2025 Feb Orientation Schedule

Welcome to Feb Orientation!
All details for upcoming orientation week events for incoming students can be found below. For links to join virtual events, please check your email. As a reminder, our virtual pre-orientation events are not required but are meant to connect you with people and resources prior to your arrival to campus and help answer lingering questions you may have as a new student or family member at Middlebury.
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Orientation & Move-In Questions, Virtual Drop In | 4 PM - 5 PM EST| Virtual Pre Orientation Event
Do you have last minute questions about move in day? Stop by and join the Orientation and ResLife team with your questions. Link to join drop in can be found in your inbox, no pre registration required. *open to students and families
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - Move In Day for International & Exchange Students
Welcome Center Arrival/Move-in Day: Tuesday, February 4, 2025; 12 PM - 5 PM US ES
During the Welcome Center hours (12 PM - 5 PM US ET), ISSS will complete a F-1/J-1 status check-in; also at the check-in students will receive their Middlebury College ID card (which is required to access your residence hall and residence hall room). Additional information will be provided during your check-in to help you with settling at Middlebury College.
Program dates are tentative, so we suggest that if you are making transportation and accommodation plans, consider obtaining flexible options in case program dates were to change. We do not anticipate the dates will change, but it is always a best practice to be prepared. More information can be found here.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - Move In Day & Start of Orientation
Axinn and Residential Halls
New Student Check In and Move-in
Students will first check in at at the New Student Welcome Center in Axinn to receive their Pin codes to access their housing, their student IDs and Orientation Welcome Packet! After checking in, students may move into their rooms. ResLife and Orientation staff will be present as well as members from Public Safety, ITS, and Health Services.
The Welcome Center will also have a variety of breakfast snacks, coffee, and tea for you to enjoy and take with you before moving in.
Please Note: You will not be permitted to move in to your room until you have checked in. Students may not check in before 9 AM.
Service Building, 209
ISSS Programming
International students and those attending as exchange students will attend sessions provided by the International Student and Scholar Services Office. This is open only to students currently participating in the ISSS orientation program. *Required for International and Exchange Students.
Note: time for lunch will be included in this session.
Axinn, Abernathy Room
For Families: First Year Dean & CARE Management Drop - In
Meet with the First Year Dean and Care Management team to learn more about Middlebury’s CARE network and other resources available to support students. *Families only.
What is CARE Management? Read here!
Proctor
Lunch in Proctor Dining Hall
Dining Services include an all you can eat menu option open to students and families. . More information can be found on the Dining Services website.
Axinn
Welcome Reception hosted by the Middlebury Family Philanthropy Circle
Before Orientation activities get fully underway, please enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of move in to join us for a welcome reception! Mix and mingle with your fellow Middlebury families and hear a welcome from Family Philanthropy Circle Chair Sally Thurston P’23.5, ’25 and Vice President for Advancement Dan Courcey. Middlebury families are part of a vibrant and engaged community and we will offer a preview into key opportunities to support Middlebury with your philanthropy and your volunteerism. Cocoa and coffee will be served.*Families Only.
Wilson Hall, McCullough Student Center
ResLife Welcome
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.
Sunderland Language Center, Dana Auditorium
For Families: Navigating Transition
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.
Axinn
Floor Meetings with RA's
During your floor meetings, you’ll meet with Residential Life staff and residents from your halls.
Specific locations in Axinn will be shared during the previous event, Reslife Welcome in Wilson Hall. *Required for Students.
Atwater Dining Hall
For Families: Family Resource Fair
Join us for an opportunity to connect with various departments and learn more about how they can support your student! *Families only.
Refreshments will be provided.
Note: Students will have an opportunity to attend the Student Resource & Self-care Fair later during the week of Orientation as well as the Student Involvement Fair that takes place typically within the first couple of week of classes.
The Chapel
Convocation
This Middlebury tradition symbolizes the beginning of your Middlebury academic journey. Families are invited to attend. *Required for Students.
Live stream the event by visiting go.middlebury.edu/stream
Proctor & Ross Dining Hall
Welcome Dinner
A celebratory meal with other students, families, faculty and staff! This is also the perfect time for those last goodbyes with your family. *open to students and families.
Wilson Cafe, McCullough Student Center
Orientation Group Meeting
During this time you’ll meet up with your orientation group members and orientation leaders to create initial connections with your peers, become more familiar with the expectations during Orientation, and prepare for upcoming academic requirements that will take place the following day. *Required for Students.
Forest West Lounge and Hepburn Lounge
Late Night Programming in Res Halls
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.
Thursday, February 6, 2025
See today’s dining hall schedule.
FYS Rooms
First Year Seminar
Students will meet their first year seminar professor and learn about expectations for the course. *Required for incoming spring students (class of 2027.5).
Service Building, 209
Transfer Student Academic Info Session
This session will cover academic and degree information relevant to transfer students. We’ll talk about general degree requirements, majors/minors, registration information for the future, and instructions for transfer credits. *Required for Transfer Students.
Wilson Hall
Green Dot
A presentation to introduce you 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. 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 any action, choice, word, or attitude that counters or displaces a red dot of violence, reducing the likelihood that someone will get hurt. Green dots support the safety of all members of the Middlebury community.
All new students will participate in a Green Dot presentation at Middlebury. Should you feel this presentation will be difficult to participate in due to personal experience with power-based personal violence, please email George Howard, Health Promotion Specialist in Violence Prevention and Advocacy at georgeh@middlebury.edu to request to be excused and receive alternative materials to review. *Required for Students.
FYS Classrooms
Orientation Group Meeting + Lunch
During this meeting, you’ll regroup with your Orientation Group and Leaders. You’ll reflect on your pathway to Middlebury and build community among other peers and you get to know each other a little more. You’ll also prepare for your upcoming Pre Major Advisor meetings. *Required for Students.
**transfer and exchange students will have the opportunity during this orientation group meeting to meet with their Class Dean. Orientation Leaders will share more during your meetings.
Prism Center
Prism Center 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.
Crest Room in McCullough Student Center
Scott Center Affinity Space
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.
Atwater Dining Hall
Academic Forum
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. Attendance is strongly recommended
Atwater Seminar Room
Drop in: Registration Support
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.
Check Email from Pre Major Advisor for Location
Pre Major Advising Appointments
Students have the opportunity to meet with their pre major advisors to prepare for the semester ahead by discussing the upcoming add/drop period, reviewing current spring course schedule, and setting academic goals and intentions. Students can expect and email from their advisor to confirm the time of your appointment.*Required for Students.
Service Building, 209
ISSS Programming
International students and those attending as exchange students will attend sessions provided by the International Student and Scholar Services Office. This is open only to students currently participating in the ISSS orientation program. *Required for International and Exchange Students.
Abernathy Room
Disability Resource Center Affinity Space
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!
Proctor Dining Hall
Dinner w/ Orientation Groups
Your Orientation Leaders have planned a group date! During this dinner, you’ll get to mix and mingle and enjoy dinner with fellow incoming new students. You’re Leaders will share more details at your first group meeting.
McCullough Student Center
Game Night!
Gather with friends or come and meet new ones for Game Night and Karaoke! This event will be more of low key gathering. You can expect to see your peers, orientation leaders, and your RA’s. No matter your gaming interests or choice in music genre, we will have a little something for everyone! Delicious drinks and snacks will be provided. *Optional for Students.
Friday, February 7, 2025
See today’s dining hall schedule.
Shannon Street, 2nd Floor Lounge
Sunrise Yoga
Join your fellow peers and local yoga instructor for an early sunrise yoga class looking out over downtown and the Green Mountains. Space will be limited. *optional for students.
Check Email from Pre Major Advisor for Location
Pre Major Advising Appointments
Students have the opportunity to meet with their pre major advisors to prepare for the semester ahead by discussing the upcoming add/drop period, reviewing current spring course schedule, and setting academic goals and intentions. Students can expect and email from their advisor to confirm the time of your appointment.*Required for Students.
Axinn and McCullough Student Center
Unlearning @ Midd
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 for students.
Students will be assigned specific sessions and locations.
Service Building, Room 209 (printed incorrectly as hilcrest 103)
ISSS Programming
International students and those attending as exchange students will attend sessions provided by the International Student and Scholar Services Office. This is open only to students currently participating in the ISSS orientation program. *Required for International and Exchange Students.
Muslim Student Association, Forest Basement
Jummah Prayers
Weekly Friday congregational prayer services led by the Muslim Student Association - open to all worshiping and interested in learning more about Islam and the Muslim community on campus.
Atwater Dining Hall
Student Resource & Self-Care Fair
Join us for an opportunity to connect with various departments and programs and learn more about how they can support you during your time at Middlebury! Raffle tickets, yummy snacks and refreshments provided. *Optional for Students.
FYS Classrooms
Orientation Group Meeting
During this meeting, you’ll regroup with your Orientation Group and Leaders. You’ll have the opportunity to tour campus led and created by your Orientation Leaders and discover hidden gems, the best study spots, and more. You’ll also begin preparing for your first week of classes. You’ll reflect on your first days at Middlebury, the connections you’ve made so far and begin to plan out your schedules. You’ll also receive support and guidance from upper-class peers who have tips to share! *Required for Students
Freeman International Center (FIC)
NSW- Gear Room Hours
Students will be assigned a time to pick up their gear if their New Student Weekend Trip requires it
Anderson Freeman Center
BIPOC Affinity Space
Join us to connect with others who share identities and similar experiences while getting to know the space and understanding how you can be active in starting to find a sense of belonging here at Midd.
Jewish Center in the Freeman International Center (FIC)
Shabbat Dinner
End your first week at Middlebury with Rabbi Danielle Stillman and students active in Hillel, with 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. There is still time to register! Link for registration
Anderson Freeman Center
First Gen & Friends
Join us to connect with others who share identities and similar experiences while getting to know the space and understanding how you can be active in starting to find a sense of belonging here at Midd.
Wilson Hall
Square Dance
Bring out your finest Vermont flannel and get ready to do-si-do with live music. The Square Dance is an orientation tradition that we are ecstatic to share again new students. Join us for an unforgettable night of Orientation fun! *Optional for Students.
Saturday, February 8, 2025
See today’s dining hall schedule.
New Student Weekend
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. Registration for New Student Weekend activities will take place prior to arriving to campus. *Required for Students.
FYS Classrooms
Orientation Group Meeting
During your orientation group meeting, you’ll regroup from the days activities and do any last preparations for the Talent Show! *Required for Students.
Wilson Hall, McCullough Student Center
Talent Show!
Another special Feb Orientation tradition! This is an opportunity to show off your talents with members of the incoming class as an individual, with friends, or as an orientation group - or simply show up and cheer them on! More information about how to sign up will come from the Orientation team and your Orientation leaders just prior to the start of Orientation. *Optional for Students.
Sunday, February 9, 2025
See today’s dining hall schedule.
FYS Classrooms
Orientation Group Meeting (last one!)
During your orientation group meeting, you’ll participate in guided activities with your Leaders to help prepare for your beginning weeks at Midd. As a group, you will also pause to reflect and show appreciations of the time spent together. *Required for Students.
The Chapel
Class Photo
Join your fellow peers & classmates for a class photo! We’ll line up on the front steps of The Chapel (dress warm!). For inclement weather, we’ll move indoors. *Required for Students.
Sunderland Language Center, Dana Auditorium
Introduction to the Middlebury Community w/ First Year Dean
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, Dean Durand (First 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.
Residential Hall
Floor Meeting
Meet with Residential Life staff in preparation for the spring semester. *Required for Students.
The Grille -- McCullough Student Center

Super Bowl Watch Party
Join us at the Grille to watch the Super Bowl and enjoy free food and snacks! Optional for students