About Us

University Welcome
Students and families will be welcomed to Fairfield University and receive an overview of the schedule and logistics as well as be introduced to the Orientation Team

10 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

"The Fairfield Experience" - The Integration of Living and Learning
Learn what it means for your student to live and learn in an academic community like Fairfield by listening to faculty, staff, and student leaders. This panel of experts will discuss the Core Curriculum, our institutional commitment to educating the whole person, and the difference a Jesuit education can make in the life of the mind.

10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.

Financial Planning
From tuition payments, meal plans, purchasing books, to financial aid, this session will inform families about how to finance and plan for their student's four years at Fairfield.

11:55 a.m.-12:35 p.m.

Academic Planning Overview
Families will understand the academic components of Orientation and become aware of academic expectations in college. Additionally, families will be introduced to the Core Curriculum and examples of ways Fairfield's students use it to shape their academic journeys.

12:45 p.m.-1:15 p.m.

Academic Planning by Colleges and Schools
Families will join the Deans' staffs from Fairfield's four undergraduate colleges and schools to discuss curriculum requirements and policies relating to your student's academic interests. How can families serve as partners in their student's education while empowering their student to make their own decisions?

College of Arts & Sciences and General Studies
Dolan School of Business
School of Engineering
School of Nursing

1:25 p.m.-2:25 p.m.

Lunch

2:40 p.m.-4 p.m.

Student Life Forum
How can families best prepare to send their student off to Fairfield in August? Dr. Thomas Pellegrino, Vice President for Student Affairs, will be joined by various Student Affairs administrators to answer families' questions in this interactive session.

4:15 p.m.-4:50 p.m.

Parent/Guardian Small Group Chat Time
Families will have the opportunity to meet with a Fairfield University professional staff member in small groups. This is an opportunity to ask any follow up questions on the day or in general.

5 p.m.

Family Community Prayer Service
Families of the Class of 2016 are invited to join together as a community at a special service.

Reflective Walk
Students and families are invited to experience this self-directed opportunity to reflect on the start of an important life journey. Participants will be, in St. Ignatius' words, "contemplatives in action."

6 p.m.

Goodbye to Your Student(s) for the Rest of the Night

6:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m.

Informal Reception for Parents/Guardians
Relax and unwind after a busy day at our informal reception. Parents/Guardians are welcome and encouraged to connect with faculty, administrators, and staff from various areas of the University as well as other parents/guardians of the Class of 2016, all while enjoying some delicious appetizers (coconut chicken, quiche, empanadas, and dessert) cold beverages, and coffee!

Campus representatives from throughout the University, such as those who directly support first-generation college students, African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American (AHANA) descent students, as well as international, foster care, and LGBTQ students, and students with disabilities, will be present. In addition, representatives from Residence Life, Career Planning, Computing & Network Services, the Library, Admissions, and many other departments are ready to greet you and answer any questions you have.

The informal reception is also an opportunity to meet other Class of 2016 families that include alumni of Fairfield University. Look for the alumni stickers on the name badges.

Day 2 (June 22 & June 28)

8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Room Key & Swipe Card Check-out

Please double check with your student that they returned their key and swipe to the key table at their Residence Hall or the Office of Residence, located in the lower level of the Barone Campus Center Room 96. We enjoyed hosting your student and can’t wait to see them in September.

8 a.m.-9 a.m.

Athletics Breakfast Session for Parents and Varsity Student-Athletes
Student-athletes and families are invited to learn more about being a Division I student-athlete.

9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Campus Culture
What is life really like at Fairfield outside the classroom? What are students involved in, and what is the culture like? Dr. Thomas Pellegrino, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Karen Donoghue, Dean of Students, will give families a glimpse of what to expect once their student(s) arrives in September.

10:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

Information Fair
Do you have a work-study award and/or Perkins or Stafford Loan? If so, come by the Fair to complete your paperwork.

Have questions for the Health Center? Campus Ministry? Want to know what clubs are on campus? Want to open a bank account? Get these questions and more answered by staff and faculty from offices and departments who are here to help.

11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.

Letting Go
Sending your student to college can be a challenging time. This session will explore some of the issues parents/ guardians may face during their student's first semester away at college. Join Matthew Dinnan, Senior Associate Dean of Students, and Cath Borgman, Director of the Career Planning Center, as they guide families through a very informative session.

11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Graduates of Jesuit High Schools Lunch
Graduates of Jesuit High Schools are invited to join the Jesuits for lunch at the Jesuit Community Center anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Jesuit Community Center is on O'Neil Way, halfway between Egan Chapel and Dolan School of Business (modern building on the side of the hill, below Bellarmine). This is a chance to meet other new students who already "speak Ignatian!" Parents/Guardians of these students are also most welcome. (The Jesuits will entertain the parents/guardians while the students get to meet each other!)

12:15 p.m.-1 p.m.

Life in the Residence Halls
What's life in the Residence Halls like? What happens if my student has a conflict with their roommate? What types of living and learning communities are offered? Meet the professional staff and student leaders who support and live in the Residence Halls with your students.

1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Relax and Enjoy the Festivities
While families wait for their student(s) to wrap up their Orientation, visit the Information Fair, enjoy a hot dog (including Tofu dogs) at the Oak Room Patio, or feel free to use the Lunch on the Town Voucher. The Parent Orientation Leaders will be available to answer any questions families have.

10:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

Residence Hall Show Rooms

See a typical Residence Hall Room
Visit Regis Hall Room 13 and Campion Hall Room 105. Residence Life staff will be present to answer questions.