Family Orientation & Move-in Day 2026

We are excited to welcome you and your student to ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s Class of 2030!

families sit on the mounds near the fountain

Family Orientation & Move-in Day takes place on Saturday, August 22, 2026. This day marks the beginning of your student’s journey and is designed to help you feel informed, supported, and connected as your family transitions into the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ community.

 

new students walk under an arm bridge

This day is both a celebration and an opportunity to learn more about the people, resources, and experiences that will shape your student’s time at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.

It also kicks off the week-long New Student Orientation for new students.

 

a student and father hug

 

Family Orientation & Move-in Day 2026 Schedule

9–11 a.m. Family Leadership Council (FLC) Meeting
Broad Center Performance Space

2–4 p.m. Alumni Board (AB) Meeting
Broad Center Performance Space

8 a.m.–Noon Registration   
GSC MPR    
Move-in Time Slots
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.: S-Z and new PP Athletes
8:45 - 9:30 a.m.: M-R
9:30 - 10:15 a.m.: G-L
10:15 - 11:00 a.m.: A-F

8 a.m.–5 p.m. Family and Friends Lounge and ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Store
McConnell Center, Living Room

10:30–11:15 a.m. Athletics Information Session for Winter and Spring Athletes
CARW, Voelkel Gymnasium
Pick-up is 10–10:15 a.m. at Avery Gates.

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. New Student Gift from Alumni Association
Benson Auditorium Atrium

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Connection Café (Specialty Coffee Cart)
Scott Courtyard

Noon–1:30 p.m. Family Welcome Lunch
McConnell Center, Dining Hall, Overflow: Founders Room

1:45–3 p.m. Insights to Life at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ 
Benson Auditorium, Overflow seating: Fletcher Hall 104, 106, 110, 112 and Broad Hall 110, 207, 210, 214

1:45–3 p.m. Spanish Speaking Session, Información acerca de la vida en ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ
Broad Hall, Language Lab

3:15–4:15 p.m. FirstGen Student & Family Reception    
GSC Terrace

3:45–4:45 p.m. Resource Fair     
GSC MPR and Terrace

4:45–5:50 p.m. Community Dinner    
Commencement Plaza & Mounds

5:50–6:15 p.m. Family Farewell Programming    
Mounds & Apron

6:15 p.m. Family Farewell    
Commencement Plaza

6:30–8 p.m. Cheers & Tears Reception    
President's Residence

Helpful Information

Family Orientation & Move-in Day is designed to be both structured and welcoming, with a mix of logistical support, community-building opportunities, and meaningful programming throughout the day.

a family laugh together at family orientation

A confirmed schedule of events will be sent to you later this summer, but you can expect: 

  • Staggered move-in and check-in times to help ensure a smooth arrival experience
  • A central welcome and registration area to get oriented and receive materials
  • A Family & Friends Lounge where you can relax, connect, and visit the campus store
  • Opportunities to pick up welcome gifts and resources for new students
  • A Family Welcome Lunch to gather as a community
  • An afternoon program featuring campus partners and key resources, such as
    academic advising, career services, study abroad, and student support services
  • A Resource Fair to explore campus offices and opportunities
  • A Community Dinner and closing programming, followed by a special farewell
    moment for families

There will also be optional sessions and informal opportunities to connect, including affinity-based gatherings and spaces to meet members of your new ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Community!

 

Students will receive their housing assignment and detailed move-in instructions in advance of arrival.

students and parents walk on the pitzer dorm outside walkways while moving into the dorms

Move-in will include:

  • A designated check-in location on campus
  • Assigned arrival windows to help manage traffic and flow
  • Support from orientation staff and student volunteers throughout the process
  • Additional details, including check-in location, arrival times, and parking information, will
    be shared later this summer.

Visit our Move-in & out page for more move-in information. 

students stand in a large group on the mounds during an orientation event

Following Move-in Day, students will participate in New Student Orientation (NSO), a required program designed to help them build community and prepare for academic and campus life.

Orientation programming typically includes:

  • Academic advising and course preparation
  • Introductions to campus resources and support services
  • Social and community-building activities
  • Orientation Adventures to explore the campus and the surrounding area

Orientation is an important part of helping students feel confident, connected, and ready for the semester ahead.

a family poses under the outdoor classroom pergola

If you are traveling to campus, we recommend:

  • Booking accommodations early
  • Allowing extra time for arrival and parking
  • Wearing comfortable clothing for walking and warm weather

More detailed travel guidance will be shared throughout the summer.

a student and their parents pose for the camera

Stay Connected!

You will receive regular email updates throughout the summer with important information, deadlines, and next steps. If your contact information has changed, please let us know.

Check Back Often!

a family group hugs on the mounds

This page will be updated with additional details as they are confirmed, including: 

  • The full Family Orientation schedule for the day
  • Check-in/arrival times
  • Recommended travel and hotel accommodations
  • Campus maps and parking information
  • Family-specific sessions & resources

 

Questions?