During August, first-year students are invited to participate in one of six pre-orientation programs!
Pre-Orientation
About Pre-Orientation Programs
The Pre-Orientation Programs are designed to provide new students with additional support and resources to ease into college. Through each of these six programs, incoming first-year students begin to build relationships with their peers who share similar interests, learn about student life at Harvard from upper-level mentors and connect with faculty and professional staff who are invested in their success. Typically, two-thirds of the incoming class apply and are able to participate in one of these optional programs. We encourage you to review the Pre-Orientation Program offerings and apply to the one that is right for you!
Program Information
The Pre-Orientation Programs will take place throughout mid to late August. Programs occur simultaneously therefore participation is limited to one. All programs with the exception of the First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP) are free. FOP has a participant fee of $475, but fees are subsidized in alignment with financial aid determined by the College. We encourage incoming first-year students to connect with the Pre-Orientation Directors if there are any questions or concerns about any of the programs.
Class of 2028 Application Process and Timeline
First-year students are encouraged to apply and list their top two programs of choice. Please note the following dates if you are interested in participating in a Pre-Orientation Program.
May 6: Pre-Orientation Application Goes Live
May 20: Pre-Orientation Application Closes
June 7: Pre-Orientation Decisions Announced by Directors. Students will be asked to confirm their placement, if selected.
June 14: Deadline to Confirm Placement in Pre-Orientation Program
Move-In and Program Timeline
First-year move-in for the Class of 2028 is scheduled for three dates. Your arrival date depends on whether you are participating in a Pre-Orientation Program. Students should not make travel arrangements until you have been selected and confirmed participation in a Pre-Orientation Program. We are not responsible for travel or early arrival accommodations if your assigned move-in date differs from the arrangements you made.
August 19: FOP First-Year Student Move-In Day
August 22: All Other Pre-Orientation Programs First-Year Student Move-In Day
August 22–27: FAP, FIP, FOP, FUP, FYRE and LIFE Programming Takes Place
August 28: First-Year Students Who Did Not Participate in Pre-Orientation Programs Move-In Day
Accessibility and Accommodations
We are committed to making our community and our programs accessible to everyone and recognize that not all environments are universally designed this way. While each of our Pre-Orientation Programs have customized our curriculums and community building efforts for varying learning styles and access needs, we understand that additional accommodations may be necessary. If you need any accommodations to fully participate in our Pre-Orientation Programs, please contact the Disability Access Office (DAO) two weeks prior to move-in for your specific Pre-Orientation program. Your privacy is important to us and any information you share with DAO is used for program accessibility and/or accommodation purposes only.
Pre-Orientation Contacts
First-Year Retreat and Experience (FYRE)
Director: Marvin Baclig
harvardfyre@gmail.com
First-Year Arts Program (FAP)
Director: Dana Knox
fapproctor@gmail.com
First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP)
Director: Kent Ratliff
fop@fas.harvard.edu
First-Year Urban Program (FUP)
Director: Varsha Ghosh
fup@fas.harvard.edu
First-Year International Program (FIP)
Director: Nicole Garcia
fip@fas.harvard.edu
Leadership Institute for the First-Year Experience (LIFE)
Director: Andy Donahue
fyharvardleadership@gmail.com
Pre-Orientation Programs
First-Year Arts Program (FAP)
FAP is a multidisciplinary introduction to the arts at Harvard, bringing together students who are passionate about the arts, enthusiastic to share their interests, and eager to learn. Centered around workshops and master classes given by resident and visiting artists in drama, music, theater design, studio arts, film, dance, and creative writing, FAP ends with a pageant, a collaborative presentation of entirely original student work. No formal training is required.
Learn more about FAP
First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP)
FOP is a great way to meet new classmates and to ease the adjustment from high school to college. The variety of week-long hiking, service, and cabin trips we offer provide an excellent learning environment where cooperation, initiative, and reflection lead to the development of a strong community. No outdoor experience is necessary to participate.
Learn more about FOP
First-Year Retreat and Experience (FYRE)
Get a jump start on making the most of your Harvard experience! Student leaders, faculty, and alumni will share vital information on navigating the transition from home to college life, including relationships with professors, the purpose of office hours, taking advantage of financial resources, and more. Bond with your classmates and make connections with key campus leaders while having fun and socializing.
Learn more about FYRE
First-Year Urban Program (FUP)
FUP fosters a commitment to public service and community advocacy; supports diversity, equity, and social justice work on campus; and introduces first-year students to Boston and Cambridge grassroots community organizations. Discussion groups reflect on issues of race, class, gender, sexuality, and equity, as well as how to create social change. Workshops include sessions with alumni and community leaders who work with Harvard public service programs.
Learn more about FUP
First-Year International Program (FIP)
FIP is a tremendous program for international students and US residents who have lived and studied primarily overseas. Partnering with the Harvard International Office and Office of International Education, participants receive foundational information for a happy, successful start at Harvard. Sessions and discussions include American culture, immigration, and academics in the US and at Harvard. Participants are also able to set up a bank account and cell phone service. Through its emphasis on inclusion and belonging, FIP creates new and lasting friendships, and at the same time cultivates the larger international community at Harvard.
Learn more about FIP
Leadership Institute for the First-Year Experience (LIFE)
The LIFE program provides first-year students the opportunity to discover, reflect and exercise what it means to be leaders and change makers at Harvard College, within their communities, and in society at large. Take your leadership skills to the next level and join us virtually as we dig deeper into a variety of leadership styles, engage in dialogue, and put theory into practice during this robust program. No formal leadership training or experience is required.
Learn more about LIFE
Meet the Leaders
Be welcomed and get a taste of each program by hearing directly from the student leaders!
Other Summer Opportunities
SPARK is an immersive, six-week public service program for incoming first-year students that deepens community connections between home and Harvard! Students develop a public service project at home during the summer before college and receive funding and ongoing support from Harvard staff, faculty, and student leaders. SPARK can be balanced with other summer commitments and is paid!