Feb Orientation
Congratulations to the Class of 2029.5, Transfer, and Exchange Students! Welcome to Middlebury College’s Feb New Student Orientation Program. We are looking forward to meeting you.
A full orientation schedule for students and families can be found below. Move-In day information can be found here. Specific arrival instructions will be added in the coming days and also shared via email.
*Please note:
Events that do not have a designation (e.g., “For Families,” “First@Midd,” etc.) are intended for all students.
Proctor and Ross dining halls will be open for their regular hours. You can find their website here.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | Move In Day - New Student Orientation Begins
Axinn Winter Garden
Move-in Day for New Students
Students and families will arrive to campus and follow instructions for move in. Details will be shared prior to arrival.
If unexpected plans arise on your move-in day, please email orientation@middlebury.edu or call 1-802-443-3006 to update us on your travel.
Redfield Proctor
First@Midd Luncheon
First@Midd pathway participants and their families will join us in a small community to learn about your community of connections here to support you on campus as a first-generation student.
(Location To Be Announced)
ISSS Programming
The International Student and Scholar Services Office (isss@middlebury.edu) will provide further updates about this session.
Required for International Students
Axinn Center Reading Room
For Families: Family Philanthropy Circle Welcome Reception
Mix and mingle with your fellow families, along with Middlebury senior leaders and volunteers. Come learn about the Family Philanthropy Circle, a vibrant and engaged community of Middlebury parents who offer their support to the College as donors and volunteers.
Families Only
Dana Auditorium
For Families: Navigating Transitions
Learn more about how to support your young adult’s well-being during their transition to college. Participants will leave with concrete recommendations for supporting and maintaining a connection with your new student and information about campus support offices.
Families Only
Atwater Dining
For Families: Family Resource Fair
Families will connect with various departments and learn about what resources and programs are available to students. Find the letter-writing station and write a letter of encouragement and warmth for your student.
Families Only
The Chapel
Convocation for Students and Families
Students embark on their academic journey and are led by college dignitaries for this traditional college event.
Required for all students
Proctor Dining Hall
Welcome Dinner
A celebratory meal with other students, families, faculty, and staff! This is a great time to meet other students or other families over a meal at Proctor.
Axinn Classrooms
Reslife Welcome & Floor Meetings
During floor meetings, you will meet with Residential Life student staff and get to know other residents from your community.
Required for all students
Allen Lounge
Meet Your Neighbors
Not ready to go to sleep just yet? Head to the lounge to play games, make crafts, or just hang out and get to know your neighbors better!
Thursday, February 5, 2026 | Orientation Day #2
Various Locations
First Year Seminar
Required for all students
(Location To Be Announced)
Transfer Student Academic Support
Transfer students will use this session to learn about degree requirements and academic policy.
Transfer students only
Required
Grille & Wilson Cafe
New@Midd Kickoff and Orientation Group Meeting
Come kick-off Orientation with us! Meet your orientation leaders and your classmates!
Required for all New@Midd participants
Anderson Freeman Center
First@Midd Kickoff and Orientation Group Meeting
Come kick-off Orientation with us! Meet your orientation leaders and your first generation classmates!
Required for First@Midd participants
(Location To Be Announced)
Transfer Student Lunch with the Office of Student Success
The International Student and Scholar Services Office (isss@middlebury.edu) will provide further updates about this session
Required for Transfer Students
Athletic Center: Peterson Lobby
Academic Forum & Registration Support Drop In
Academic Forum is a drop-in event for new students. This event is an opportunity to speak directly to representatives from every academic department or program at the College. Knowledgeable faculty will be on hand to answer any questions that students might have about course offerings, appropriate student placement, or potential majors.
Required for all students
Wilson Hall
Green Dot
Learn about Middlebury’s strategy for preventing power-based personal violence, Green Dot and how you are a part of making sure violence isn’t tolerated in our community. No one has to do everything but everyone has to do something!
Required for all students
Wilson Hall
New@Midd: Real Talk
Hear about narratives and stories on student life at Midd from current students! Students will be sharing personal stories and insights based on common questions asked.
Open to all students
Anderson Freeman Center
First@Midd: Digging Deeper & Campus Opportunities
Join staff at the Anderson Freeman Resource Center and experience connecting with peers by building bridges across differences. This will be an engaging opportunity to learn about the AFC and connect with classmates through facilitated activities and learn about campus resources.
(Location To Be Announced)
ISSS Programming
The International Student and Scholar Services Office (isss@middlebury.edu) will provide further updates about this session
Required for International Students
Wilson Hall & Wilson Cafe
Game Night & Karaoke
Join other students in the student center for an evening of board games, video games, karaoke, and more!
Friday, February 6, 2026 | Orientation Day #3
Various Locations
New@Midd: Orientation Group Meetings
Students will spend time connecting with their orientation groups. Students will participate in skill-building, information gathering, and opportunities to build community.
Required for New@Midd participants
Anderson Freeman Center
First@Midd: Orientation Group Meetings
Students will spend time connecting with their orientation groups. Students will participate in skill-building, information gathering, and opportunities to build community.
Required for First@Midd participants
Athletic Center: Peterson Lobby
Community Care Fair
Spend time with offices across campus and organizations in our community learning about their services and participating in activities promoting giving and receiving care as a student! Each group will have information about what they do, giveaways, and offer a chance to connect with their team. Each table you visit earns you a raffle ticket to win prizes.
Required for all students
Crest Room
Jumm'ah Prayers
Join the Muslim Student Association for our weekly Friday congregational prayers. We offer a space for Islamic education, reflection and upliftment alongside the Muslim community on campus.
The Grille and Wilson Cafe
New@Midd Pathway: Panthers Play Tabletop Games
Whether you have a competitive spirit or are looking for a laid back warm and cozy experience, we have you covered. Come play pool, tabletop games, or just come lounge!
MAC Museum
First@Midd: Museum Musings
First@Midd will have a chance to explore the MAC and Middlebury’s Museum Collection.
Required for First@Midd participants
(Location To Be Announced)
ISSS Programming
The International Student and Scholar Services Office (isss@middlebury.edu) will provide further updates about this session.
Required for International Students
Freeman International Center: Gear Room
Gear Pick Up for NSW
Come visit Middlebury Outdoor Program’s headquarters in the Gear Room, where students can borrow gear throughout the school year! This will also be a time for students to borrow gear for their New Student Weekend trips taking place on Saturday.
Dana Auditorium
Financial Capability and Tools for Financial Agency
Join the Anderson Freeman Center and the Center for Careers and Internships to explore how we are socialized about finances, explore how your budget can reflect your values, and learn about the ways the CCI can help you access opportunities to build financial agency through resume support, exploration of internships, and career exploration. Walk away with understanding key concepts of financial capability and an action plan to engage with the CCI throughout your time on campus.
Jewish Center
Shabbat Dinner
End your first week at Middlebury with Rabbi Danielle Stillman and students active in Hillel, with a home-cooked Shabbat dinner at the Jewish Center in the Freeman International Center (FIC). We will bring in the Jewish day of rest with blessings over wine and challah, followed by a great meal. All students are welcome at this event, regardless of whether you have a Jewish background or not.
Wilson Hall
Square Dance
Bring out your finest Vermont flannel and get ready to do-si-do to Wilson Hall with live music, beverages, and snacks! The Square Dance is an orientation tradition that we are ecstatic to bring back this year. Join us for an unforgettable night of orientation fun!
Saturday, February 7, 2026 | Orientation Day #4
Various Locations
New@Midd: Orientation Group Meetings
Students will spend time connecting with their orientation groups. Students will participate in skill-building, information gathering, and opportunities to build community.
Required for New@Midd participants
Anderson Freeman Center
First@Midd: Orientation Group Meetings
Students will spend time connecting with their orientation groups. Students will participate in skill-building, information gathering, and opportunities to build community.
Required for First@Midd participants
Various Locations
New Student Weekend Programming
New Student Weekend is a program that allows you to explore and connect to Middlebury and surrounding areas, make new friends through shared experiences, and gain a deeper sense of belonging here at Middlebury.
Wilson Hall
Talent Show
Join your peers to showcase your own talent or cheer on others as they take the stage.
Sunday, February 8, 2026 | Orientation Day #5
Various Locations
New@Midd: Orientation Group Meetings
Students will spend time connecting with their orientation groups. Students will participate in skill-building, information gathering, and opportunities to build community.
Required for New@Midd participants
Anderson Freeman Center
First@Midd: Orientation Group Meetings
Students will spend time connecting with their orientation groups. Students will participate in skill-building, information gathering, and opportunities to build community.
Required for First@Midd participants
The Chapel
Class Photo
Join your fellow peers & classmates for a class photo by The Chapel!
Required for all students
Various Locations
Floor Meetings
Reconnect with your floor and your RA to chat more about what it means to live in community, set community expectations, and work through roommate agreements.
Required for all students