Orientation for Parents and Families

Welcome to the Tufts community! On your student's move-in day, there will be optional programs for parents and families.

For students who choose to participate in an optional Pre-Orientation program, Move-In will be Friday, August 28. New Student Move-In for students not participating in Pre-Orientation will be Wednesday, September 2. Undergraduate Orientation, which is mandatory for all new students, begins on September 2 at 3 p.m.

The Matriculation Ceremony, which officially welcomes incoming students to Tufts, will take place on Thursday, September 3 at 10 a.m. Parents and families are invited to attend the hour-long ceremony; it will also be livestreamed to watch remotely. We ask that parents and families depart following the ceremony as students will continue their Orientation.This event takes place outside (rain or shine), on the Academic Quad. If there is severe weather, the ceremony will take place inside; however, the indoor location accommodates students only, and we will update parents and families with additional information.

We look forward to welcoming you and your student to campus later this summer!

Programming for Parents and Families

Programming for parents and families will be offered during Pre-Orientation arrival/move-in on Friday, August 28 and Orientation arrival/move-in on Wednesday, September 2 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Participation is optional, but parents and families coming for their student's arrival/move-in day are encouraged to attend. Programming is the same on both move-in dates.

PLEASE RSVP: While it is not necessary to register in advance for programming on your student's move in day or the Matriculation Ceremony, we hope you will take a few minutes to fill our a brief survey to let us know which programs you plan on attending.

RSVP to Parents and Families Programming

Friday, August 28, 2026

3:30-4:30 p.m. After the Drop off (Cohen Auditorium): A panel conversation with Dean of Students Camille Lizarríbar and the Student Life team. They'Il discuss the transition to college, how to support your student while encouraging their independence, and campus resources available for students throughout their journey at Tufts.
4:30-5:30 p.m. Jumbo Reception: After a busy day of moving your student into their residence, join us for an end-of-day reception. Meet the deans and advising deans for your student's academic program, members of the Student Life team and campus partners, and connect with other parents (light refreshments served).

(Note: Individual Pre-O Programs will be in touch with your student with the program schedule for move in day, including the start time.)

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

3:30-4:30 p.m. After the Drop off (Cohen Auditorium): A panel conversation with Dean of Students Camille Lizarríbar and the Student Life team. They'll discuss the transition to college, how to support your student while encouraging their independence, and campus resources available for students throughout their journey at Tufts.
4:30-5:30 p.m. Jumbo Reception: After a busy day of moving your student into their residence hall, join us for an end-of-day reception. Meet the deans and advising deans for your student's academic program, members of the Student Life team and campus partners, and connect with other parents (light refreshments served).

Thursday, September 3, 2026

10 - 11 a.m. Matriculation Ceremony (the official welcoming of new students). Parents and families are welcome to attend the ceremony; it will also be livestreamed. (Please note: This event takes place outside, rain or shine, on the Academic Quad. If there is severe weather, the ceremony will take place inside; however, the indoor location accommodates students only and we will update parents and families with additional information. There will be additional indoor spaces where parents and families who are on campus can watch the livestream.)
Following Matriculation, students continue their orientation.
A link to watch the livestream will be available.

Health & Wellness Consultations

On move-in days, our Health and Wellness medical and mental health staff have set aside times for students and/or parents to speak with them about any individual concerns they may have for the upcoming year. These 15-minute consultations are available on a first come, first served basis.

August 28, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Health Service/Medical Consultations at Health Service, 124 Professors Row, Medford
Counseling and Mental Health Consultations at CMHS, 120 Curtis Street, Medford

September 2, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Health Service/Medical Consultations at Health Service, 124 Professors Row, Medford
Counseling and Mental Health Consultations at CMHS, 120 Curtis Street, Medford

Resources

I was afraid I would have a hard time making friends during Tufts Orientation, but I actually met more new people that week than I have ever met at once. Everyone at Tufts comes from different places and different upbringings, but I found it's very easy to relate to my peers because we all shared the same values that drew us to Tufts. My favorite part of orientation was the performance club o-shows; I had no idea how many talented dancers, singers, and comedians there would be at Tufts!

Michaela Marget, Class of 2029

These programs as a whole helped me establish more of a foundation and footing with not only classmates and undergrads my age, but also faculty and staff at Tufts, especially when it came to talking about the various programs, courses, and majors/minors offered at Tufts. I was able to build a diverse community of both backgrounds and thought due to the numerous activities present to do within the orientation and pre-orientation schedules. I believe people should participate as they won't feel "thrown in" or overwhelmed with the whole adjustment process to college life, and would have a rather smooth, simple, fun and energetic transition into this new period of their lives.

Lasya Vijayanand, Class of 2029

Orientation was fantastic! Everyone was out and about, playing games like spike ball, volleyball, exploriung the city, restaurants, and more! My best advice would be to buy in and make the most out of it!

Henry Gatto, Class of 2029

Orientation was where I met my group of friends to this day, it helped me acclimate to the community by fostering a sense of belonging. The candle lighting ceremony, united my entire class and I for once felt so grateful to be apart of such a great team.