TUFTS PARENTS AND FAMILIES (TPF) NEWSLETTER | September 16, 2026

Dear Parents and Families,

Whether your student is starting at Tufts or returning, the fall semester is alive with the promise of new beginnings. Here we go!

In this first newsletter of the school year, you'll meet Director of Health Promotion Tom Adams, who shares insights on student wellbeing initiatives. The Health & Wellness team offers important reminders for your students when they are sick, the Career Center highlights events and resources for students, and registration is open for Parents and Family Weekend (October 9-10). 

Wishing all of your Jumbos a wonderful academic year filled with discoveries, friendships, and fun!

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

Pictured: Director of Health Promotion Tom Adams

Tom Adams arrived at Tufts a year ago to lead Health Promotion within Student Life, bringing a public health perspective to student wellbeing. His goal and that of the Health Promotion team is to help create a campus culture where every student can thrive.

"Our role is to support the academic mission of the university. We know that students' wellbeing is an important part of their learning and growth,” said Adams. “It’s the foundation that makes the academic mission possible."

Health Promotion approaches their work through both a "whole student" and a "whole community" lens. The team views wellbeing holistically, including physical and mental health, sense of belonging, and social development. At the community level, Adams describes the office as an "in-house public health shop" for the university, examining the systems, structures, and campus culture that shape student wellbeing.

Adams says much of the office’s work happens behind the scenes. For example, Health Promotion worked closely with orientation leaders, looking at the calendar of weeklong events for new students to identify where opportunities to build social connection were being created, one of the goals during orientation. “The very best public health work is invisible, working at a systems and structures level so that wellbeing is an integral part of how something unfolds,” said Adams.

Adams emphasizes a strong, shared commitment to wellbeing across campus. Colleagues, partner offices, and student leaders often turn to Health Promotion for consultation on existing or emerging programs and events. “We provide support and resources to help campus partners think carefully about their values and aspirations, clarify wellbeing goals they’re working toward, and to make a plan to get there,” he said.

Collaboration is central to Health Promotion. They work closely with student organizations and Campus Life, Resident Assistants and Residential Life, Athletics, Counseling and Mental Health (CMHS), Tufts University Police Department (TUPD), and many others. The team supports skill- and connection-building initiatives such as Jumbo Connect, Mental Health Reps, and mindfulness programs.

One of the newest examples of Health Promotion’s resources is the Talking About Substance Use Guide, designed to help families have informed, meaningful conversations with their students. Adams says the research is clear that students want to know their families' guidance about substance use, even though they may seem uninterested. “These conversations are important as students navigate increasing independence and make choices related to substance use."

Adams encourages families to remain a source of support as college often brings challenges, from academic setbacks to roommate conflicts and social adjustments. "Students need their families," he said. "And this is an exciting opportunity to support them as emerging adults by being available to listen, advise, and encourage them to use the amazing resources available at Tufts."

For Adams, Health Promotion is ultimately a continuation of the care students have long received at home. "Families are the original Health Promotion office," he said. "They've been supporting their students' wellbeing long before they applied to Tufts, and we're grateful to continue that partnership."

Coming up...Health Promotion is partnering with CMHS for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Fair on Wednesday, October 14, bringing together dozens of offices and student groups committed to wellbeing.

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 build high-value career skils, gain relevant experience, develop a professional network, and successfully pursue their career goals. Here are a few of the resources and opportunities available for Fall 2026:

We look forward to supporting your student!

Is your undergrad considering a career in public health? Encourage them to attend the This Is Public Health® (TIPH) Graduate School Fair next week. Co-sponsored by Tufts University School of Medicine, this event connects students directly with nation-leading graduate programs and admissions experts. 

FletcherFest is an opportunity for students to explore how Fletcher School’s graduate certificate for undergraduates and other pathways expand career opportunities. This year’s theme is “How AI, Geopolitics, and Globalization Are Reshaping Careers," featuring conversations with faculty, 

alumni, and leaders who know how to navigate today’s fast-changing job market. Students gain insights, connections, and career inspiration—and leave with tools, stories, and a vision for their future. 

Balancing football and academics, Trevor Hillier, A26, gained a business edge—and became the first student to earn the new Graduate Certificate in Business. 

Dates to Remember
Sept. 17 – SMFA Community Reception - Celebrating 150th Anniversary

Sept. 22 – TIPH Grad School Fair

Sept. 25 – Career Fair

Oct. 8 – FletcherFest

Oct. 9 & 10 – Parents and Family Weekend

Oct. 12 – Indigenous Peoples' Day (University Holiday); no classes 

Oct. 14 - Mental Health & Wellbeing Fair

Tufts Now 

How I Spent My Summer Internship—Six undergraduates discuss what they’ve learned on the job

Events and Opportunities for Families

Join us for Parents and Family Weekend, Oct. 9-10—Student performances, Jumbo athletics, faculty lectures, a Bingo game (yes, Bingo!), exhibitions, and more. 

SMFA at 150: Looking Back (on exhibit through November 8)—In honor of the 150th anniversary of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, TUAG presents a look back at the art school’s history—as told by alumni, artists, and curators. (Community event tomorrow, Sept. 17, 6-8 p.m. | register here)

Resources for your Student
There are a wide variety of support services available for students.

CMHS Fall 2026 Counseling Groups
Group therapy options offered at CMHS this fall are open to undergraduate and graduate students on the Medford-Somerville and SMFA campuses. All groups are free and confidential.

Newly renamed Office of Religious and Philosophical Life is here for your students
University Chaplaincy has become the Office of Religious and Philosophical Life (RPL), reflecting Tufts' commitment to pluralism and a multifaith approach to supporting students.

Communications Archive
Emails and other communications are archived online. 

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

Family Engagement