Parent and Family Orientation

Parent and Family Orientation 2026
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Registration is now open! 

Congratulations on your student's acceptance to Claremont McKenna College! We know this is an exciting milestone for your family, and we look forward to welcoming you to campus as your student begins this new chapter. 

Parent & Family Orientation is designed to help you feel informed, connected, and confident as your student starts their CMC journey. While students participate in New Student Orientation, parents and family members will have opportunities to:

• Attend presentations featuring campus leaders and student support professionals.
• Learn about academics, residential life, student well-being, career preparation, and campus resources.
• Tour campus and become familiar with the CMC experience.
• Meet and connect with other CMC families.
• Discover ways to stay engaged with the College throughout your student's time at CMC.

We look forward to welcoming you into the CMC community!

Move-In Day & Parent & Family Orientation

Parent & Family Orientation takes place alongside New Student Orientation and Move-In Day on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Residence hall keys will be distributed beginning at 8:00 a.m., and our First-Year Guides and student volunteers will be available to welcome you, direct you to your residence hall, and assist with unloading your vehicle. Once students are settled into their residence halls, students and families will participate in both joint and separate orientation programs throughout the day. 

To help families prepare before arriving on campus, we also offer four virtual Parent & Family Orientation webinars leading up to Move-In Day. These sessions introduce families to CMC's academic experience, student well-being resources, the Soll Center for Student Opportunity, and CMS Athletics, giving you an opportunity to learn more and ask questions before your student's arrival. You can register for the sessions via the registration link.

International Families

International students will move in on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with their International Student Pre-Orientation Program taking place Friday - Saturday, August 21 - 22. We are excited to welcome families traveling from around the world and encourage you to participate in Parent & Family Orientation on August 23. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other CMC families, meet campus leaders, and learn about the many resources available to support your student's success.

Fall Student-Athlete Families

We recognize that many fall student-athletes will arrive on campus prior to August 23 for preseason practices and team activities. Please have your student connect with their coach for specifics. Whether you've already moved your student into their residence hall or are joining them for Orientation weekend, we encourage you to attend Parent & Family Orientation. The day provides valuable information, meaningful connections with other families, and an official welcome to the CMC community. 

We look forward to welcoming you to campus and celebrating the beginning of your family's CMC journey.