Family Orientation Schedule
Family Orientation takes place during new student move-in and is designed to help families feel informed, welcomed, and connected to the Harvey Mudd community. Below is the tentative schedule of events; check back in for updates and changes. Registration is still open!
Family Orientation 2026
| 8 –11 a.m. | Parent and Family Check-in and Name-tag Pick-up/ Move into the Residence Halls (Platt Living Room, Platt Campus Center) Kick off the day by picking up family name-tags, connecting with staff regarding parent involvement opportunities, and collecting HMC swag while students meet their mentors and head to their residence halls. |
| 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Family Lunch (Platt Lawn) Enjoy a convenient grab-and-go lunch on the lawn. Please note that students will be attending a separate lunch session during this time. |
| 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Makerspace Walk-through (1st Floor, McGregor) Explore Harvey Mudd’s hub of innovation inside the Makerspace. Drop in to view our tools and creative capabilities, meander the facilities at your own pace, and engage with staff about our maker culture. This is an informational open house, so there are not tools available for use or activities scheduled.. |
| 1–2 p.m. | President’s Welcome (Shanahan Auditorium) Join President Nembhard and her Cabinet for an official welcome to Harvey Mudd College. Gain valuable insights into the HMC mission and community during this introductory session, with an opportunity for Q&A. |
| 2-3 p.m. | AI at Mudd (Shanahan Auditorium) Join Karl Haushalter, Vice President for Academic Affairs and R. Michael Shanahan Dean of the Faculty, for a deep dive into the evolution of Artificial Intelligence at Harvey Mudd. This session examines the strategic integration of AI in our curriculum, balancing technological advancement with deep academic rigor. Attendees will also get a preview of our Innovation Accelerator Labs and the breakthrough student research projects driving the future of AI. |
| 3–5 p.m. | Campus Resource Fair/Reception (Shanahan Center) Connect directly with key campus departments to address your questions and learn more about the HMC experience. Offices represented include: Student Health Services, MCAPS, Career Services, Residential Life, Study Abroad, Civic and Community Engagement, Institutional Diversity, Academic Resources, Access, Dining Services, Financial Aid, and more!. Meet current parents to discuss the Parent and Family Network. |
| 5–6 p.m. | President’s Reception and Family Farewell (Strauss Plaza) Conclude the day with an elegant, casual reception hosted by President Harriet Nembhard. Share a final moment with your student before they transition fully into their orientation programming. |
A note about saying goodbye
Beginning at dinner on Thursday, students will become immersed in their orientation programming and will be less available. We encourage families to say goodbye to their student at the conclusion of the President’s Reception and Family Farewell.
Looking for something to do after move-in?
If you have time between events (or after your student transitions into orientation), here are a few ideas:
- Explore the picturesque downtown Claremont area.
- Take a walk around campus with our self-guided campus tour handout.
- Grab a Starbucks drink at the café in the Shanahan Center for Teaching and Learning.
- Visit Huntley Bookstore (Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.) at 800 N. Dartmouth Ave., Claremont. Incoming families can use this discount coupon.