FIT: Fitness and Individual Development at Tufts
FIT (Fitness and Individual Development at Tufts) is a five-day pre-orientation program for students interested in leading a healthy and active lifestyle while at Tufts.
About
Incoming Tufts students have proven they are academically FIT to be a Jumbo; likewise, we believe Jumbo Health is just as important. The program introduces students to the Tufts community through wellness, nutrition, and activities. Students are taught how to include healthy behaviors and learn about self-care, wellness, and stress reduction. FIT provides the opportunity to develop lasting relationships with other first-year students and upper-class student peer leaders.
FIT students are placed with 10 other first-years and 2-3 upper-class student peer leaders. The leaders were first years just like you and will help guide you in your transition to life as a Jumbo. Participants in FIT develop strong relationships with other first-year students and their peer leaders. These friendships have been known to last all four years.
FIT is supported by two Tufts staff members who have years of experience in college health and support Tufts students’ health year-round.
Fitness
Over the course of the five days, students will learn how to live an active lifestyle at Tufts. During the program, they will get the opportunity to participate in fun Jumbo Workouts like kickball, ultimate frisbee, swimming, spin classes, yard games, hip-hop dance, and many more. Additionally, they will participate in outdoor activities off-campus like sailing, golf, hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.
Health/Wellness
Throughout the program, students will be introduced to the mental health resources and support systems available at Tufts. FIT also teaches students about proper nutrition, sleep, and stress management at college. Moreover, they will receive a tour of the fitness center and the fitness amenities available to Tufts students, along with information about how to get involved with activities on campus, such as club and intramurals sports.
Adjusting to Campus
FIT program primarily takes place at Tufts and students will get the opportunity to find their way around campus before Orientation. They will have a few days to adjust to campus life before the rest of the rest of student body arrives. However, FIT isn’t just all on-campus! Participants also get the chance to explore the city and surrounding areas of Boston. FIT groups take an afternoon field trip to areas like Davis, Cambridge, or Downtown Boston. You will learn how to navigate the T (Boston’s subway system) and about the best places to hang off-campus.
FIT is built for anyone! You do not have to be athletic or super “fit” to participate in FIT! While participants certainly will have the opportunity to engage in athletic and fitness activities, the program is open to anyone who generally likes to be active. FIT offers a wide variety of options for everyone, regardless of your athletic experience or fitness background.
We encourage everyone to sign up for FIT and follow us on Instagram @Tufts_FIT! We can’t wait to meet you in the fall!
Typical Day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | Breakfast in Carmichael Hall |
| 9 a.m. | Hear from Tufts faculty about life at Tufts |
| 10 a.m. | Jumbo workout: Choose from various activities like spinning, swimming, and hip-hop dance |
| 12 p.m. | Lunch with your peers and leaders |
| 1 p.m. | Outdoor adventure: Get off campus to (for instance) hike, golf, or kayak |
| 5 p.m. | Dinner and good conversation |
| 7 p.m. | Group activities like bowling in Davis Square or exploring Boston |
Staff
Jon Bird
Assistant Manager of Athletics Operations and Promotions
Richard J. DeCapua, EdD
Senior Associate Dean of Students and Deputy Chief Student Life Officer for AS&E
As the Senior Associate Dean of Students, Rich is responsible for ensuring that programs and services are adding to the success of students in and outside of the classroom. From Orientation to Housing, to Health Promotion and Campus Life, Rich leads efforts to create a safe, welcoming, and educational environment for all students. He leads the day-to-day operations of the division of student life, and collaborates with several campus partners, ranging from Athletics and TUPD, to envision programs that result in student success.
Contact Us
I loved FIT because it was the perfect opportunity to make a big school feel small. Instead of jumping into freshman year with thousands of new faces, I was able to digestibly meet new people and dip my toes into the college experience. I’ve remained close with my friends from FIT, and it’s still awesome seeing a familiar face in the hallway or around school. FIT creates an amazing sub community within the larger Tufts student body, everyone should do it if they can!”
Rebecca Altholz, Class of 2026
FIT was an incredible pre-orientation where I got to know Tufts; we learned about stress management, nutrition, and awesome extra-curricular opportunities. The main thing I loved about FIT was the people. The leaders were enthusiastic, funny, welcoming, and people I looked up to, and the students were just as fun. I loved FIT so much I decided to become a leader in order to pay it forward.