Family Orientation & Move-in Day 2026

We are excited to welcome you and your student to Pitzer College’s Class of 2030!

a new student dances down the the welcome line and a student and her family gather on the mounds

Registration details coming soon!

Family Orientation & Move-in Day takes place on Saturday, August 22, 2026. This day marks the beginning of your student’s journey and is designed to help you feel informed, supported, and connected as your family transitions into the Pitzer community.

new students walk under an arm bridge

This day is both a celebration and an opportunity to learn more about the people, resources, and experiences that will shape your student’s time at Pitzer.

It also kicks off the week-long New Student Orientation for new students.

 

a student and father hug

 

Family Orientation & Move-in Day Schedule

  • 8–11 a.m. | Student Move-in
    Students will move into their residence halls during their assigned move-in window based on last name. Staff, student leaders, and volunteers will be available to help welcome students and their families to campus and assist with the move-in process.

    8–8:45 a.m.: S-Z and new Pomona-Pitzer Athletes
    8:45–9:30 a.m.: M-R
    9:30–10:15 a.m.: G-L
    10:15–11 a.m.: A-F
     
  • 8 a.m.–Noon | Family Check-in and Registration
    Gold Student Health & Wellness Center, Multipurpose Room (upstairs)
    Once your student is settled into their residence hall, stop by to receive your orientation materials. Families can pick up important information, ask questions, and connect with staff and volunteers before exploring campus and participating in the day's activities. Families are also invited to write a personal Letter to Your Student, offering words of encouragement, advice, or support as their student begins their Pitzer journey.
     
  • 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Family and Friends Lounge
    McConnell Center, Living Room
    Take a break, relax, and connect with other families throughout the day. The lounge provides a comfortable space with seating, refreshments, and information about campus resources. Families may also take time to participate in the Letter to Your Student, writing a meaningful note to share with their student before the day's end. 
     
  • 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Pitzer Store
    McConnell Center, Living Room
    Stop by the Pitzer Store to purchase apparel, gifts, and other Pitzer merchandise. It's a great opportunity to pick up Pitzer gear and commemorate the start of your student's college journey. 
     
  • 10:30–11:15 a.m. | Pomona-Pitzer Athletics Information Session for Winter and Spring Athletes
    Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Wellness, Voelkel Gymnasium
    Families of winter and spring student-athletes are invited to learn more about the Pomona-Pitzer Athletics program, expectations for student-athletes, available resources, and what to expect during the upcoming athletic season.

    Transportation Information
    Transportation from Pitzer will be provided by the Pomona-Pitzer Sagecoach. 
    Pick-up will be available from 10 to 10:15 a.m. at the Broad Center roundabout.
     
  • 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | New Student Gift from Alumni Association
    George C.S. Benson Auditorium Atrium
    Students are encouraged to stop by to receive a special welcome gift from the Pitzer College Alumni Association. Alumni are excited to welcome the newest members of the Pitzer community and celebrate the start of their college journey. 
     
  • 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Connection Café (Specialty Coffee Cart)
    Scott Courtyard
    Enjoy a specialty coffee beverage while connecting with fellow families and other members of the Pitzer community. A casual opportunity to build new relationships and ask questions in an informal setting. 
     
  • Noon–1:30 p.m. | Family Welcome Lunch
    McConnell Center, Dining Hall 
    Overflow seating: Founders Room
    Gather with fellow families and members of the Pitzer community for a welcoming lunch. This is a great opportunity to connect and experience Pitzer's warm and inclusive campus culture.
     
  • 1:45–3 p.m. | Insights to Life at Pitzer
    George C.S. Benson Auditorium 
    Overflow seating: Fletcher Hall 104, 106, 110, 112, and Broad Hall 110, 207, 210, 214
    This signature Family Orientation session introduces families to the people, programs, and resources that support student success at Pitzer. Representatives from key campus offices will share information and insights to help families better understand the student experience, from academics and wellness to residential life and career preparation. 

    Featured participants may include Academic Advising, PASS and Strive2Thrive, Study Abroad, Career Services, the Community Engagement Center (CEC), Residence Life, and The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS). The session will also include Q&A. 
     
  • 1:45–3 p.m. | Spanish-speaking Session (Información acerca de la vida en Pitzer)
    Fletcher Jones Language and Culture Laboratory, Broad Hall 209 (upstairs/piso superior)
    Spanish-speaking families are invited to learn more about the academic, residential, and co-curricular experiences that shape life at Pitzer. The session will provide information about campus resources, student support, and opportunities for engagement, and will be conducted entirely in Spanish. 

    Se invita a las familias de habla hispana a conocer más sobre las experiencias académicas, residenciales y cocurriculares que forman parte de la vida en Pitzer. La sesión ofrecerá información sobre los recursos del campus, el apoyo disponible para estudiantes y las oportunidades de participación, y se llevará a cabo completamente en español.
     
  • 3:15–4:15 p.m. | FirstGen Student & Family Reception
    Grove House, Outdoor Classroom
    First-generation students and their families are invited to connect with one another, meet campus partners, and learn about the programs, resources, and community networks that support their success at Pitzer.
     
  • 3:45–4:45 p.m. | Resource Fair
    Gold Student Health & Wellness Center, Multipurpose Room (upstairs)
    Meet representatives from offices and departments across campus and the Claremont Colleges Consortium and learn about the many resources available to support student success, well-being, engagement, and belonging. Families and students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and make connections. 
     
  • 4:45–5:50 p.m. | Community Dinner
    Stephen L. Glass Commencement Plaza and The Mounds
    Join students, families, and other members of the Pitzer community for a festive outdoor dinner celebrating the beginning of the academic year. This longstanding tradition offers an opportunity to gather as a community before families say goodbye for the semester. Families may also wish to share their Letter to Your Student during this special time together.
     
  • 5:50–6:15 p.m. | Family Farewell Programming
    The Mounds and McConnell Center Apron
    As the day comes to a close, families and students are invited to participate in a meaningful farewell experience featuring reflections, traditions, and words of encouragement as students prepare to begin their Pitzer journey.  
     
  • 6:15 p.m. | Family Farewell
    Stephen L. Glass Commencement Plaza
    Families officially bid farewell to their students as they transition into their Orientation experience and start their college life at Pitzer. 
     
  • 6:30–8 p.m. | Cheers & Tears Reception    
    President's Residence
    After saying goodbye, families are invited to gather at the President's Residence for light refreshments and conversation. This longstanding tradition offers an opportunity to connect with other families, reflect on the day, and celebrate this important milestone together.

 

*Schedule and event details are subject to change.

New fall student-athletes are scheduled to move in before general Move-in Day, and will be emailed an Early Arrival form to complete on their residence account. Once approved, early-move-in students will receive specific check-in instructions via their Pitzer email accounts.

Student-athletes arrive early as determined by individual coaches and season schedules. Please do not make travel arrangements until your student has received information from their coach.

Early Arrival Pre-Orientation Events 

New Fall Athletes and Families Arrival Welcome Events

Join us to hear about the Pomona-Pitzer student athlete experience. 

An Athletics Families Information Session will also be offered during Family Orientation on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 3:30–5 p.m.
Athletic Move-in Reception for Football
More details and registration information will be shared soon!
Note: Your student will be attending this event per their coach's direction. 
 

Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 3:30–5 p.m.
Athletic Move-in Reception for Men's Water Polo
More details and registration information will be shared soon!
Note: Your student will be attending this event per their coach's direction. 
 

Monday, August 17, 2026 | 3:30–5 p.m.
Athletic Move-in Reception for Volleyball, Men's & Women's Soccer, and Men's & Women's Cross Country
More details and registration information will be shared soon!
Note: Your student will be attending this event per their coach's direction. 
 

Helpful Information

Family Orientation & Move-in Day is designed to be both structured and welcoming, with a mix of logistical support, community-building opportunities, and meaningful programming throughout the day.

a family laugh together at family orientation

A confirmed schedule of events will be sent to you later this summer, but you can expect: 

  • Staggered move-in and check-in times to help ensure a smooth arrival experience
  • A central welcome and registration area to get oriented and receive materials
  • A Family & Friends Lounge where you can relax, connect, and visit the campus store
  • Opportunities to pick up welcome gifts and resources for new students
  • A Family Welcome Lunch to gather as a community
  • An afternoon program featuring campus partners and key resources, such as
    academic advising, career services, study abroad, and student support services
  • A Resource Fair to explore campus offices and opportunities
  • A Community Dinner and closing programming, followed by a special farewell
    moment for families

There will also be optional sessions and informal opportunities to connect, including affinity-based gatherings and spaces to meet members of your new Pitzer Community!

 

Students will receive their housing assignment and detailed move-in instructions in advance of arrival.

students and parents walk on the pitzer dorm outside walkways while moving into the dorms

Move-in will include:

  • A designated check-in location on campus
  • Assigned arrival windows to help manage traffic and flow
  • Support from orientation staff and student volunteers throughout the process
  • Additional details, including check-in location, arrival times, and parking information, will
    be shared later this summer.

Visit our Move-in & out page for more move-in information. 

students stand in a large group on the mounds during an orientation event

Following Move-in Day, students will participate in New Student Orientation (NSO), a required program designed to help them build community and prepare for academic and campus life.

Orientation programming typically includes:

  • Academic advising and course preparation
  • Introductions to campus resources and support services
  • Social and community-building activities
  • Orientation Adventures to explore the campus and the surrounding area

Orientation is an important part of helping students feel confident, connected, and ready for the semester ahead.

a family poses under the outdoor classroom pergola

If you are traveling to campus, we recommend:

  • Booking accommodations early
  • Allowing extra time for arrival and parking
  • Wearing comfortable clothing for walking and warm weather

More detailed travel guidance will be shared throughout the summer.

a student and their parents pose for the camera

Stay Connected!

You will receive regular email updates throughout the summer with important information, deadlines, and next steps. If your contact information has changed, please let us know.

Check Back Often!

This page will be updated regularly with additional details as they are confirmed.

 

a family group hugs on the mounds

 

Questions?