Parent and Family Orientation
Last updated July 2, 2025
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Thursday, July 31 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. | Course Registration and Academics at CMC Zoom Join us for a webinar focused on academics at CMC and what you need to know before Orientation and the first week of classes. Hear from Associate Dean of the Faculty for Curriculum and Associate Professor of Literature Ellen Ketels and Registrar Deborah Flynn about GE requirements, the nuts and bolts of registration, academic advising, and more. There will be ample time for Q&A, and we encourage you to share your questions ahead of time at [email protected]. |
| Tuesday, August 5 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. | CMS Athletics 101: Supporting Your Student Athlete Zoom If you are the proud parent of a student athlete, you are most likely thrilled that they have the opportunity to gain valuable qualities and skills both in the classroom and on the field, court, or pool. You may also wonder what to expect as your students begins this journey. Join Erica Perkins Jasper, William B. Arce Director of Athletics, Physical Education & Recreation, to explore how to best support student athletes along the way. |
| Thursday, August 7 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. | Introduction to the Soll Center for Student Opportunity Zoom The Soll Center for Student Opportunity is home to three important services at CMC, including Career Services, the Sponsored Internship Program, and Scholar Communities. Join Ursula Diamond, Director of Student Opportunities, and Priscilla Cobian, Assistant Director of First Year Programming, to learn more about how to support your student in getting the most out of their four years at CMC. |
| Friday, August 8 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. | Student Well-Being and Success Zoom Claremont McKenna College is committed to learning and living environments that empower students to make responsible choices that impact their physical, emotional, and mental health. In this session, members of the Dean of Students Office will highlight some of the many strategies in place to support this goal, and will describe the well-being resources available to students as they navigate their transition and their journey through college. Information about shared services dedicated to student well-being at the Claremont Colleges will also be covered, including Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Services, and tele-med options. |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Claremont Colleges 5C Walking Tour Meet at Seaver House, 301 North College Avenue Those arriving early can enjoy this wonderful opportunity! Docents from Claremont Heritage, the local non-profit organization dedicated to advancing, preserving, and celebrating the historic architectural, natural, and cultural resources of the community, will lead a walking tour that explores the history of The Claremont Colleges from their founding in 1887 (in the town of Pomona!) to today. The walk includes visits to many of the venerated buildings (exteriors only) on the campuses. Special attention is paid to the magnificent architecture and artworks that grace the campuses, with an emphasis on historic Pomona College and beautiful Scripps College. We end back in the “Village,” where you may choose to dine in one of the delicious restaurants that dot the area. $20 per person; registration required. CMC students may attend free of charge. Parking usually is available in the surrounding area, but there is a large, free parking lot located nearby at the Claremont Transit Center. |
| 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. | International Student Welcome & Information Fair (International Families) McKenna Auditorium Join students, families, and members of the Dean of Students office to learn more about academic resources, student organizations, and other campus partners. Registration required. |
| 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | President’s House Reception (International Families) The President's House We look forward to welcoming international parents to the President's House for a reception. Appetizers and beverages will be served. Registration required. |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Claremont Village Walking Tour Meet at the Claremont Depot, 200 West 1st Street Those arriving early can enjoy this wonderful opportunity! Join docents from Claremont Heritage, the local non-profit organization dedicated to advancing, preserving, and celebrating the historic architectural, natural, and cultural resources of the community, on a walking tour of the quaint Claremont “Village.” Learn the history of the town—from agriculture to colleges—and visit some of the key sites that make Claremont such a unique city. Share in the stories, art, and architecture of the “City of Trees and Ph.Ds.” We end in time for you to visit one of the great restaurants in the Village for lunch. $20 per person; registration required. CMC students may attend free of charge. Parking usually is available in the area surrounding the Depot, but there is a large, free parking lot located at the Claremont Transit Center, 200 East 1st Street. |
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. | Collins Dining Hall open for breakfast $16.50 per person. Credit card only at the door. |
| 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Parent Check-in and Hospitality Center The Hub at Emett Student Center Before programming begins, head to the Hub at Emmett Student Center to check in and receive your nametags, schedule, tickets, and other important information. Feel free to stop by throughout the day to take a break, ask a question, or mingle with other new CMC parents. |
| 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | |
| 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | CMC Supply Shop Roberts Pavilion Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up on all the latest and greatest merch to show your CMC pride! |
| 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Drop-in times | Volunteering at CMC You don’t need to live nearby—there are meaningful opportunities to support CMC and our amazing students from wherever you are. Come say hello and find the volunteer path that’s right for you! |
| 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | It’s Your Choice! Enjoy some free-time to do what you choose. Take care of a last-minute errand, join a tour, drop by the Hospitality Center to meet fellow families or write a letter to your student, shop for the latest gear at the CMC Supply Shop, visit the Student Accounts or Financial Aid office, or take a moment to rest and relax in a shady spot before lunch. |
| 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. | Campus Tours Meet at the Office of Admission at Kravis Center Welcome to our beautiful campus! Join a special walking tour of CMC’s historic and unique locations, including our incredible new art installations. Come ready to ask your behind-the-scenes questions about how a building was named or why there is a plaque under your favorite campus tree! Tour repeats at 1:00 p.m. |
| 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. | First Generation Family Meet and Greet Adams Court, Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum This reception is open to first generation students and family members. Hosted by the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement. Registration required. |
| 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. | CMC Alumni Families Reception Founders Room, Bauer Center North This reception is open to CMC alumni families and is hosted by the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement. Registration required. |
| 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. | Student and Parent Community Lunch Parents Field Join the campus community for a bite to eat featuring the In-N-Out trucks, a California institution! Lunch is complimentary for CMC students and two family members. Additional lunch tickets can be purchased at a discounted price of $15. |
| 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. | Campus Tour Meet at the Office of Admission at Kravis Center Welcome to our beautiful campus! Join a special walking tour of CMC’s historic and unique locations, including our incredible new art installations. Come ready to ask your behind-the-scenes questions about how a building was named or why there is a plaque under your favorite campus tree. |
| 2:15 to 3:05 p.m. | Campus Life 101 McKenna Auditorium Join Vice President for Student Affairs Dianna Graves '98 and Dean of Students Jimmy Doan to learn more about student life on campus and how you and the College can partner to support your student. |
| 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. | Academic Information & Support Hub Flamson Plaza Have questions about academics at CMC? Stop by our Academic Information & Support Hub! This is a casual, open-format space designed to help you connect directly with key campus partners. Representatives from the Dean of the Faculty's office, Academic Success, the Registrar's office, and more will be available for one-on-one conversations. No formal program–just the opportunity to gather helpful information and insights that may support your student's transition and success during their first year at CMC. |
| 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. | Welcome to CMC! Roberts Pavilion Join the campus community at this memorable tradition as College leadership officially welcomes all new students and families into the CMC community. |
| 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. | Family Farewell Roberts Pavilion Entry Take a few moments for one last hug as the remaining Orientation events are for students only. Feel free to stay in the area or find a quiet spot for a more private goodbye. |
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