2023 Fall Orientation Schedule
We are so excited for you to be joining 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. We are thrilled to help support you in this journey!
Below we have provided a detailed schedule for Orientation for both students and families. We encourage you to review the schedule and mark important and interesting events on your calendar! A full schedule for the remainder of Orientation will be posted by August 11, 2023.
Notes about 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.
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.
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Speed Friending | 9 - 10 PM | Virtual Event
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! * students only (check your inbox or New Student Onboarding Course for Zoom link)
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Family Virtual Meet Up | 12:00 - 1:00 PM & 7 - 8 PM EST | Virtual Event - SESSION FULL
Join us for a lively hour to connect with other new families and chat with some of Middlebury’s parent volunteers, staff, and students. This virtual get-together is an early opportunity for P’27s and P’27.5s (our “Feb” parents) to build your connections with peer families, learn about opportunities for parent engagement, and understand more about the Middlebury community. Link to register can be found in your inbox. *families only
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Student Life Panel | 7 - 8 PM EST | Virtual Event
Join us for an informational webinar with live Q&A with representatives from Student Life. Panelists will describe what the fall 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, and Dining as well as Deans and students. *students and families (check your inbox or New Student Onboarding Course for Zoom Link)
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 - First@Midd Begins & Arrival Day
First@Midd pre-orientation is a 4-day program that focuses on acquainting you with many useful resources and offices at Middlebury, helping you navigate the sometimes complicated social and academic aspects of college life, and connecting you to members of our community who may be key to your success.
First@Midd Pre-Orientation 2023 is from Wednesday, August 30 to Sunday, September 3.
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.
More information: Visit the Anderson Freeman Center website.
Thursday, August 31, 2023 - ISSS Pre Orientation Arrival Day
Arrival Day/Welcome Center: Thursday, August 31, 2023, 12-8pm US ET
Program Dates: September 1-4, 2023
During Pre-orientation, new international students meet people who are excited to assist them with their transition to the Middlebury College community. This group includes Program Arrival Leaders (PALs)—experienced students eager to share their knowledge and offer support, as well as the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) staff, who enjoy assisting students from around the world on their journey through Middlebury and beyond.
In addition to meeting other new students, participants learn more about key topics that affect international students—such as maintaining your U.S. visa status (if applicable) and understanding employment options, while also becoming familiar with campus resources and opportunities to get involved. International students find their Pre-orientation experience to be very beneficial!
More information: Visit the ISSS website.
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Orientation & Move In Day Drop In | 4 - 5 PM EST| Virtual Event
Do you have last minute questions about move in day? Stop by and join the Orientation and ResLife team with your questions. *students and families (check your inbox or New Student Onboarding Course for Zoom Link)
Monday, September 4, 2023 | 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 - 10:00 AM | Proctor 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 First Year Dean & CARE Mgmt Team | Axinn Winter Garden
Meet with Dean Sellers 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.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Break for Students
Students can use this time to finish moving in, spend time with family, rest, or connect with their new neighbors
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 | McCardell Bicentennial Hall 216
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.
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM | Meet ResLife for Stewart & Battell Residents | 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.
Battell Residents - Dana Auditorium
Stewart Residents - Wright Theater
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM | Intro to the Midd Community for Allen & Hepburn Residents | Wilson Hall
Dean of First Year Experience will welcome and introduce students to the Middlebury Community. Required for Students.
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM | Intro to the Mid Community for Transfer & Exchange Students | McCullough Student Center, 1st Floor Office Suite
Deans for upper class students will welcome and introduce students to the Middlebury community. Required for Students.
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 - 3:45 PM | Meet ResLife for Allen, Hepburn, Transfer & Exchange Students | 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.
Allen Residents - Dana Auditorium
Hepburn, Transfer & Exchange Residents - Wright Theater
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM | Intro to the Midd Community for Stewart & Battell Residents | Wilson Hall
Dean of First Year Experience will welcome and introduce students to the Middlebury Community. Required for Students.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | For Families: Meet the Middlebury Parent Community | Axinn Winter Garden
Please join Middlebury Parents’ Committee Chair Sally Thurston P’23, ’25 during first year 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. Registration preferred.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | ResLife - Floor Meetings | Your Residence Halls
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.
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 - 9:00 PM | Orientation Group Meetings | McCullough Lawn (Virtue Field House)
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.
9:00 - 10:00 PM | Residence Hall Programming | Hepburn & Battell
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 5, 2023
7:00 AM - 8:00 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.
8:30 AM - 10:00 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.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Placement Consultations for Math, Physics, and Computer Science
Computer Science - placement session in Room #206 at 75 Shannon Street (Located at the south end of the parking lot behind Johnson
Mathematics - placement session in Warner Hall Room 200
Physics - placement session in McCardell Bicentennial Hall Room 525
Consultations for Math, Physics, and Computer Science. If you plan to register for courses in these departments but are unsure which level is appropriate for you, faculty will be available to discuss and determine which courses you are eligible to register for.
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM | 90 Minute Placement Exam for Arabic | Voter Hall
Students interested in studying Arabic at Middlebury will take a placement test to determine what level is appropriate for them.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Optional Break
Students can use this time to finish moving in, rest before required events, or connect with their new neighbors.
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.
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. Check your inbox for the location of the Connect and Learn sessions that you signed up for in your orientation preference form.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Academic Forum | Kenyon Arena (Timeframes divided by Res Halls, see timeframe below)
Stewart & Hepburn Students from 2pm - 3pm
Battell, Allen, Transfer & Exchange Students 3pm - 4pm
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.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM | Optional Break
Students can use this time to finish moving in, rest before required events, or connect with their new neighbors.
4:30 PM- 8:30 PM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Dinner | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Unlearning at Midd | Various Locations
Unlearning at Midd is a series of workshops required for new students that provide them with tangible ways to be anti-racist, anti-oppressive, engage in critical reflection, and have conversations that challenge their social norms. Check your inbox for the location of the Unlearning at Midd session that you signed up for in your orientation preference form. Required.
6:00 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 Night | McCullough Lawn (Rain Site Wilson Hall)
Join your peers for a chill outdoor screening of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish! Popcorn and snacks will be provided.
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
7:00 AM - 8:00 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.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM & 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Registration Preparation (Two Sessions) | Wilson Hall (Timeframes divided by Res Halls, see timeframe below)
Stewart & Hepburn Students from 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Battell & Allen Students 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Join Jen Thompson from the Registrar’s office and First Year Seminar Director Amy Morsman for support and guidance on course registration. Required for first year students.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Transfer Student Registration Preparation | Hilcrest 103
Join the Registrar for support and guidance on course registration. Required for transfer students.
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM | Optional Break
Following registration preparation, take a small break to finish moving in, rest, or connect with new neighbors.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Exchange Student Registration | Hilcrest 103
Exchange students register for fall courses. Required for exchange students.
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 | Connect & Learns | Various Locations
Join other students and organizations at Middlebury to learn more about opportunities on campus and beyond. Check your inbox for the location of the Connect and Learn sessions that you signed up for in your orientation preference form. Check your email for your session details.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Optional Break
Take a small break to finish moving in, rest, or connect with new neighbors.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Student Services Open House: Scavenger Hunt! | Various offices Around Campus
Learn more about all the departments on campus with a scavenger hunt! Each department will have prizes for students passing through, including those that visit all of the offices on campus.
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Dinner | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Optional Break
Take a small break to finish moving in, rest, or connect with new neighbors.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Green Dot for New Students Overview | Chapel
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.
6:00 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 | Art Night | Location: TBD
Details to come
Thursday, September 7, 2023
7:00 AM - 9:00 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 | FYS (Scholars’ Development Lab) - Meeting your Compass Mentor | Various Locations (see list below)
For first-year students enrolled in the following First-Year Seminars with a Scholars’ Development Lab component, you will have an additional meeting during Orientation week on Thursday, September 9th at 9-10 AM in BiHall with your Compass mentor. During this meeting you will get to know your mentor and learn more about the ways they will support you in collaboration with your First-Year Seminar Professor/Advisor. Below you will find where each group is meeting with their Compass mentor.
FYSE 1344 – Culinary History of Italy - DUCKS - BiHall Room 311
FYSE 1044 - Ethics in the MCU - POSSUMS - BiHall Room 338
FYSE 1566 – American Revolutions - CHICKADEES - BiHall 220
FYSE 1585 – How Money Makes the World Go Round - BLUE JAYS - BiHall Room 317
*Required for students enrolled in the FYS Scholars’ Development Lab
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Create Your First Resume | Wilson Hall
Writing your first college résumé may seem daunting, but our advisors make the process easy! Drop by between 9:00-11:00 am for brief one-on-one or small group meetings with a CCI or Peer Career Advisor to learn how to turn the experience you gained through academics, co-curricular and community engagement, work, and other experiences into a strong Middlebury résumé. Your new college résumé will help you to apply for on-campus jobs, internships, and other opportunities. Sponsored by the Center for Careers and Internships.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Transfer Students Registration | Location: Online (Banner)
Transfer students register for fall classes. Required for transfer 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.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Course Registration with Orientation Groups | First Year Seminar Classrooms
First year students register for fall classes. Required for first year students.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Registration Support - Drop In | Davis Library Rooms 105A and 105B
Meet with faculty and staff members who can provide guidance if you are seeking support following course registration.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Self Care Fair | McCullough Lawn
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.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Optional Break
Take a small break to finish moving in, rest, or connect with new neighbors.
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Dinner | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
6:00 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 | Game Night & Karaoke | Wilson Hall & Crossroads Cafe
Join your peers for a fun night of board games and sing along to some karaoke!
Friday, September 8, 2023
7:00 AM- 9:00 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.
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Grab Bag Lunches for Full Day Fun Friday Trips | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Students going on full day Fun Friday trips will grab their bag lunches from the dining halls before meeting with their trip groups.
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Fun Friday Activities & Trips | Various Locations
Learn about Vermont sights, outdoor activities, community service, and more with the Fun Friday trips! Check Ideal Logic and your email for more details on the Fun Friday trip you signed up for in the Orientation Preference form. 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.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Optional Break
Take a small break to finish moving in, rest, or connect with new neighbors.
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Dinner | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and 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. We do ask you to register if possible, so we make enough food.
6:00 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 | Square Dance | Virtue Field House (indoor athletic complex)
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 that we are ecstatic to bring back this year. Join us for an unforgettable night of orientation fun!
Saturday, September 9, 2023
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.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Floor Meeting 2: Living Together | Various Locations
Meet with Residential Life staff and residents from your halls. 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.
1:30 PM | Men’s Soccer vs. Amherst College | South Street Field
Cheer on Middlebury Men’s Soccer as they take on Amherst College!
2:00 PM | Women’s Soccer vs. Amherst College | Dragone Field
Cheer on Middlebury Women’s Soccer as they take on Amherst College!
2:00 PM | Field Hockey vs. Amherst College | Peter Kohn Field
Cheer on Middlebury Field Hockey as they take on Amherst College!
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Optional Break
Take a small break to finish moving in, rest, or connect with new neighbors.
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Middlebury 2023 Fall Language Tasting | Various Locations
Middlebury language departments are excited to welcome you to the Fall Language Tasting on September 9! Explore the nine language houses, meet your professors and Teaching Assistants, and take short promo-lessons to get a taste of each language and decide which one feels right for you!
Participating houses: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian.
Schedule: each house offers four sessions starting at 4:00 PM, 4:40 PM, 5:20 PM and 6:00 PM.
Registration for FLT will open on Monday, September 4, click here to register!
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Dinner | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Rec Night | Location: McCullough Lawn
Details coming soon
Sunday, September 10, 2023
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.
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Optional Break
Take some time to rest and rejuvenate before your first day of college!
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.
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM | Class Photo | Pepin Gymnasium (indoor athletic complex)
Students will come together for their class photo! Required.
3:30 PM - 5:00 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.
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls Open for Dinner | Proctor and Ross Dining Halls
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option in Proctor and Ross Dining Halls.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Convocation | Chapel
This Middlebury tradition, led by President Patton, symbolizes the beginning of your Middlebury academic journey. Required.