<p>I was just admitted off the wait list, so I don't know if this information has been sent out or not. I know orientation happens just before classes start and stuff, but I was wondering if theres any programming for parents? Because mine have never seen the campus before, even though I have, and they are kind of...antsy I guess about not knowing anything about where I'm going. So yeah, is there any parent programming? Or should I just show them the virtual tour on the website and say "You can see more at parents weekend?"</p>
<p>I am a rising sophomore and can address your question based on last year’s orientation. There is an early move in day designed primarily for those traveling from long distances with planned events other than initial check in. The following day is also available for move in and will have a series of events for parents and students finishing with a reception for parents and new students with many of the fqaculty and administration present. The orientation materials will make it clear that parents are to depart and say good buy at the end of the reception which last year was 5:30 P.M. Hopefully, that answers your question.</p>
<p>Yeah, there will be parent programming during the move-in days, but not during the bulk of orientation, which is for students only. One idea if your parents want more than a day to look around is to come to Northampton a few days before move-in and stay in a hotel. They can walk around the town and campus at their leisure, and while they won’t be able to go into your house, some of the academic buildings, the library, and campus center will be open during the day. </p>
<p>I moved in by myself and while it was fine, I would recommend bringing a parent or someone with a car if possible. Check in is at the Indoor Track and Tennis facility at the far end of campus, and it can be quite a hike from there on foot with bags. A kind mother took pity on me when she saw me struggling up the hill with my suitcases and gave me a ride to my dorm. If you are going by yourself, make your taxi wait for you while you check in (if you go early, it’s really fast), and then take it the rest of the way to your house. Once you get to the house your HONS (Head of New Students) will help you move your bags and things inside.</p>
<p>I was also just taken off the waitlist, and I’d like to know if we have to sign up for orientation, move-in, or parent programs. If so, where would we sign up, and by when?</p>
<p>You don’t have to sign up per se for any of these things…they are part of the overall experience. You will fill out a lot of forms regarding housing, medical coverage, etc. and you will be sent specific info on orientation some time in July, along with your house assignment and roommate. Unlike other colleges, there is just the one orientation which goes from August 30(no programming on the 29th) until the day before classes begin(Sept. 6). On that Wednesday you will register for classes(I know seems last minute but that’s how it goes.)</p>
<p>As stated below there is a lot of parental programming on the 30th. No registration needed.</p>
<p>Soon you will find out about the summer reading book as well as the offerings in the First Year Seminars(FYS). You will be asked to name your preferences for the FYS but this is not binding. I guess they just want to know which courses are most popular.</p>
<p>My advice is to relax, take a deep breath and frequently check the email which you gave Smith for your contact info. At some point you’ll get a smith email address but they won’t necessarily send stuff there, particularly at first. Once things get rolling that will be your default address but in the meantime they use your original one. Some girls forget to check that one…for whatever reason.</p>
<p>Good luck and keep checking this space as well at the Smith website for new students which will post a lot of this info in a more formal setting.</p>
<p>Thank you for your help, Bossf51. I guess all I have left to do after turning in my housing information is to sit tight and wait for more news. I have to say, though, it’s going to seem like a very long wait to someone who can’t wait to begin life at Smith. :D</p>
<p>Congrats to both new Smithies. Just got my D back from her first year and I must say, she is VERY happy at her first year. Summer will go FAST…enjoy it!</p>