Family Orientation & Move-in Day 2026
We are excited to welcome you and your student to Pitzer College’s Class of 2030!
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.
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.
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.
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.