2024 Fall Orientation Schedule
We are so excited for you to join us this fall and can’t wait to introduce you to the varied and enriching components of our Middlebury Community during Orientation. Your first year at Middlebury will be a time for curiosity, exploration and relationship building both in and out of the classroom!
Below we have provided a detailed Orientation schedule for both students and families. We encourage you to review the schedule and mark important and interesting events on your calendar.
Notes about Your Orientation Schedule:
1. You can navigate each day by clicking on the schedule from the menu on the far right of the page.
2. Virtual events for students and families are not required but highly encouraged! For some events, we’ll record and share out in our emails afterwards.
3. Some events are noted just for students, just for families, or for both. The family events during orientation will end on Move In Day, September 2.
4. During on campus orientation, students will have required and optional events to attend throughout the week. Required events for students will be noted in the description with bold text. Events for families are not required but are highly encouraged for you to attend if it works with your schedule.
Virtual Events
Prior to orientation beginning, we have a suite of virtual events for students and families to attend!
June 12, 11 a.m. - Noon EST: Emergency Preparedness & Response at Middlebury College
Meet with Associate Vice President of Safety, Demitria Kirby, and Emergency Management Coordinator, Pete Brown, as they walk you through the College’s steps to prepare for an emergency and plans for response should one arise. They will also provide tips and guidance on how to complete your Emergency Contact and Evacuation Plan forms in Banner. Webinar will be recorded and shared via email after the event. Open to students and families. Attendees must pre register for the event, click HERE to watch the recording.
June 20, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST: Housing Drop-In
Join our ResLife team on zoom to get a quick overview of what the housing form looks like, tips for filling it out in a way that helps us better meet your needs, and more info about the housing process for new students. We also invite students to join with any questions they have about the housing form or questions about housing in general so we can help you out! The link can be found in your inbox. * students only
June 27, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST: Pre-Arrival Panel and Q&A for Health & Wellness
Join the Center for Health & Wellness Staff to learn about the offices of Health Services, Counseling, Integrated Care, Sports Medicine and Health & Wellness Education. Each office will share a brief overview of their services and then provide an opportunity for students to ask questions individually or in a large group. Open to students and families. No pre registration required, the link can be found in your inbox.
July 24, 9:30 am EST: Virtual Speed Friending
Joining a new school and community can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Join other incoming Middlebury students for this virtual speed friending event to meet new people and make new friends! Attendees must pre register for the event, link to join event can be found in your inbox. *open to students only
July 30 & August 1, 11:00 a.m - Noon EST: F@M (First at Midd) Drop-in Session
Get all of your questions answered as you prepare for First@Midd. We’ll clarify all you need to know about F@M, Family Orientation, the First Gen experience at Midd, and more! There are two sessions to choose from or plan to come to both. Open to students and parents. No pre registration required, the link can be found in your inbox.
August 13, 7:00 pm EST: Virtual Speed Friending
Joining a new school and community can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Join other incoming Middlebury students for this virtual speed friending event to meet new people and make new friends! Attendees must pre register for the event, link to join event can be found in your inbox. *open to students only
August 20, 7:00 pm EST: Student Life Panel
Join us for an informational webinar with live Q&A with representatives from Student Life. Panelists will describe what the spring semester will look like for students from a student life perspective. We’ll cover areas such as: Health and wellness, residential living, student activities, dining, and academic support. Our panelists will include members of Residential Life, Student Activities, Health and Wellness, First Year Seminar, Dining, as well as the Class Deans Office. * must pre-register, the link can be found in your inbox.
August 29, 4:00 pm EST: Move in & Orientation Drop In
Do you have last minute questions about Move-In Day or Orientation? Stop by and join the Orientation and ResLife team with your questions. , the link to join event can be found in your inbox. *Open to students and families
Early Arrivals
Midd Data Begins and Move In: August 22nd
For more information about Midd.Data, please click here
First@Midd Begins and Move In: August 28th
For more information about First@Midd, please click here
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Begins and Move In: August 29th
For more information about ISSS, please click here
LA Posse Begins and Move In: PLACEHOLDERS
Athletics
Field Hockey, M/W Soccer, and Volleyball: August 20th
Football: August 21st
M/W Cross Country: August 28th
M/W Tennis & Golf will move in on September 2nd.
Monday, September 2, 2024 | Move In Day - All Student & Family Orientation Begins
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Move In Day for New Students | Location: Residence Halls
For more information about Move in Day logistics, please refer to your email inbox. Details and instructions on Move In Day logistics will be emailed early to mid August. More details will be provided here once confirmed.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Proctor Dining Hall and Ross Dining Hall Open for Breakfast | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | For Families: Meet Class Deans & CARE Mgmt Team | Hillcrest
Meet with Class Deans and Care Management to learn more about Middlebury’s CARE network and other resources available to support students. Families only.
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Lunch | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include all you can eat in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
1:00 PM- 2:00 PM | For Families: Welcome Address | Chapel
President Patton and members of the Senior Leadership Group will welcome families to Middlebury.
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM | For Families: Navigating Transitions | Dana Auditorium
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 connection with your new student. Families only.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | For Families: Family Resource Fair | Atwater Dining Hall
Join us for an opportunity to connect with various departments and learn more about how they can support your student! Refreshments will be provided. Families only.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Meet ResLife | Various Locations
Meet the Residential Life staff who will support you in your transition to Middlebury College and build community within your residence hall. Required for Students.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | For Families: Meet the Middlebury Parent Community | Johnson Memorial Building
Please join Middlebury Parents’ Committee during Orientation and meet the parent community. Whether you are interested in building your connections with peer families, learning about opportunities for parent engagement and volunteer opportunities, or understanding more about the Middlebury community, we hope you will join us to celebrate the start of your Middlebury journey.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Welcome Picnic | McCullough Lawn
A celebratory meal with other students, families, faculty and staff! This is also the perfect time for those last goodbyes with your family. Follow the schedule below based on housing, grab your food and join us on McCullough Lawn! Rain site will be inside Proctor or Ross dining halls. Please follow the schedule below to help us prevent congestion in the dining halls.
5:00 PM - Stewart Students and Families @ Proctor
5:15 PM - Hepburn Students and Families @ Proctor
5:00 PM - Battell Students and Families @ Ross
5:15 PM - Allen Students and Families @ Ross
5:15 PM - Transfer & Exchange Students and Families @ Ross
***Parents, Siblings, Families, Guardians Depart from Campus***
7:00 - 8:00 PM | Orientation Group Meetings | McCullough Lawn
Meet up with your orientation group to create some initial bonds with your peers, become more familiar with campus resources, learn about student life, and hang out with fellow classmates. Students only. Required for Student.
8:00 - 9:00 PM | Meet Your Neighbor | Hepburn, Allen, Stewart, & Battell Lounges
Not ready to go to sleep just yet? Students can connect in lounge spaces, with their floor, or roommates for some quality hangout time while playing games, crafts, or just hang while getting to know your peers. Specific locations will be posted closer to orientation week.
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Breakfast | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM | First Year Seminar Class | First Year Seminar Classrooms
Students will meet their first year seminar professor and learn about expectations for the course. Required.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | Transfer Student Degree and Academic Policy Info Session | Service Building- Second Floor Conference Room
Transfer students will use the session to learn about degree requirements and academic policy. Transfer students only
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Orientation Group Dinner | Ross & Proctor Dining Halls
Meet up with your orientation group to create some initial bonds with your peers, become more familiar with campus resources, learn about student life, and hang out with fellow classmates. Required.
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Pre-Major Advising Appointments | Various Locations
Students have the opportunity to meet with their academic advisors to discuss upcoming semester. Check with your advisor for locations. Required.
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Lunch | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Connect & Learns | Various Locations
Join other students and organizations at Middlebury to learn more about opportunities on campus and beyond.
3:00 PM - 6:00 pm | Intro to Middlebury Community With Class Deans | Dana Auditorium
Now that I am here at Middlebury, how do I make the most of my academic experience and live together positively with others in community? In this interactive session, Deans Durand (First Year Experience) and Barnacle (Senior Year Experience), will introduce students to our institutional mission which guides how we live together on this campus. We will use this mission to highlight some essential practices and strategies to help students thrive within their new community during their first year through to their senior year and beyond.
4:30 PM- 8:30 PM | Proctor Dining Hall Open for Dinner | Proctor Dining Hall
Dining Services include an all-you-can-eat menu option in Proctor Dining Hall.
5:00 PM- 8:30 PM | Ross Dining Hall Open for Dinner | Ross Dining Hall
Dining Services include an all-you-can-eat menu option in Ross Dining Hall.
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Orientation Group Date | Ross & Proctor Dining Halls
Ready to meet some new people? Join in with your Orientation groups for this opportunity to get to know peers from other parts of Orientation. Required.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Game Night, Sexy Bingo, Karaoke, and Spark a Connection | Location McCullough Student Center & Axinn
Join us in the student center for an evening of board games, video games, Sexy Bingo, Karaoke, and more! There will be snacks and delicious mocktails to kick off our celebration of recovery month.
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Breakfast | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all-you-can-eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM & 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM | Green Dot for New Students | Location TBD
An introductory session to Green Dot, Middlebury’s Violence Prevention Strategy that trains students, faculty, and staff in bystander intervention to help prevent instances of power-based personal violence (PBPV). PBPV is a form of violence where one individual asserts power, control, or intimidation over another to cause harm. This includes dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and harassment. When these moments of violence occur on our campus, they’re seen as red dots. A “Green Dot” is defined as any action, choice, word, or attitude that counters or displaces a “red dot” of violence, reducing the likelihood that someone will be hurt. This not only promotes safety for everyone in the Middlebury community, but also sends a clear message that we do not tolerate violence on our campus. Required.
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Pre-Major Advising Appointments | Various Locations
Students have the opportunity to meet with their academic advisors to discuss upcoming course registration and plan their first semester. Check with your advisor for locations. Required for first year students.
11:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Lunch | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all-you-can-eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Affinity Spaces | Various Locations
- The BIPOC Connection: We aim to offer a space to connect with others who share identities and similar experiences while getting to know the space and understanding how they can be active in starting to find a sense of belonging here at Midd. (Location: Anderson Freeman Center)
- LGBTQIA+ Affinity Space: Join us at the Prism Center for Queer and Trans Life for a casual hang out to learn what it’s like being queer at Middlebury, what resources are available, and to meet new people. (Location: Prism Center)
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Self Care Fair | Location TBA
Learn more about campus resources that support well-being while celebrating at the Self Care Fair! Not only can students receive goods related to self-care, they can also practice skills related to well-being.
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM | Orientation Group Meeting| Various Locations
Meet up with your orientation group to create some initial bonds with your peers, become more familiar with campus resources, learn about student life, and hang out with fellow classmates. Required.
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Proctor Dining Hall Open for Dinner | Proctor Dining Hall
Dining Services include an all-you-can-eat menu option in Proctor Dining Hall.
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Proctor Dining Hall Open for Dinner | Ross Dining Hall
Dining Services include an all-you-can-eat menu option in Proctor Dining Hall.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Square Dance | Location: McCullough Lawn
Bring out your finest Vermont flannel and get ready to do-si-do to McCullough Lawn with live music, beverages, and snacks! The Square Dance is an orientation tradition. Join us for an unforgettable night of orientation fun!
Thursday, September 5, 2024
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Breakfast | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Unlearning at Midd | Various Locations
Unlearning at Midd gives students the opportunity to Re-think, engage with, challenge, and unlearn a topic or idea that is related to anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or disrupting societal norms; Reflect on their own experiences and identities they are bringing with them to Middlebury; Explore what it means to be in a living and learning community with diverse people, experiences, and perspectives. Required
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Orientation Group Meeting| Various Locations
Meet up with your orientation group to create some initial bonds with your peers, become more familiar with campus resources, learn about student life, and hang out with fellow classmates. Required
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Affinity Spaces | Various Locations
- QTPOC Affinity Space: Join us at the Prism Center to meet other queer and trans people of color, do some crafts, and socialize! (Location: Prism Center)
- Spiritual and Religious Life Affinity Groups: Meet others who are spiritually curious and/or who maintain some form of religious practice or identity. The chaplains will introduce themselves and give a brief overview of spiritual life at Middlebury. We’ll then break out into specific identities or interest groups. (Location: McCullough Crest Room)
11:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Lunch | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Academic Forum| Kenyon Arena
Academic Forum is a drop-in event for new students, but attending is strongly recommended for all 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.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Drop-In: Registration and Advising Support | Kenyon Lounge next to Kenyon Arena
Students wishing to consider changes to their spring schedule can visit any part of this 60-minute drop-in session. Helpers will be there to provide assistance in finding open seats in courses, contacting faculty about them, and preparing to navigate the Add/Drop process. *Optional for students.
4:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Proctor Dining Hall Open for Dinner | Proctor Dining Hall
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor Dining Halls.
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Ross Dining Hall Open for Dinner | Ross Dining Hall
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor Dining Halls.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Transfer and Exchange Group Dinner | Off Campus Location
More details will be shared here soon!
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Posse Group Dinner | Location TBA
Join fellow Posse students for dinner and connect with fellow students and mentors. Further details will be shared during the week of orientation.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Art Night & Spark a Connection | Various Locations
Head to the McCullough Student Center to be in community and build connections over a variety of arts and crafts, an open mic session, beverages, snacks and more!
Friday, September 6, 2024
7:00 AM- 10:00 AM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Breakfast | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Orientation Group Meetings | First Year Seminar Classrooms
Meet up with your orientation group to create some initial bonds with your peers, become more familiar with campus resources, learn about student life, and hang out with fellow classmates. Required.
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Lunch | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Affinity Spaces | Various Locations
- First-Gen and Friends: We aim to offer a space to connect with others who share identities and similar experiences while getting to know the space and understanding how they can be active in starting to find a sense of belonging here at Midd. (Location: Anderson Freeman Center)
- Mixer with the Disability Resource Center: Join us for a relaxed community care space where you can meet students and staff connected to the Disability Resource Center; snacks, matcha tea, hands-on arts & craft projects and fidgets provided. All students welcome! (Location: Axinn Abernethy Room)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Jumma Prayers | Location TBD
Jummah prayers are weekly Islamic congregational prayers held at 1 pm (usually) on Fridays. The main spaces for Jummah are in the Crest Room in McCullough Hall or at the Islamic Prayer Space in the Forest Hall. Email Chaplain Zahra Moeini for more information at zmoeini@middlebury.edu
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Campus Bingo - Student Services Open House | Various Locations
A full description will be shared soon!
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Floor Meeting 2: Living Together | Various Locations
Meet with Residential Life staff and residents from your halls. Required.
4:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Proctor Dining Halls Open for Dinner | Proctor Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor Dining Halls.
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Ross Dining Halls Open for Dinner | Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Ross Dining Halls.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Shabbat Dinner | Jewish Center in the FIC
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.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Rec Night | Various Locations
Join us for lawn games and other novelties, a potato sack race facilitated by Eco Reps, and music. Or just relax with new friends around our portable fire pits. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Proctor Dining Hall Open for Brunch | Proctor Dining Hall
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor Dining Hall.
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | New Student Weekend Activities & Full/Half Trips | Various Locations
Learn about Vermont sights, outdoor activities, community service, and more with New Student Weekend! Check Ideal Logic and your email for more details on the Fun Friday trip you signed up for in the Orientation Preference form. Required.
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Ross Dining Hall Open for Brunch | Ross Dining Hall
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor Dining Hall.
4:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Proctor Dining Halls Open for Dinner | Proctor Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor Dining Hall.
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Ross Dining Halls Open for Dinner | Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor Dining Hall.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Orientation Group Meetings | First Year Seminar Classrooms
Meet up with your orientation group to create some initial bonds with your peers, become more familiar with campus resources, learn about student life, and hang out with fellow classmates. Required.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Movie on the Lawn| Location: McCullough Lawn
Bring your chairs and blankets, and enjoy a blockbuster movie under the stars. There will be popcorn, candy, and beverages. Celebrate the beginning of the fall semester with your fellow students. This event is open to the entire student body.
Sunday, September 8, 2024
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Proctor Dining Hall Open for Brunch | Proctor Dining Hall
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor Dining Hall.
10:00 AM - 2:00 AM | Ross Dining Hall Open for Brunch | Ross Dining Hall
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Ross Dining Hall.
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Lunch | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Class Photo | Location Pearson Hill
Students will come together for their class photo! Required.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Orientation Group Meetings | First Year Seminar Classrooms
Meet up with your orientation group to create some initial bonds with your peers, become more familiar with campus resources, learn about student life, and hang out with fellow classmates. Required.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Convocation | Chapel
This Middlebury tradition, led by President Patton, symbolizes the beginning of your Middlebury academic journey. Required.
4:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Proctor Dining Halls Open for Dinner | Proctor Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor Dining Hall.
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Ross Dining Hall Open for Dinner | Ross Dining Hall
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Ross Dining Hall.