan, a small lock box or trunk to secure valuables

• An under bed storage box may help with organization and neatness

• PLEASE label all clothing and belongings

When will I get my academic schedule?
You will get your daily schedule at registration on Saturday. Be sure to fill out your Course Selection Form this summer and if you have any questions, call the Academic Office at 978.827.7011.

What is my mailing address and telephone number at Cushing?
Your mailing address is: P.O. Box 8000, Ashburnham, MA 01430 (If you need a street address for UPS or FedEx use: 39 School Street, Ashburnham, MA 01430. Cushing has a central mail room (in the Student Center) where all packages and mail are distributed from. All students at Cushing have a personal telephone number with voice mail. You will get your telephone number at registration.

Will there be an Orientation Program for me?
Yes! All new students arrive on campus the day before returning students. Starting in late afternoon on the day you arrive, we have a full program to introduce you to Cushing and familiarize you with the campus. We have activities all day the next day, too. On Monday we have all school activities and a mini-day of classes (to meet your teachers and learn where your classrooms are.)

When will I meet my advisor?
You and your parents will meet your advisor during Orientation. An advisor is like your parent away from home. They are a great place to start for any questions or concerns.

How much money do I need?
Spending and allowance are very personal issues – but please discuss and agree on budgeting and weekend trips. Cash is rarely needed at Cushing, but discuss term bill limits.

There is an ATM located in the Student Center for immediate cash withdrawals.

What do I need to do to go home or visiting for the weekend?
There are forms in the Office of Student Affairs that need to be completed BEFORE Thursday, at 12:00 pm. Your parents need to call to give you permission, and, if you are visiting someone, that person must call too. Students may not sign out to a hotel, unless their own parent is present; nor may they sign out to a college dormitory.

What about if my parents come and surprise me and want to take me off campus?
You must never leave campus without signing out – therefore go to the Office of Student Affairs, or contact the Dean on Duty. (Parents, we need your help on this one – always call the Office of Student Affairs to properly sign your child out and ask your child if they have signed out!)