Parent/Guardian Schedule
Note: This is a tentative schedule and subject to change
Parent/Guardian Schedule
Day 1 (June 18 or June 24)
8 a.m.-9 a.m.
Arrival and Check-In A-L
Students with last names from A-L and their Registered Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
9 a.m.-10 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
Arrival and Check-In M-Z
Students with last names from M - Z and their Registered Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.
Prayer Services
During the check-in period, two prayer services will be offered at 8:15am and at 9:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
University Welcome
Students and families will be welcomed to the Fairfield University and receive an overview of the schedule and logistics as well as be introduced to the Orientation Team
11 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
"The Fairfield Experience" - The Integration of Living and Learning
Learn what it means for your student to live and learn in an academic community like Fairfield by listening to faculty, staff, and student leaders. This panel of experts will discuss the Core Curriculum, our institutional commitment to educating the whole person, and the difference a Jesuit education can make in the life of the mind.
11:55 a.m.-1:05 p.m.
Lunch
1:05 a.m.-1:40 p.m.
Academic Planning Overview
Families will understand the academic components of Orientation and become aware of academic expectations in college. Additionally, families will be introduced to the Core Curriculum and examples of ways Fairfield's students use it to shape their academic journeys.
1:50 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Academic Planning by Colleges and Schools
Families will join the Deans' staffs from Fairfield's four undergraduate colleges and schools to discuss curriculum requirements and policies relating to your student's academic interests. How can families serve as partners in their student's education while empowering their student to make their own decisions?
- College of Arts & Sciences and General Studies
- Dolan School of Business
- School of Engineering
- School of Nursing
2:40 p.m.-3:40 p.m.
Financial Planning
From tuition payments, meal plans, purchasing books, to financial aid, this session will inform families about how to finance and plan for their student's four years at Fairfield.
3:50 p.m.-4:50 p.m.
Student Life Forum
How can families best prepare to send their student off to Fairfield in August? Dr. Thomas Pellegrino, Vice President for Student Affairs, will be joined by various Student Affairs administrators to answer families' questions in this interactive session.
5 p.m.
Family Community Mass Service
Families of the Class of 2017 are invited to join together as a community at a special Mass service.
Reflective Walk
Students and families are invited to experience this self-directed opportunity to reflect on the start of an important life journey. Participants will be, in St. Ignatius' words, "contemplatives in action."
6 p.m.
Goodbye to Your Student(s) for the Rest of the Night
6:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
Meet our Jesuits
Relax and unwind after a busy day with our Fairfield University Jesuits over lite refreshments. This is also an opportunity to meet other Class of 2017 families that include alumni of Fairfield University.
Day 2 (June 19 & June 25)
8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Room Key & Swipe Card Check-out
Please double check with your student that they returned their key and swipe to the key table at their Residence Hall or the Office of Residence, located in the lower level of the Barone Campus Center Room 96. We enjoyed hosting your student and can’t wait to see them in September.
8 a.m.-9 a.m.
Athletics Breakfast Session for Parents and Varsity Student-Athletes
Student-athletes and families are invited to learn more about being a Division I student-athlete.
9 a.m.-10 a.m.
Continental Breakfast and Parent/Guardian Small Group Chat Time
Families will have the opportunity to meet with a Fairfield University professional staff member in small groups. This is an opportunity to ask any follow up questions from day 1 or in general.
10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Campus Culture
What is life really like at Fairfield outside the classroom? What are students involved in, and what is the culture like? Dr. Thomas Pellegrino, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Karen Donoghue, Dean of Students, will give families a glimpse of what to expect once their student(s) arrives in September.
10:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
Information Fair
Have questions for the Health Center? Campus Ministry? Want to know what clubs are on campus? Want to open a bank account? Get these questions and more answered by staff and faculty from offices and departments who are here to help.
11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Parenting Beyond the Cap and Gown (Gonzaga Auditorium)
Even though our high school graduates may seem mature and responsible as they head off to college, brain research tells us that they are still 3-5 years away from true adult brain functioning. The important work of parenting doesn’t end after “Pomp and Circumstance”, but changes significantly in the ways that parents must stay engaged and influential in the lives of their college-age children.
Whether our high school graduates continue their education, enter the work force or join the military, parents need to understand the young adult brain in order to be encouraging and helpful to their children. Understanding college life in its pleasures and pressures, risks and rewards, temptations and triumphs, will help parents effectively support and advise their college students.
In this presentation, Michael Nerney will offer parents the latest information on brain development in young adults, discuss current trends in substance abuse and other high-risk behavior in college-age individuals, and provide guidance on how to “hold on loosely” to our almost-adult children.
Life in the Residence Halls (Kelley Center)
What's life in the Residence Halls like? What happens if students have a conflict with their roommate? What types of living and learning communities are offered? Meet the professional staff and student leaders who support and live in the Residence Halls with your students.
12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m.
Letting Go (Gonzaga Auditorium)
Sending your student to college can be a challenging time. This session will explore some of the issues parents/ guardians may face during their student's first semester away at college. Join Matthew Dinnan, Senior Associate Dean of Students, and Cath Borgman, Director of the Career Planning Center, as they guide families through a very informative session.
Life in the Residence Halls (Kelley Center)
What's life in the Residence Halls like? What happens if students have a conflict with their roommate? What types of living and learning communities are offered? Meet the professional staff and student leaders who support and live in the Residence Halls.
1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Life in the Residence Halls (Kelley Center)
What's life in the Residence Halls like? What happens if students have a conflict with their roommate? What types of living and learning communities are offered? Meet the professional staff and student leaders who support and live in the Residence Halls.
Counseling, Psychological & Disability Services (tentative) - Gonzaga Auditorium
Learn more about our services and ways we support our students.
2:15 p.m.-End of day
Relax and Enjoy the Festivities
While families wait for their student(s) to wrap up their Orientation, visit the Information Fair, enjoy a hot dog (including Tofu dogs) at the Oak Room, or feel free to use the Lunch on the Town Voucher. The Parent Orientation Leaders will be available to answer any questions families have.
10:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
Residence Hall Show Rooms
See a typical Residence Hall Room. Visit Regis Hall Room 13 and Campion Hall Room 105. Residence Life staff will be present to answer questions.
Information Fair
Have questions for the Health Center? Campus Ministry? Want to know what clubs are on campus? Want to open a bank account? Get these questions and more answered by staff and faculty from offices and departments who are here to help.