UMass Boston

Orientation Dates

Orientation sessions are hosted for all new students and student supporters throughout the year.  Click your group type below to learn more about your orientation program structure and to see the next available dates.

First-Year Students

First-year student orientation is a one-day program.  The program begins at 8:45am and concludes at 4:45pm. A shortened virtual option is available as an alternative for students who live more than 250 miles from campus but we encourage students to come to the on-campus program if possible.

On-Campus

  • January 9
  • January 14
  • January 23

Virtual

  • December 17
  • January 21

Register for a Session

Transfer Students

Transfer student orientation is a one-day program.  The program begins at 8:45am and concludes at 4:45pm. A shortened virtual option is available as an alternative for students who live more than 250 miles from campus but we encourage students to come to the on-campus program if possible.

On-Campus

  • January 9
  • January 14
  • January 23

Virtual

  • December 17
  • January 21

Register for a Session

Graduate Students

Graduate orientation is a one day program designed to welcome all graduate students to the UMass Boston community.  Many graduate students may also have a specific onboarding for their program of study.  The university-wide graduate orientation is offered both on-campus and virtually.  On-campus orientation is a full day program beginning at 8:45am and ending at 3:30pm.  Virtual orientation is a part-day program offered in the evening.

On-Campus

  • January 23

Virtual

  • January 21

Register for a Session

International Students

International students who are attending UMass Boston on a VISA will participate in a two-part orientation program.  Part one is a virtual orientation session where you will learn about UMass Boston academics and resources.  Undergraduate student will also select classes for the first semester.  Part two is an on-campus event known as International Welcome which focuses on living in Boston, meeting your fellow classmates, and important information about your VISA compliance.

Part One: Virtual Orientation

  • December 17 (Undergraduate Students)
  • January 21 (Undergraduate Students)
  • January 21 (Graduate Students)

Part Two: International Welcome

  • January 24 (Undergraduate Students)
  • January 24 (Graduate Students)

Register for a Session

Pathway Program Students

Students in the Pathway Program will attend a two-day, overnight orientation program.  The program begins on day one at 8:45am and concludes on day two at 5:00pm. A shortened virtual option is available as an alternative for students who live more than 250 miles from campus but we encourage students to come to the on-campus program if possible.

On-Campus

  • June 25-26
  • July 17-18

Virtual

  • August 8

Register for a Session

Directions for Student Potential (DSP) Students

Students in the Directions for Student Potential (DSP) Program as invited to attend orientation during the first week of their 6-week summer program.  The orientation is a one day program which includes an overnight stay in our campus residence hall.

Summer 2024 Orientation Date

  • June 20

Register for a Session

Accelerated Nursing (ABSN) & Nursing for RNs (RN-BS) Students

Students in the Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing (ABSN) or the Nursing for RNs (RN-BS) program attend a special orientation program designed for your unique learning experience. 

ABSN offers a two-part orientation with an on-campus and virtual component that is offered once per admission cycle.  All ABSN students must attend both parts of the orientation. 

RN-BS is an all virtual orientation program with multiple dates to choose from.

ABSN Program

  • December 9 (Part One: On-Campus)
  • TBD (Part Two: Virtual)

RN-BS Program

  • TBD

Register for a Session

Parents, Families, & Supporters

Parents, families, and supporters of new UMass Boston students are invited to attend an orientation program designed just for them.  Focusing on ways to support students during their time at UMass Boston, family orientation is a one day program offered concurrently with every undergraduate orientation date.  The on-campus program is a full day beginning at 8:45am and ending at 3:30pm.

First-Year Family Orientation Dates

  • January 9
  • January 14
  • January 23

Transfer Family Orientation Dates

  • January 9
  • January 14
  • January 23

Register for a Session