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Prepare for your academic and co-curricular transition
We assist students and families to understand the expectations and opportunities of the Tufts community. We help prepare students for their academic and co-curricular journeys by facilitating an introduction to their peers and to Tufts’ services.
Welcome
The Undergraduate Orientation team welcomes all new undergraduate students to Tufts University! We are excited for your arrival and are currently preparing for a vibrant, meaningful and inviting experience as you transition to the Jumbo community.
Undergraduate Orientation marks the beginning of an important journey for you and your family. At the heart of your Tufts education is an opportunity to grow as an individual, and as a member of a larger campus community. During Orientation, you’ll have the chance to start making valuable connections with peers, professors, administrators, and upper-class students. Some of the bonds that begin here are sure to last throughout your time at Tufts and even long after. Welcome to the Hill!
This website will be continually updated throughout the spring and over the summer. This will allow us to keep students and families updated on important information regarding Undergraduate Orientation and fall arrival.
During Orientation, you’ll participate in a wide range of programs designed to familiarize you with campus resources, build community and connection, and establish skills for independence and responsibility. We divide our goals for Orientation into four broad categories: Intellectual Engagement and Inquiry, Meaningful Inclusion, Community and Belonging, and Health and Wellness.
Pre-Orientation Move-In will be Friday, August 22. New Student Move-In for students not participating in Pre-Orientation will be Wednesday, August 27. Orientation begins on Wednesday, August 27 as well. More information regarding Move-In and Orientation will be added on these pages throughout the academic year.
Fees
All new undergraduate students are charged a one-time Orientation fee of $500. The fee funds a weeklong schedule of Orientation programming, activities, and events; compensation for student leaders who facilitate the programs; and meals associated with onboarding incoming students.
We offer eight optional Pre-Orientation for incoming students. These programs take place immediately prior to Undergraduate Orientation. The fee to participate in a Pre-Orientation program is $550.
About
Intellectual Engagement and Inquiry
New students actively engage in intellectual inquiry and exploration throughout Orientation.
- We’ll help you take ownership over your academic experience at Tufts with workshops on college writing, studying for languages, studying for the sciences, and and preparing your artistic experience.
- We’ll introduce you to academic resources at Tufts like the Student Accessibility and Academic Resources Center.
- We’ll make sure you understand the importance of Academic Integrity in college.
- We’ll help you practice interdisciplinary critical thinking, deepen your intellectual curiosity, and the explore the expression of your own ideas in and beyond the classroom.
Meaningful Inclusion
New students examine their own identities and the impact of power and privilege through several Orientation programs. They are also given opportunities to interact thoughtfully across difference, sustain dialogue, and build an inclusive community.
- We’ll ask you to think about habits and behaviors that foster inclusion and respect.
- We’ll help you examine implicit and explicit biases and think about how to challenge them.
- We’ll provide you with opportunities connect with Tufts’ diverse group of students, faculty, and staff.
- We’ll introduce you to identity-based resources through the Division of Diversity and Inclusion at Tufts and discuss how our community members advocate for themselves and their peers.
Community and Belonging
New students learn to create communities and meaningful relationships during Orientation that foster a sense of shared responsibility.
- We’ll explore care and concern for others within the Tufts community and outline community supports.
- We’ll help you start the relationship-building process during Orientation and ask you to think about how it will continue throughout your college experience.
- We’ll help you think about your own identity in relation to the greater Tufts community and how identity can impact community building.
- We’ll introduce you to the many communities that may be a source of support for you during your time at Tufts, such as University Chaplaincy and Residential Life and Learning.
Health and Wellness
New students learn healthy habits for physical, mental, and social well-being throughout Orientation.
- We’ll help you think about how obstacles are a key part of both academic and co-curricular learning.
- We’ll ask you to consider what might be stressful during your college experience and will outline all the resources available at Tufts for physical, mental, and social wellness, including Counseling and Mental Health, Health Promotion, CARE, Health Service, Student Life, and the Office of Equal Opportunity.
- We’ll discuss the impacts of alcohol and other substances.
This website will be continually updated throughout the spring and over the summer. This will allow us to keep students and families updated on important information regarding Undergraduate Orientation and fall arrival.
Tufts University Undergraduate Orientation is committed to providing equal access to our services, events and programs. If you require accommodations for any part of Undergraduate Orientation please contact orientation@tufts.edu or 617-627-4678.
Questions? Contact orientation@tufts.edu.