Parent and Family Orientation

In order to make finding accommodations easier for you, we have worked with the Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge located at 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge MA 02139. The Hyatt has discounted room rates available from August 16 – September 2 for those who want to spend more time in Cambridge; however, Parent and Family Orientation Events will be from August 24 – August 26.

If you are interested in the block booking, please book via this website. Please note: there are a limited number of rooms available each night.

Welcome to the first day of Parent and Family Orientation! Today, parents and family members have the opportunity to check in and meet with our friendly Orientation Leaders and Office of the First Year staff. They are here to answer any initial questions you may have. This day is intentionally light on programming to accommodate the busy schedule of First Year Student Move-In Day.

Check in For Parent Orientation
9:00AM – 5:00PM in The DEN (Building 3-108)
Come check in with the Office of the First Year staff and Orientation Leaders, get your nametag, have your questions answered, and pick up any tickets for events you purchased!

Women’s Volleyball Scrimmage
10:00 AM at Rockwell Cage (Z-Center)
Support our Varsity Women’s Volleyball team as they start off their season with three scrimmages vs. Framingham State University at 10am, UMass Dartmouth at 11:15am, and Brandeis University at 1:00pm!

Campus Tour
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Leaving from the Kresge Oval Tent
Get to know the MIT campus, interesting facts and history about the Institute, and get a first-hand look at the amazing place your student is going to call home for the next four years!

Men’s Soccer Scrimmage
4:00 PM at Roberts Field
Support our men’s soccer team as they start off their season with a scrimmage vs. Emmanuel College!

View Boston at the Prudential
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM at The Prudential, Boston
Advanced ticket purchase required. Last admission time is 9:00PM.

Please note: Members of the Class of 2028 will be participating in other programming on Saturday Evening.

Major Parent and Family Orientation events will begin this day. Check in will be open all day to assist with questions, wayfinding, and you will be able to speak with Orientation Leaders and Office of the First Year staff.

Parent and Family Breakfast
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM at Hyatt Regency, Cambridge
Advanced ticket purchase required.

Check in for Parent and Family Orientation
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at The DEN (Building 3-108)
Come check in with the Office of the First Year staff and Orientation Leaders, get your nametag, have your questions answered, and pick up any tickets for events you purchased!!

Tech Catholic Community Mass
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at W15 – MIT Chapel
Reception following outdoors or in W11-MDR, weather pending.

Christian Worship Service – Find Jesus & Church at MIT
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM at W11 (Main Dining Room)
Join our brief & informal Christian worship service with prayer and devotion, and introduction to the Christian community at MIT. Also, learn about local churches in the Boston area. All students from non-denominational or other denominational backgrounds are welcome to attend. For students, but parents are welcome. Note: Throughout the month of September we will be continuing to host breakfast and church visits. (Sponsored by Rev. Michael Dean, Baptist Chaplain, mdean@mit.edu. Go to bsf.mit.edu.)

Tech Catholic Community Post-Mass Reception
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Outside of MIT Chapel
Join for coffee and donuts after Mass! In the event of inclement weather, backup location will be in the W11 Community Room.

Church in the Chapel with Cru (Non-denominational)
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM at W15 – MIT Chapel
Come for a short and informal non-denominational Christian worship service. Meet other Christian students at MIT and learn about some of the churches in the area, as well as Christian community on campus. Hosted by Cru, a non-denominational Christian ministry at MIT. More info at www.mitcru.com or follow us @mit_cru.

Academic Panel
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at Kresge Auditorium
Learn about core first-year classes and unique learning opportunities. Professors, administrators, and current students will be on hand to answer questions relating to your student’s academic endeavors.

Hillel Jewish Community Brunch
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM at W11 (Main Dining Room)
Welcome to MIT Orientation! Hillel provides Jewish life on campus and is happy to host a Kosher bagels and lox lunch for new students’ parents/families. Meet Rabbi Fisher and other Hillel staff, and have an opportunity to make a parent blessing at this liminal moment. For more info, email hillel@mit.edu.

Thriving Together: Supporting Your Student’s Journey – Resources for First-Gen and/or Low-Income (FLI) Families
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Building 10-250
Join us for an informative and empowering session designed specifically for families of incoming students who identify as first-generation and/or low-income. Gain valuable insights into the resources, programs, and strategies that foster student success at the Institute. Connect with our FLI community to explore the comprehensive support systems that will help your student thrive both academically and personally. Hear stories from parents who have successfully navigated this journey, and take the opportunity to ask questions and engage with our team as we work to support your MIT student!

Fraternity, Sorority, & Independent Living Group Life at MIT Presentation
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at W20 – Lobdell
Join the MIT Fraternity, Sorority & Independent Living Group (FSILG) Office team to learn more about all of the organizations that make up the FSILG Community, how our staff supports these groups and how your student can explore and potentially join these amazing organizations. This is a great introduction to our community!

Campus Tour
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Leaving from the Kresge Oval Tent
Get to know the MIT campus, interesting facts and history about the Institute, and get a first-hand look at the amazing place your student is going to call home for the next four years!

Greek Life Council Panels
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Various Locations
The executive boards of MIT’s IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, and multicultural fraternities and sororities will be hosting separate panel discussions about their specific communities, what role they play at the Institute, how recruitment works and what it means for your students to join. All panels will be located in different rooms within the W20 – Stratton Student Center.

• Interfraternity Council Panel at W20 – Lobdell
• Panhellenic Council Panel at W20 – Twenty Chimneys
• Multicultural Greek Council Panel at W20 – Mezzanine Lounge

Health and Safety Panel
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM at Kresge Auditorium
Staff from MIT Medical, Student Support and Wellbeing, Residential and Community Life, and the MIT Police will be available to answer questions about your student’s well-being and safety at MIT.

MIT Dining and Dining Dollars/Tech Cash
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Lobdell in W20
Join staff from the Division of Student Life to learn more about dining on campus and Dining Dollars/TechCASH. This presentation will cover everything from dining options and meal plans to the most convenient way for students to purchase goods and services across campus using only their MIT ID, including laundry, books and food items. All sessions will cover the same topics, so please feel free to join us for any one of the scheduled presentations. *Drop-in event*

Housing and Residential Services + Undergraduate Residential Life Expo
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM in Kresge Lobby
Meet with staff from Housing & Residential Services and Undergraduate Residential Life to ask questions and learn all about living on campus at MIT!

Dinner on your Own!
4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Take advantage of all the restaurants there are in the area and have dinner on your own! Please note your student will be attending Mandatory Orientation Events starting at 6:00 PM.

Jazz Night
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM at Hyatt Regency, Cambridge
Enjoy an evening relaxing to smooth jazz melodies while meeting parents of incoming students, as well as current MIT students. There will be light refreshments and a cash bar. This event is sponsored by the MIT Parent Leadership Circle. Advanced ticket purchase required.

Monday is the last day of Parent and Family Orientation with some more large scale events and sessions. The program will conclude by 4pm.

Residence Hall Open Houses
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM in Respective Residence Halls
Want to meet the people who will be helping your student navigate MIT? Get acquainted with your student’s House Team for an informal meet and greet located in the lobby of all residential facilities. This is an opportunity to ask about support within the houses and resources offered to students. *Drop-in event*

President Sally Kornbluth’s Convocation
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Kresge Oval
You are invited to join President Sally Kornbluth and other Institute leaders as they welcome you into the MIT community. The program includes first-person advice from faculty members who attended MIT and a chance to sing the School Song along with the famed Chorallaries of MIT. It’s a great way to celebrate the start of this exciting new adventure for your student!

Dean for Student Life Info Fair and Family Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM at Johnson Ice Rink
While students enjoy a brunch in their residence halls hosted by Heads of House, parents and families are invited to attend a welcome lunch hosted by Vice Chancellor and Dean for Student Life, Suzy Nelson. This lunch will provide an opportunity for informal interactions with staff from across the Division of Student Life. Parents will be able to connect personally with these resources, ask questions, learn about student life opportunities and services, and obtain information to keep in touch with student life resources at the Institute.

All About UROP
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Building 10-250
How about: “MIT’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) gives undergraduates the opportunity to collaborate on and contribute to real research across MIT. It’s a dynamic, hands-on way to pursue one’s passions, find new interests, or explore different majors. Learn more about UROP and how your student can get involved and benefit from undergraduate research.

Office of Minority Education Open House
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Office of Minority Education (Building 4-107)
The Office of Minority Education invites you to its annual OME Open House during Orientation, which is primarily for incoming first-year students and their support networks. This will be the primary (and only) Orientation event offered by our office, and it will be fun and informative!

During the OME Open House, you will have the opportunity to connect with other incoming first-year students and their families and friends and OME staff members. In addition, you will learn about many programmatic offerings that the OME provides, including academic success, personal and professional development, and community building and well-being initiatives, that empower students. The OME helps students thrive in a supportive setting that fosters a pursuit of excellence and a strong sense of belonging, while they are away from the comforts of home. You can review our programs and services on our website using this link: https://ome-mit-edu.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/.

Undergraduate Advising Center: Advising Beyond the First Year
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Building 6-120
Join staff from the Undergraduate Advising Center (UAC) to learn more about the various advising resources available for your student during and after their first year at MIT.

Q&A: Career Advising & Professional Development
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM at Building 10-250
This session will provide an overview of Career Advising & Professional Development Office and their essential programs for student success, career services, pre-health advising and professional development. Learn about the tailored resources, career exploration opportunities, and individualized support students receive starting in their first year. Discover what employers look for in graduates and hear highlights of alum employment and graduate school outcomes. Finally, gain insight into ways in which parents and supporters can help students find their path and start their journey.

Ticket sales have now closed.

On Saturday, August 24, we have partnered with View Boston in the Prudential Center for a fun evening with fellow parent and family members, staff from MIT, and some current upper-level students. Enjoy all the sights the City of Boston has to offer! Ticket prices are $30 per person.

On Sunday, August 25, join us for our annual Parent and Family Orientation Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge, conveniently located next to campus at 575 Memorial Drive. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to mingle with MIT staff, current upper-level students, and fellow parents and family members, while also hearing from distinguished MIT faculty and staff. Please note that this event is intended for parents and family members, not students. Breakfast tickets are priced at $64 for adults and $32 for children under 10.

On Sunday August 25, we will be hosting our biggest event of Parent and Family Orientation: Jazz Night! Enjoy the company of MIT Staff, fellow parent and family members, light fare, a cash bar, and an evening of excellent Jazz Music! We look forward to celebrating your students’ accomplishments with you all here. Tickets cost $10 per person.

Each year, the First Year students take their class photo on the last day of Orientation. This is a great photo to hold on to for years to come. If interested in purchasing this commemorative photo, please follow this link.

Please note: Photos will be delivered to our office for your student to pick up in the late fall.