Spring 2021 New Student Orientation Information (Remote)
Virtual New Student Orientation will take place from Friday, January 15, to Saturday, January 23, 2021.
Who Should Attend?
All new Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee undergraduate students (domestic and international) who are starting in the spring 2021 semester remotely should attend.
Students will register to choose their orientation time block preference (Team A or Team B).
Orientation is divided into three parts: Berklee Launch, Berklee Live, and Berklee 101.
Berklee Launch
This page is your first stop. It's your orientation headquarters, the go-to place for all your presemester needs. Information on auditions, what to expect during orientation week, and more can be found here.
Berklee Live
Throughout orientation week, you will get to know your orientation group, meet faculty and staff, attend presentations and software demos, collaborate artistically, meet other new Berklee students, and so much more.
Berklee 101
All new and entering Berklee students are enrolled in an online class to help them learn about themselves, their career aspirations, and all the resources and supports available to them.
The course will open on Tuesday, January 19, you can access the course here. Students will complete the Berklee 101 course between January 19 and January 24, before classes begin.
Berklee Launch: Your Orientation Headquarters
This is the place to find all your presemester information.
Prelaunch Information
Make sure to check your admissions portal for all your prelaunch tasks (College students; Conservatory students). In order to check in for the semester and start your classes, you will need to complete each of these tasks. Many of these can be completed now, but if you have any issues, we will have team members available to assist you on Tuesday, January 19, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET.
Audition Prep
We know that auditions can be stressful in the best of times. Make sure you are prepared for your audition and know how to sign up for an audition time. All entering students are required to complete a placement audition and assessment during orientation week. Learn about placement auditions and assessments.
Connecting
Interested in connecting with other new Berklee students this spring? Join the Admitted Students Facebook group. Also, don't forget to connect with our Campus Life team on Facebook and Instagram. If you have questions, email the New Student and Family Programs team at nsfp@berklee.edu.
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," "No. 2," etc. 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 meet with your community connector and other new students in your small group. Learn about the resources available to you during orientation and afterward. This will be a great opportunity to meet new people and ask questions about life at Berklee. These daily meetings are mandatory for all incoming students. Check your Berklee email for your Zoom link sent from your community connector.
Sunday, January 17
The schedule is subject to change.
Orientation Kickoff
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
Serving as 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. The Zoom link will be posted here the day before the event. Sign up if you're interested in participating, and join the Zoom meeting.
Social Programming
8:00 p.m. ET
Join one of our Berklee resident assistants for virtual 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. The Zoom link will be posted here the day before the event. 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 Day 1
8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. ET
Join representatives from International Student Services. Topics covered include 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. The Zoom link will be posted here the day before the event.
Vocal Health and Wellness Seminar*
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
Members of the Berklee College of Music Voice Department will conduct an interactive and informational seminar on vocal health and wellness for all entering voice principals. This presentation is designed to raise awareness and to provide clear, accurate, and useful information on vocal health and wellness issues. Presenters will also share practical tips and strategies to help students better understand, manage, and actively care for their voices as “vocal athletes.” During the seminar, a series of beginning vocal exercises will be demonstrated and handouts on vocal health and wellness will be distributed and discussed. The seminar also will help students navigate the Voice Department’s web pages, outline core policies contained within the Voice Department handbook, and provide an overview of what to expect in private instruction voice lessons. Join the Zoom meeting.
*This session is mandatory for all entering vocalists.
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 services offered and the foundations of how to support your mental health in 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.
Auditions begin today and conclude tomorrow. Make sure you have signed up for an audition time slot.
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.
International Sessions Day 2
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
Join representatives from International Student Services. Topics include F-1 Visa regulations, employment, and a student panel. This meeting is both mandatory and only for incoming students gaining F-1 status for the first time. Join the Zoom event (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.
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.
Conversation with the Deans No. 1
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. ET
This session is designed as a conversation where you will focus on your Berklee experience from an academic and artistic perspective, reflecting on how these elements connect. The deans will offer suggestions and advice for how to approach your studies so you will be able to fuel your passion for the Berklee curriculum and realize your career goals. Join the Zoom meeting.
Orientation to Ear Training No. 1
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. ET
Learn about the goals of Berklee's ear training curriculum and the methods you'll use to develop your musicianship skills. We'll also discuss the five levels of ear training, how to make sure you're in the correct level, and how to get help and succeed in ear training. Join the Zoom meeting.
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.
Academic Advising Q&A No. 1
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. ET
Academic advising is a collaborative partnership between students and academic advisors. This live question and answer session will provide entering students with an opportunity to ask questions about their first-semester schedule and academics at Berklee. Join the Zoom webinar.
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.
Music Production Apps Showcase No. 1
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
Your laptop is a veritable modern studio. Watch us start a song production from scratch, with an emphasis on remote collaboration. We will demonstrate what you can do with your laptop, interface, and the music software every student at Berklee receives. Discover resources available to you, both in-person and virtually, from the Creative Technology Center at the Berklee Library. Join the Zoom webinar.
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. Also, learn more about Career Center services, resources, and programs, including internships, student employment, and more. Join the Zoom meeting.
Academic Advising Q&A No. 2
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. ET
Academic advising is a collaborative partnership between students and academic advisors. This live question and answer session will provide entering students with an opportunity to ask questions about their first-semester schedule and academics at Berklee. Join the Zoom webinar.
Music Production Apps Showcase No. 2
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. ET
Your laptop is a veritable modern studio. Watch us start a song production from scratch, with an emphasis on remote collaboration. We will demonstrate what you can do with your laptop, interface, and the music software every student at Berklee receives. Discover resources available to you, both in-person and virtually, from the Creative Technology Center at the Berklee Library. Join the Zoom webinar.
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 services offered and the foundations of how to support your mental health in 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/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.
Getting Involved at Berklee No. 1
9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m. ET
In this live panel, hear from current students about their experiences getting involved at Berklee. This session will give you an in-depth look at cocurricular clubs and organizations, student leadership opportunities, on-campus employment, and more. A live Q&A will be held towards the end of the panel for incoming students to ask questions. Join the Zoom meeting.
Schedule Support
9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. ET
Schedule Support is an event to ensure your first-semester schedule is complete as you approach the first day of courses. If you see a placeholder for an elective, you can meet with an academic advisor to assist you in adding a new course. Academic advisors will be available online from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET. If you have any other placeholder, please reach out to the academic department for that course for assistance. They will be available via email from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET.
Conversation with the Deans No. 2
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. ET
This session is designed as a conversation where you will focus on your Berklee experience from an academic and artistic perspective, reflecting on how these elements connect. The deans will offer suggestions and advice for how to approach your studies so you will be able to fuel your passion for the Berklee curriculum and realize your career goals. Join the Zoom meeting.
Orientation to Ear Training No. 2
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. ET
Learn about the goals of Berklee's ear training curriculum and the methods you'll use to develop your musicianship skills. We'll also discuss the five levels of ear training, how to make sure you're in the correct level, and how to get help and succeed in ear training. Join the Zoom meeting.
Getting Involved at Berklee No. 2
3:00 p.m.–4:15 p.m. ET
In this live panel, hear from current students about their experiences getting involved at Berklee. This session will give you an in-depth look at cocurricular clubs and organizations, student leadership opportunities, on-campus employment, and more. A live Q&A will be held towards the end of the panel for incoming students to ask questions. Join the Zoom meeting.
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 prerecorded 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.