First@Midd Pre-Orientation
![Students are welcomed to First at Midd pre-orientation.](/sites/default/files/styles/832x468/public/2024-07/FeatureFirstatMidd.jpg?fv=JYi15OzY&itok=TXV1lAmV)
The AFC hosts First@Midd Pre-Orientation each year before the start of all-student orientation. It is 4-days of community building, identity exploration, acclimating to campus life, and being in spaces where you can begin developing a sense of belonging at Middlebury, in the local community, and in Vermont. We acquaint first-generation students with many useful resources and offices at Middlebury, helping them navigate the sometimes complicated social and academic aspects of college life, and connecting them to members of our community who will be key to their success.
About the Pre-Orientation
First@Midd is not a required program; it is optional and for those who need it or feel they will benefit from tailored programming and community connections with the first-generation community at Midd. During First@Midd, you will participate in activities, workshops, and educational and social events that will allow you to have fun meeting other students while preparing you for the transition to college life.
Who Qualifies for First@Midd
Anyone who identifies as first-generation based on the following definitions: If you happen to have an older sibling or other family member who is currently in college, this does not exclude you from First-Gen status or ability to be in First@Midd.
Who Cannot Attend First@Midd
Students who are in F-1 or J-1 Visa Status cannot attend F@M because they are REQUIRED to attend International Pre-Orientation. International Pre-Orientation runs at the same time as First@Midd so students cannot attend both.
If you are international and first-generation, there will be a full day during International Pre-Orientation/First@Midd where first-generation students come together with international students. It is one full day where both of our programs run jointly for a shopping trip and some evening fun in Burlington, Vermont. You will still have a chance to connect with other first-gen students and are also welcome to participate in all first-generation programs the AFC hosts throughout the year.
First@Midd Registration
The first First@Midd registration form opens each spring semester in April for incoming first year students to register and closes on July 15th. There is a capacity of 120 participants. Filling out the registration form holds your spot among the 120 slots—you will have to fill out additional forms after registration closes. The form will close either on that date or once we reach that capacity, whichever comes first. The form, once closed, will display a message about the deadline or if we have reached capacity before the deadline and detail what to do to put yourself on the waitlist.
F@Mily Orientation
On the first day of First@Midd, the AFC hosts an optional orientation day for the parents and families of first-generation students. We host up to two parents or family members for F@Mily Orientation. Parents attend the opening dinner on the first night, join students for opening breakfast the next morning, and have a day full of their own sessions that is a condensed version of all the resources and connections that their students get during First@Midd. This orientation has a focus on helping parents and families understand their student(s)’ journey as a first-gen, the resources they have on campus, how parents can form connections and support systems for themselves, and how they as a family can be empowered to continue supporting their student. This is also a time to ask burning questions, receive a tour of campus, and connect with student affairs and other support staff in a more intentional way.
Spanish translation for families is provided during sessions and tours by our First@Midd leaders.
We provide initial transport for parents from Burlington airport (BTV), the train station in Middlebury or bus station at Port Henry with their students, but do not provide transportation for parents beyond that. We also do not have the ability to provide housing accommodations for parents or family members wishing to attend. There are local housing options at Courtyard by Marriott Middlebury, The Rooms at the Stone Mill, The Middlebury Inn, and AirBNB Middlebury. There are also more lodging options. We do encourage families to make decisions sooner to ensure they can get accommodations and at better pricing.
F@Mily Orientation is on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The final RSVP form that students complete in their onboarding tasks allows them to state whether family will be attending and how many will attend, along with other final information.