UMass Boston

First-year student orientation is a one-day program.  The program is from 8:45am to 5:00pm. A shortened virtual option is available as an alternative for students who live more than 250 miles from campus but we encourage students to come to the on-campus program if possible.

On-Campus

• January 8
• January 13
• January 22

Virtual

• January 20

Transfer student orientation is a one-day program.  The program begins at 8:45am and concludes at 5:00pm. A shortened virtual option is available as an alternative for students who live more than 250 miles from campus but we encourage students to come to the on-campus program if possible.

On-Campus

• January 8
• January 13
• January 22

Virtual

• December 16
• January 20

Graduate orientation is a one day program designed to welcome all graduate students to the UMass Boston community.  Many graduate students may also have a specific onboarding for their program of study.  The university-wide graduate orientation is offered both on-campus and virtually.  On-campus orientation is a full day program beginning at 8:45am and ending at 3:30pm.  Virtual orientation is a part-day program offered in the evening.

On-Campus

• January 22

Virtual

• January 20 (Evening Program)

International students who are attending UMass Boston on a VISA will participate in a two-part orientation program.  Part one is a virtual orientation session where you will learn about UMass Boston academics and resources.  Undergraduate student will also select classes for the first semester.  Part two is an on-campus event known as International Welcome which focuses on living in Boston, meeting your fellow classmates, and important information about your VISA compliance.

Part One: Virtual Orientation

• December 16 - Undergraduate Students
• January 20 - Undergraduate Students
• January 20 (Evening Program) - Graduate Students

Part Two: International Welcome

• January 23 - Graduate & Undergraduate Students

Students in the Pathway Program will attend a two-day, overnight orientation program.  The program begins on day one at 8:45am and concludes on day two at 5:00pm. A shortened virtual option is available as an alternative for students who live more than 250 miles from campus but we encourage students to come to the on-campus program if possible.

On-Campus

• TBD Summer 2026

Virtual

• TBD Summer 2026

Students in the Directions for Student Potential (DSP) Program as invited to attend orientation during their 6-week summer program.  The orientation is a two-day program which includes an overnight stay in our campus residence hall.

Summer 2026 Orientation Date

• TBD

DSP students will be automatically registered for the orientation after attending your DSP Onboarding Program.

Students in the Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing (ABSN) or the Nursing for RNs (RN-BS) program attend a special orientation program designed for your unique learning experience. 

ABSN offers a two-part orientation with an on-campus and virtual component that is offered once per admission cycle.  All ABSN students must attend both parts of the orientation. 

RN-BS is an all virtual orientation program that all students must attend.

Students are automatically registered for these events by admissions.

ABSN Program

Spring Cohort

• December (Part One: On-Campus)
• January 23 (Part Two: Virtual)

RN-BS Program

Spring Cohort

• TBD (Virtual)
• TBD (Virtual)

Parents, families, and supporters of new UMass Boston students are invited to attend an orientation program designed just for them.  Focusing on ways to support students during their time at UMass Boston, family orientation is a one day program offered concurrently with every undergraduate orientation date.  The on-campus program is a full day beginning at 8:45am and ending at 3:30pm.

Family Orientation Dates

• January 8
• January 13
• January 22