What to Expect at Undergraduate Orientation
Overview of the Undergraduate Orientation Program
Move-In Day
For students who have applied and are confirmed to live in the residence halls, your orientation week will begin with your move-in day, assigned by Housing and Residential Education. Following move-in, residential students must attend a mandatory community meeting. At this meeting, residential students will learn about life on campus, meet the team that works in their area, and connect with other residents from their community.
Orientation Kickoff
The Orientation Kickoff will be the first official event of undergraduate orientation week. This event is for both residential and off-campus/commuter students. At the kickoff, entering students will enjoy welcoming remarks with special guest Mingus the Jazz Cat, receive an overview of orientation week and any resources they need to set themselves up for success, and meet their community connectors or orientation leaders, who will lead small group meetings every day during orientation. These meetings will be opportunities for students to make social connections with their peers, learn about various Berklee resources and offices, engage in conversations about what it means to be a member of the Berklee community, and more.
Auditions
During orientation week, entering undergraduate students must complete their placement audition. We know that your placement audition may conflict with another event in the orientation week schedule; however, your audition takes priority. These auditions will last about 15 minutes, and are important to assess your current skill level relative to the curriculum to place you in the appropriate ensemble and private lesson to support your educational needs. Learn more about placement auditions and any assessments you need to take prior to arriving to campus here.
Throughout Orientation Week
During orientation week there will be a variety of sessions to help support your educational journey and provide you with tools for success. Sessions will take place in the form of workshops, open houses, informational sessions, small group discussions, student panels, and more. There will also be opportunities to learn more about Berklee and Boston through walking tours and meetings with your community connectors. In addition to these opportunities there will be a variety of social events that take place, including identity socials to help you celebrate and find community at Berklee, bingo nights, arts and crafts, open mics, jam sessions, and other mingling events with fellow students.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week kicks off on the first day of classes for the fall and spring semester. Welcome Week activities are for both entering and continuing students. Throughout the week students will have opportunities to attend social events including open mics, jam sessions, movie nights and more. The Center for Campus Life also provides an opportunity for students to get involved at our Meet the Clubs Fair!
We're looking forward to welcoming you to Berklee for undergraduate orientation and Welcome Week!