Welcome to Occidental College!

Orientation is designed to create a dynamic, celebratory and welcoming environment—a space where your student can explore how to make informed academic decisions and responsible social choices by tapping into resources and services offered by the College.

New Family Orientation

We will plan to host in person New Family Orientation Programs (first-year and transfers) for the families of the Class of 2027 including mini-orientation programs for those arriving early for Fall Athletics or LA Engage.

As we look forward to welcoming the Class of 2027 and returning students to campus this fall, Oxy’s COVID Operations Group (COG) continues to monitor campus and community levels of COVID and the latest pandemic developments. Please read further guidance here for Visitor and Event Guidelines.

Please refer to our campus map for locations of events. Questions? Please email parents@oxy.edu.

For more information for new students, please view the New Student Guide.

PLEASE NOTE THE INFORMATION BELOW IS FROM 2022 AND FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY.
THE SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2023 IS NOT YET AVAILABLE


2022 Schedule at a Glance for New Family Orientation

Fall Student Athlete Move-In Days - Thursday, August 18, 2022

  • 2:00 - 3:00 PM | GILMAN FOUNTAIN | Parents of Fall Student Athletes and Coaches Reception
  • 3:00 - 4:00 PM | LOWER HERRICK | “Your Student is in College, Now What?” with Rob Flot, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and Wendy F. Sternberg, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College

LA Engage Move-In Day - Saturday, August 20, 2022

  • 2:00 - 3:00 PM | LOWER HERRICK | “Your Student is in College, Now What?” with Rob Flot, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and Wendy F. Sternberg, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College
  • 3:00 - 4:00 PM | GILMAN FOUNTAIN | Parent Reception for LA Engage Arrivals

New Family Orientation Activities

Monday, August 22, 2022 (New Student Move-In Day)

  • 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM | JSC QUAD | Welcome Center and Check-In - Stop by the Alumni & Parent Engagement Tent
  • 11:00AM - 1:00 PM | ACADEMIC COMMONS/LIBRARY | Library Special Collections Tour
  • 11:00AM - 1:00 PM | ATHLETICS OFFICE | Athletics Facilities Self Tour
  • 12:00 - 1:00 PM - Lunch (Families can purchase food at The Marketplace or try a local restaurant)
  • 1:00 - 2:15 PM| JSC QUAD | Campus Tours by our Admissions Office
  • 1:00 - 1:30 PM | LOWER HERRICK | Presentation by Campus Partners - Campus Dining, Bookstore, Campus Safety
  • 1:30 - 2:30 PM | LOWER HERRICK | “Your Student is in College, Now What?” with Rob Flot, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and Wendy F. Sternberg, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College
  • 2:30 - 3:30 PM | LOWER HERRICK | You Heard It Here First! Student Panel for Parents
  • 3:30 - 4:00 PM | LOWER HERRICK | Presentation by Campus Partners - Emmons Health Center
  • 4:00 - 5:30 PM |AGC SOUTH PATIO | President's Reception for New Families
  • 5:30 - 7:00 PM | REMSEN BIRD HILLSIDE THEATRE | Welcome to Oxy! A Community Celebration
  • Dinner (Families can purchase food at The Marketplace or try a local restaurant)

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

  • 10:30 - 11:30 AM | GILMAN FOUNTAIN | Parents Coffee - hosted by the Parents Council
  • 11:00 - 11:30 AM | LOWER HERRICK | Meet the Vice President for Equity & Justice
  • 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Lunch (Families can purchase food at The Marketplace or try a local restaurant)
  • 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | THE MARKETPLACE-BRANCA PATIO | First Generation Lunch
  • 1:00 - 2:00 PM| LOWER HERRICK | Presentation by Campus Partners - Beyond Los Angeles: International and U.S. Programs (International Programs/Campaign Semester)
  • 2:00 - 3:00 PM | LOWER HERRICK | OxyTalks! Faculty Research Panel - Hear from faculty members, Andrew Jalil, Economics, Sarah Kozinn, Theater, and Gretchen North, Biology
  • 3:00 - 4:00 PM | LOWER HERRICK | Presentation by Campus Partners - Hameetman Career Center, Pre-Health, and Fellowships
  • 4:00 - 5:30 PM | LOWER HERRICK | Academic Fair in the Quad
  • 5:30 - 6:30 PM | JOHNSON STUDENT CENTER QUAD | Sweet Send Offs - Take the time to have a sweet treat with your student as you say your goodbyes.
  • This event concludes New Family Orientation Programming; family members are asked to depart campus as the remainder of the schedule is for students only.

(Families are welcome to participate in ANY New Family Orientation activities, on any days, should your schedule allow.)

*Please note all events are optional and events are subject to change. Specific times, locations and other information will be updated as details become available.


Contact the Office of Parent Engagement