TUFTS PARENTS AND FAMILIES (TPF) NEWSLETTER | September 17, 2025

Dear Parents and Families,

Welcome to the first newsletter of the 2025–2026 academic year! As we kick off the fall semester, I'm sharing Tufts Now's coverage of this year's Matriculation ceremony—a cherished tradition that officially welcomes new students, marks a special milestone for families, and brings our Tufts community together.

In this edition:

Best wishes to you and your Jumbos in the year ahead, 

Carole McFall
Family Engagement, AS&E 
carole.mcfall@tufts.edu
Direct: 617-627-2797

It's no wonder why most, if not all, Tufts students spend time at Tisch Library—its resources are undeniably vast. On a recent tour of the 175,000-square-foot landmark on the Medford campus, Tisch Library Director Dorothy Meaney highlights three main areas of focus: collections, people, and spaces. 

“There’s a lot more than books to check out,” said Meaney, who also manages the Lilly Music Library and SMFA Library branches, leading a team of more than 60 professional staff and approximately 130 student workers. Starting at the help desk at the library entrance, students can borrow from an extensive selection of media equipment, including laptops, podcast kits, and cameras—and there are even free bike rentals.

Tisch Library is vibrant and welcoming, with artwork and collections on display, natural light from windows and skylights, and a variety of seating areas. Whether students are working on a group project, collaborating with a fellow Jumbo, or cramming for an exam, there is space for them. This year, the library introduced Noise Zones: collaborative, whisper, and silent, allowing students to select the perfect spot.

Beyond study spaces, Tisch Library is home to classrooms and flexible workshop areas; the Data Lab and Digital Design Studio; Tufts Archival Research Center (TARC), which includes yearbooks, newspapers, and records from 1852 to present day; and Special Collections with medieval manuscripts and early printed books.

The library also offers a variety of workshops throughout the year, including some that are led by Tisch librarians. Additionally, Meaney and her team collaborate with faculty across disciplines on course assignments and how the library’s resources can support the student learning experience. Tisch librarians are also guest speakers in some classes and Meaney notes that some students discover library resources through word of mouth.

“I’d like parents and families to know that Tisch librarians have subject-area expertise and are available to meet one-on-one with students and help them succeed,” said Meaney. She says that they might for example work with a student on outlining an effective research project and how to find sources to support their work, as well as what format/technology they use to present their project. “Like the StAAR Center assists with writing assignments, we can help students across all disciplines with their research projects at every stage.”

After earning her master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS) from Rutgers, Meaney served as Head of Collections at Drew University before joining Tufts. “I started on the very first day of classes in 2014,” she said. Reflecting on her 11-year anniversary at Tufts, Meaney continues to be energized by the students, campus life, and traditions. She highlights the recent Senior Sunrise reception, where seniors gathered at 6 a.m. on the library’s iconic rooftop location—known for offering the “best view of Boston”—to watch the sunrise together.

Note: During Parents and Family Weekend, Tisch Library will offer special activities; a schedule of events is online. 

When students aren’t feeling well, their first call or text is often to a parent or family member so we’re sharing a few reminders at the start of the school year to help prepare you if you get that call or text from your Jumbo. 

The Career Center offers extensive resources to help your student explore career options, gain skills and experience, build a professional network, and develop strategies for pursuing goals. Here are a few of the resources and opportunities available for Fall 2025:

We look forward to supporting and encouraging your student!

Photo: Tufts Dining team

Tufts Dining is excited to welcome your students back to campus! Our team is here to fuel their semester with fresh, flavorful meals, welcoming spaces, and friendly service. From comfort food classics to plant-forward options, we’re proud to offer something for everyone. We’re also continuing to expand our sustainability efforts and student engagement programs—including pop-ups, themed dinners, and collaborative events—to make dining at Tufts even more vibrant and inclusive. 

Dates to Remember

Sept. 18  –  Student info session for Jumbo Spring Break 2026

Sept. 26 – Career Fair

Oct. 13 – Indigenous Peoples' Day (University Holiday); no classes 

Oct. 24, 25 – Parents and Family Weekend

Tufts Now 

Daniela Koplin, A26, a double-major in community health and psychology who interns in a genetics lab, believes the cures for many devastating diseases can be unlocked through genetic research. 

Events and Opportunities for Families

Join us for Parents and Family Weekend, Oct. 24-25—Student performances, Jumbo athletics, faculty lectures, a Bingo game (yes, Bingo!), exhibitions, a scavenger hunt and much more. 

Resources for your Student

There are a wide variety of support services available for students in Arts & Sciences, Engineering, and SMFA at Tufts.

Communications Archive

Emails and other communications to parents, families, and students are archived online. 

TuftsAlert

Enroll in the TuftsAlert system to be notified directly by text, phone, and/or email in case of significant emergencies affecting the Tufts University community.

Family Engagement