Due to the forecasted rain today, there have been some changes to planned outdoor events. Please note the changes in magenta below.

Combined Degree Students to SMFA

8:00am | Departs from Aidekman Arts Center

BFA Students to SMFA

8:30am | Departs from Beacon Street Residences

BFA & CMBD Students to Medford

1:00pm | Departs from 230 Fenway, SMFA

BFA Students to Beacon Street Residences

Early shuttle leaves at 8:30 p.m. | Departs from Aidekman Arts Center

Late shuttle leaves at 10:15pm | Departs from Aidekman Arts Center

BFA and Combined Degree Day at the SMFA (Mandatory) 
9:00am-1:00pm | SMFA, 230 Fenway

Join your fellow artists for an official SMFA Welcome! You’ll meet the people and explore the resources that will shape your studio art experience on the Fenway campus. Learn the ins and outs of your program and what’s available to you at 230 Fenway. Breakfast and lunch will be served at the SMFA. This is mandatory for all BFA and Combined Degree students.   

Meet with International Center Staff and learn about resources they have to offer. This will also be a great opportunity to connect with other international students!

Tufts Alumni Panel: Engaging Across Differences (Mandatory) 
2:30–3:45 p.m. | Gantcher Family Sports & Convocation Center

Brought to you by Inclusive Excellence at Tufts University

The Office of the Vice Provost for Institutional Inclusive Excellence (IIE) is hosting a panel of Tufts alumni. In this session, Tufts alumni will reflect on their first-year experience, discuss the importance of embracing diversity of ideological views and lived experiences, and share how their Tufts experiences prepared them to be leaders in their respective fields. Students will have the opportunity to engage with the panelists and each other as they envision solidarity across the incoming class. 

Introducing our panelists:

Abbie Cohen (A15)

Abbie Cohen (A15) is a visiting assistant professor of education at Colby College. She received her Ph.D. in education from UCLA School of Education and Information Studies where she studied the complex dynamics between private philanthropy, education nonprofits, and urban public schools. As a critical, community-based, participatory ethnographer, Abbie partners with schools, organizations, and practitioners to understand their lived experiences while collaboratively designing more authentic and equitable ways of educating across differences. When Abbie isn't in the field doing research or teaching in K–12 and higher education classrooms, she can be found teaching or practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. 

Maia Raynor (A16)

At a time on our world's stage when conflict is our sole method of engaging across difference, Maia's critical lens, at the core of which lies care, equity, and liberation, is essential to rethinking how to work amongst teams, organizations, and communities to carry out change, big or small.

From her experience organizing successful legislative campaigns in Massachusetts, providing direct care to clients as a doula and lactation counselor, and evaluating health interventions and programming as a consultant and researcher, Maia unlocked core insights about leveraging the mechanisms of power to deliver for communities of color. She is happiest when pursuing justice for those most directly impacted by systemic barriers. She is a policy wonk, project manager, doula, and organizer fueled by the desire to address and dismantle system of oppression within institutions. Maia is a lover of Beyoncé and bell hooks who lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with her dog.

Wanci Nana (A24) 

Wanci C. Nana is the founder of BLK Incubator, a media and events company bridging gaps across institutions, industries, identities, generations, and geographies, and co-founder of W³ (Wealth, Wellness, Wisdom), a lifestyle and personal development brand.

A class of 2024 graduate in biopsychology and former Presidential Fellow in Higher Education Leadership, he has led initiatives that connect emerging leaders with innovators, educators, and changemakers. Guided by his faith, inspired by literature, and fueled by curiosity, Wanci works at the intersection of culture, innovation, and community. This fall, he will join AlphaSights, the world's leading knowledge-on-demand platform, as an associate in their capital markets team.  

At Tufts, Wanci played varsity and club soccer while being an active member of the Black Men's Group, Interfaith Ambassadors, Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate, and the Rho Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In his senior year, he received the Presidential Award for Civic Life, the university's highest honor for service, leadership, and civic engagement.

Daniela Sánchez (A20)

As senior program coordinator, Daniela Sánchez supports student programs and student groups affiliated with Tisch College. She also collaborates closely with the communications team to promote student programs. Before rejoining Tisch College, Daniela worked at the Latin American & Iberian Institute at the University of New Mexico as the Communications and Outreach Specialist.  She is a Tufts graduate with a B.A. in Latin American studies and Spanish, as well as an M.A. in devised theatre and performance from Rose Bruford College. Daniela is passionate about using theatre as a tool for individual and systemic healing. She loves New Mexico (her home state), running, and clowns!

Learning Together: A Conversation on Jewish Identity & Antisemitism (Mandatory) 
4–5 p.m. | Gantcher Family Sports & Convocation Center

The university invites you to join us for a session focused on deepening our understanding of Jewish identity and the impact of antisemitism. This educational opportunity is an entry point to fostering understanding and creating opportunities for continued learning and dialogue across our university community. This session is part of a broader commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where lived experience is valued and celebrated. This is one of many offerings that students will be able to participate in on a wide range of topics. We encourage all members of our community to participate, engage across difference and contribute to a campus culture rooted in inclusion, belonging and shared humanity.

Food Fair (Friday Night Dinner) (Mandatory) 
5–7 p.m. | Carmichael and Dewick-MacPhie Dining Centers (Location Change)

Taste what Tufts Dining Services has to offer across campus for your Friday Night Dinner! Please bring your ID and wear your orientation bracelet for admittance to the event. In the event of rain, meals will be in the dining halls. Please note: first-year students must eat at the Food Fair and may not swipe into the dining halls. Bring a reusable water bottle.

Jumboning: Sex & Parties at Tufts (Mandatory) 
7–8:30 p.m. | Gantcher Family Sports and Convocation Center (Location Change)

Come for tabling and photo ops with Jumboning at 7–7:30 p.m. The Jumboning show will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. Besties, sneaky links, and situationships – students offer the inside scoop about Tufts social culture. Using Tufts statistics, surveys, and personal anecdotes, students will talk about hanging out, hooking up, and everything in-between. Learn about CARE’s resources to help you navigate the good, confusing, and serious things that can happen.

Content Warning: This program will mention sexual assault. Email care@tufts.edu if you are unable to attend for any reason. 

Alyx the Magician
8:45pm-10:00pm | Cohen Auditorium, Aidekman Arts Center

Alyx Hilshey is a nationally touring magician whose spellbinding mix of stand-up comedy and jaw-dropping illusions will leave you laughing in disbelief. She brings both brilliance and wit to her magic, offering a performance that’s as smart as it is stunning. Kicking off the night, student groups TFL Comedy and HYPE! Mimez Troupe will set the stage with their own hilarious and captivating acts. Magic has never been so smart—or so funny.

Tisch Roof and Chill: Live Music, Crafts, and Treats (Canceled)

8:45–10 p.m. | Tisch Library Roof

This event is canceled due to rain.

Orientation Calendar Booklet & JumboLife

Please remember to refer to your Orientation calendar booklet and/or JumboLife for information on all Orientation programs.

REGISTER NOW: StAAR Center Sessions

All new students are required to participate in one of the many sessions being offered by the StAAR Center on Saturday, August 30. These programs will take place at various times in the Joyce Cummings Center (JCC). Students must create their TuftsTickets account before selecting and registering for their desired session (just one, please!). The deadline to register is TODAY, Friday, August 29, at 12:00pm.

Tufts University Undergraduate Orientation is committed to providing equal access to our services, events and programs. If you require accommodations for any part of Undergraduate Orientation, please contact orientation@tufts.edu or 617-627-4678.