Family Orientation

Orientation for Families

We look forward to welcoming you to Merrimack’s campus for our January Orientation sessions for families of incoming students for the spring semester

  • Single Day Sessions: June 12, 18, and 23
  • Overnight Session: June 16-17
  • June Orientation is mandatory for all resident and commuter students. You should expect to be in sessions most of the day.
  • Each student is required to attend one June session day. 

Looking for a different Orientation session?

Spring Orientation 2026 Family Schedule

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026

Time

Activity

8:30-10 a.m.


Student and Family Check In - McQuade Library

Students and families that could not join us on Monday will check in with the Office of Admission, Orientation Staff, and Residence Life as well as receive their Merrimack ID cards.

10-10:15 a.m.

Welcome/Blessing - McQuade Auditorium

Students and families will be welcomed by the Orientation team and Fr. Ray Dlugos will lead a blessing for the spring semester.

10:15-10:45 a.m.

Mission and Merrimack - McQuade Auditorium

Hear from Fr. Ray Dlugos about Merrimack’s history and mission.

10:45 a.m.-Noon


How to Best Support Your Warrior - McQuade Auditorium

Join our Dean of Students and staff from across the college to hear more about campus life, learn how students can get involved, and become familiar with the resources available to support your student.

Noon-1 p.m.

Family Reception - McQuade Lobby

Mingle with other families and members of Student Affairs and enjoy light

refreshments.

12:30 p.m.

Campus Tour (Optional)

An admissions ambassador will lead a tour from McQuade Library.

12:30-4:30 p.m.

Campus Business

Offices are open around campus for families to visit and ask any

individual questions.

June Orientation 2025 Family Schedule

June 12, 18 & 23 Single-Day Orientation Sessions for Families

We have a full schedule of Orientation activities planned for you. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Time

Activity

8-9 a.m.

Check in - Rogers Center for the Arts Lobby

9-9:30 a.m.



Welcome - Rogers Center for the Arts

Orientation kicks off with a welcome by Merrimack College leadership and our Orientation Leader staff! Become immersed in the Merrimack culture and community and learn why every day is a great day to be a Warrior!

9:30-10 a.m.



Mission and Merrimack - Rogers Center for the Arts

Join the Office of Mission and Ministry to hear more about insight into Merrimack's founding values, as expressed in the College's Mission and Vision Statement, and the pivotal role that it plays on campus every day.

10-11:30 a.m.


How to Best Support Your Warrior in Their Success - Rogers Center for the Arts

This session will begin with a presentation by the Dean of Students Office to help share connections across our community that help to assist you to stay close to your students while encouraging them to be independent. We will then transition into a panel discussion and Q&A with the Academic Success Center, Intercultural Initiatives, Fitness and Recreation, O’Brien and Residence Life/ Commuter resources.

11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.


Coffee Break - Rogers Center for the Arts

An opportunity to mingle with other parents and families of incoming students. 

12-12:45 p.m.




Keeping Your Warrior's Wellness and Safety A Priority - Rogers Center for the Arts

Join our Counseling and Wellness Center and Police Department to hear about the most common ways students’ mental health will be challenged in college, how to help them stay emotionally fit, and what we do on campus to keep your warrior safe. 

12:45-2:15 p.m.

Lunch - Sparky's

2:15 -2:45 p.m.


You Completed Orientation, Now What? - McQuade Auditorium

We will discuss what questions to ask, how to help your warrior prepare for the fall, and what the first six weeks will look like for your student.

2:45 p.m.


Campus Business and Area Exploration

Campus offices will be available for individual appointments to answer any questions that might remain.

4 p.m.

Family Reception - Monica’s Patio

June 16 Overnight Orientation Session for Families

We have a full schedule of Orientation activities planned for you. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Time

Activity

9-10:30 a.m.

Check in - Rogers Center for the Arts Lobby

10:30-11 a.m.



Welcome - Rogers Center for the Arts

Orientation kicks off with a welcome by Merrimack College leadership and our Orientation Leader staff! Become immersed in the Merrimack culture and community and learn why every day is a great day to be a Warrior!

11-11:30 a.m.



Mission and Merrimack - Rogers Center for the Arts

Join the Office of Mission and Ministry to hear more about insight into Merrimack's founding values, as expressed in the College's Mission and Vision Statement, and the pivotal role that it plays on campus every day.

11:30-11:45 a.m.

Coffee Break - Rogers Center for the Arts

An opportunity to mingle with other parents and families of incoming students. 

11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.




How to Best Support Your Warrior in Their Success - Rogers Center for the Arts

This session will begin with a presentation by the Dean of Students Office to help share connections across our community that help to assist you to stay close to your students while encouraging them to be independent. We will then transition into a panel discussion and Q&A with the Academic Success Center, Intercultural Initiatives, Fitness and Recreation, O’Brien and Residence Life/ Commuter resources.

1:15-2:15 p.m.

Lunch - Sparky's

2-2:45 p.m.




Keeping Your Warrior's Wellness and Safety A Priority - Rogers Center for the Arts

Join our Counseling and Wellness Center and Police Department to hear about the most common ways students’ mental health will be challenged in college, how to help them stay emotionally fit, and what we do on campus to keep your warrior safe. 

2:45-3:15 p.m.



You Completed Orientation, Now What? - Rogers Center for the Arts

We will discuss what questions to ask, how to help your warrior prepare for the fall, and what the first six weeks will look like for your student.

3:15 p.m.


Campus Business and Area Exploration

Campus offices will be available for individual appointments to answer any questions that might remain.

4 p.m.

Family Reception - Monica’s Patio

Connect With Us

Social Media

Get to know your future classmates and stay up to date on what’s happening at Merrimack.
Orientation Instagram
Office of Student Involvement Instagram

Campus Events Calendar

Programming throughout the fall to connect with your new classmates. View the Campus programming calendar

Mack Chat: Ask Me Anything!

Our chatbot, Mack, is your go-to for any questions you have. You ask! We’ll answer! (Tip: look at the bottom right corner of this page.)

Meet the Team

Our Orientation team is here for you. Stay in touch – we can’t wait to see you in person! Meet the Team