Summer/Fall 2020 Student Orientation Information (Remote)
Virtual orientation for the spring semester for continuing students will take place from Friday, January 15, to Friday, January 22, 2021.
Who Should Attend?
All continuing Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee undergraduate students (domestic and international) who began their studies in the summer or fall 2020 semester and are starting in the spring 2021 semester remotely should attend.
Students do not need to register for orientation. We will send communications to your Berklee email account.
Orientation Schedule
An overview of the schedule is available below to help you know what to expect so you can plan your week. Please note this schedule is subject to change. Some sessions are offered more than once to accommodate various time zones and are indicated with a label of "No. 1" or "No. 2." Feel free to pick the date and time that aligns best with your schedule. Zoom links will be added the day before each event.
View the schedule below.
Friday, January 15
The schedule is subject to change.
Virtual Hangout Opportunities
3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. ET
Join us for an informal opportunity to meet other Berklee students. Join the Zoom meeting.
Saturday, January 16
The schedule is subject to change.
Virtual Hangout Opportunities
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. ET
Join us for an informal opportunity to meet other Berklee students. Join the Zoom meeting.
Social Programming
4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. ET
Join us for informal programming opportunities to continue getting to know your peers. There are activities geared towards both introverted and extroverted folks. Introverted Greetings and Games includes activity-based games, and the extroverted activity, Tell Your Story: Getting to Know You, includes icebreakers. Click on the name of the program to join each Zoom.
Community Connector Welcome Meeting
8:00 p.m. ET
Every day this week, you'll have the option to meet with a community connector and other new and continuing students in a small group setting. This is a great opportunity to continue meeting new people and ask questions about life at Berklee. Check your Berklee email for your Zoom link sent from your community connector.
Sunday, January 17
The schedule is subject to change.
Orientation Kick-Off
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. ET
Welcome to the first day of orientation. Students will meet virtually with one another, play virtual icebreakers, and begin forming community. Both small and large group activities will be facilitated virtually. Join the Zoom meeting.
My First Berklee Project
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. ET
Did you miss out on the project this past fall, or are you interested in participating again? My First Berklee Project is your first creative endeavor as a newly enrolled Berklee student. My First Berklee Project is a voluntary collaborative performance project launched with your incoming class. As a group, you will be assigned to teams and create art to be shared with the wider Berklee community. This can be dance, music, theater, and everything in between. The nuts and bolts of the project will be covered in this session, where you will receive all the tools you need to start collaborating together. Participation is voluntary. Sign up if you are interested in participating, and join the Zoom meeting.
Social Programming
8:00 p.m. ET
Join one of our Berklee resident assistants for virtual social programming opportunities. Programming is open to all students, regardless of modality preference and residency. The Zoom links are posted below by each residential area.
Virtual Escape Room, hosted by 160 Massachusetts Avenue: Join the event (passcode: Berklee).
Mafia Game Night: A Fenway Special, hosted by Fenway: Join the event (passcode: Berklee).
The Kahoot! Tournament of Champions, hosted by 270 Commonwealth Avenue: Join the event (passcode: Berklee).
Trivia, hosted by 150 Massachusetts Avenue: Join the event (passcode: Berklee).
Monday, January 18
The schedule is subject to change.
Community Connector Group Meetings
10:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. ET
Continue meeting with your community connector and small group. Your community connector will let you know what time your group is meeting this week. Check your email for the Zoom link.
Virtual Programming
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. ET
Join one of our Berklee resident assistants for virtual social programming opportunities. Programming is open to all students, regardless of modality preference and residency. The Zoom links are posted below by each residential area.
Kahoot!, hosted by 160 Massachusetts Avenue: Join the event (passcode: Berklee).
Tangled: Queen of Quarantine, hosted by Fenway: Join the event (passcode: Berklee).
Virtual Escape Room, hosted by 270 Commonwealth Avenue: Join the event (passcode: Berklee).
Open Mic "Night," hosted by 150 Massachusetts Avenue: Join the event (passcode: Berklee).
Virtual Club Open House No. 1
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. ET
Curious about student clubs at Berklee? Come and check out our virtual club fair where you can meet various student clubs and their leaders, and hear more about their mission, events, and programs. Join the Zoom meeting.
Virtual Speed-Friending
8:00 p.m. ET
Looking to meet students outside of your orientation group? Join us for one-on-one style virtual speed-friending. Join the Zoom meeting.
Tuesday, January 19
The schedule is subject to change.
Check-In
8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET
Students will be encouraged to complete their online check-in by January 19. A check-in restriction is a hold on your record that will prevent you from checking in to begin the semester. See more information about semester check-in. If you still need help clearing restrictions on time, we are offering live support between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Sign in to speak to a Berklee staff member who can help you with any restrictions you have.
International Sessions
8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. ET
Join representatives from International Student Services to discuss topics including a welcome, cultural adjustment, U.S. education and the classroom, and academic honesty. This meeting is mandatory for all incoming international students. Join the Zoom meeting (passcode: Berklee).
Community Connector Group Meetings
10:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. ET
Check in with your community connector and group. This is a great opportunity to continue getting to know the people with whom you'll be spending the next chapter of your life. Check your email for the Zoom link.
Dollars and Sense: Financial Literacy, Your Credit, and You
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. ET
Welcome to Student Financial Services at Berklee. We will introduce you to Student Financial Services and talk about financial literacy. This session will include information about how to set a personal budget and understand how credit works so that you can learn how to be financially healthy. Join the Zoom webinar.
Counseling Q&A No. 1
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. ET
This session will be hosted by Counseling Services and is an opportunity for students and families to learn more about Counseling Services and the foundations of how to support your mental health when starting college. A brief overview of services and common college mental health experiences will be provided at the start of the session, and the remainder will be facilitated as a question and answer session. We will also be offering a breakout room feature for participants who would like to ask questions in private. This session is geared towards students and parents who may be interested in learning more about supporting their own or their student's mental health. Join the Zoom meeting.
*This session is for those studying in Massachusetts. Out of state/country students and families should attend the second session on Thursday.
Your Story in a Photo No. 1
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. ET
Join colleagues from the diversity and inclusion team in the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to share your story through photos. Students from diverse backgrounds including students of color, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, women students, international students, military-connected students, and students of religious and/or spiritual backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Participants are asked to bring a photo to the session that tells a story about an aspect of their identity. Join the Zoom event.
Virtual Club Open House No. 2
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. ET
Curious about student clubs at Berklee? Come and check out our virtual club fair where you can meet various student clubs and their leaders, and hear more about their mission, events, and programs. Join the Zoom event.
Open Mic / Watch Party No. 1
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. ET
Come show off your talent with other entering students. You can perform live or show a video of a previous performance. Join the Zoom event.
Wednesday, January 20
The schedule is subject to change.
Your Story in a Photo No. 2
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. ET
Join colleagues from the diversity and inclusion team in the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to share your story through photos. Students from diverse backgrounds including students of color, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, women students, international students, military-connected students, and students of religious and/or spiritual backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Participants are asked to bring a photo to the session that tells a story about an aspect of their identity. Join the Zoom event.
Community Connector Group Meetings
10:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. ET
Check in with your community connector and group. This is a great opportunity to continue getting to know the people you'll be spending the next chapter of your life with. Check your Berklee email for the Zoom link.
Virtual Club Open House No. 3
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
Curious about student clubs at Berklee? Come and check out our virtual club fair where you can meet various student clubs and their leaders, and hear more about their mission, events, and programs. Join the Zoom event.
Presidential Inauguration
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. ET
The presidential inauguration is a historic event. While we are not hosting a formal event, we realize many folks may want to watch and have blocked off this time for you if you wish to do so. The inauguration will be available for viewing on all major networks.
Open Mic / Watch Party No. 2
8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. ET
Come show off your talent with other entering students. You can perform live or show a video of a previous performance. Join the Zoom event.
Thursday, January 21
The schedule is subject to change.
Community Connector Group Meeting
10:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. ET
Orientation is coming to a close. Use your time to get answers to remaining questions you have before classes start next week. Check your Berklee email for the Zoom link.
Open Mic / Watch Party No. 3
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. ET
Come show off your talent with other entering students. You can perform live or show a video of a previous performance. Join the Zoom event.
Pitch Perfect: Elevate Your Career at Berklee
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. ET
Join the Career Center team for an interactive workshop on crafting an effective elevator pitch that will build your network and tell your story. This session will fine-tune your skills as you introduce yourself as a student, artist, and professional. Learn more about Career Center services, resources, and programs, including internships, student employment, and more. Join the Zoom meeting.
Counseling Q&A No. 2
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. ET
This session will be hosted by Counseling Services and is an opportunity for students and families to learn more about Counseling Services and the foundations of how to support your mental health when starting college. A brief overview of services and common college mental health experiences will be provided at the start of the session, and the remainder will be facilitated as a Q&A session. We will also be offering a breakout room feature for participants who would like to ask questions in private. This session is geared towards students and parents who may be interested in learning more about supporting their own or their student's mental health. Join the Zoom meeting.
*This session is for those studying/living outside of Massachusetts.
Social Programming
8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. ET
Join us for Among Us and Hang with Us, where you can play Among Us or spend the night chilling and watching a Disney throwback movie. Join the Zoom event.
Friday, January 22
The schedule is subject to change.
So You Want to Be a Student Leader?
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. ET
Interested in being a student leader in fall 2021? Join representatives from across campus as they discuss the application process and positions available. See more information and the full list of available positions.
Final Q&A Berklee Panel
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. ET
As orientation week comes to a close, join Berklee representatives to get answers to any outstanding questions you still have after watching the pre-recorded videos. Email your questions to nsfp@berklee.edu in advance. Representatives include Housing and Residential Education, Public Safety, Health and Wellness, Dining Services, Community Standards, and Academic Advising. Join the Zoom webinar.
Speed-Friending
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. ET
Back by popular demand, we'll be offering another Speed-Friending session. Join the Zoom event.
Saturday, January 23
The schedule is subject to change.
Community Connector Group Meeting
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
This is your last meeting with your community connector and group members for the week. It's not goodbye, it's see you soon. Check your Berklee email for the Zoom link.
Orientation Closing
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. ET
Join us for a closing celebration activity and as we come together and watch the finished My First Berklee Project videos. Join the Zoom webinar.