# Pre-Orientation

**Source**: https://dso.college.harvard.edu/pre-orientation
**Parent**: https://dso.college.harvard.edu/transfer-students

## During August, first-year students are invited to participate in one of six pre-orientation programs!

### About Pre-Orientation Programs

The Pre-Orientation Programs are designed to provide new students with additional support and resources to ease into college. Through each of these six programs, incoming first-year students begin to build relationships with their peers who share similar interests, learn about student life at Harvard from upper-level mentors and connect with faculty and professional staff who are invested in their success. We encourage you to review the Pre-Orientation Program offerings and apply to the one that is right for you!

### Program Information

The Pre-Orientation Programs will take place throughout mid to late August. Programs occur simultaneously therefore participation is limited to one. All programs with the exception of the First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP) are free. FOP has a participant fee of $475, but fees are subsidized in alignment with financial aid determined by the College. We encourage incoming first-year students to connect with the Pre-Orientation Directors if there are any questions or concerns about any of the programs.  

### Class of 2030 Application Process and Timeline

First-year students are encouraged to apply and list their top two programs of choice. **The Pre-Orientation application will open in May 2026. More details will be shared early 2026.**

### Move-In and Program Timeline

*First-year move-in for the Class of 2030 is scheduled for three dates. Your arrival date depends on whether you are participating in a Pre-Orientation Program. Students should not make travel arrangements until you have been selected and confirmed participation in a Pre-Orientation Program. We are not responsible for travel or early arrival accommodations if your assigned move-in date differs from the arrangements you made.*

**August 18:** FOP First-Year Student Move-In Day

**August 21:** All Other Pre-Orientation Programs First-Year Student Move-In Day

**August 21–25:** FAP, FIP, FOP, FUP, FYRE and LIFE Programming Takes Place

**August 26**: First-Year Students Who Did Not Participate in Pre-Orientation Programs Move-In Day

### Accessibility and Accommodations

We are committed to making our community and our programs accessible to everyone and recognize that not all environments are universally designed this way. While each of our Pre-Orientation Programs have customized our curriculums and community building efforts for varying learning styles and access needs, we understand that additional accommodations may be necessary. If you need any accommodations to fully participate in our Pre-Orientation Programs, please contact the [Disability Access Office (DAO)](https://dao.fas.harvard.edu/) two weeks prior to move-in for your specific Pre-Orientation program. Your privacy is important to us and any information you share with DAO is used for program accessibility and/or accommodation purposes only.

### Pre-Orientation Contacts

**First-Year Retreat and Experience (FYRE)**\
Director: Marvin Baclig\
[harvardfyre@gmail.com](mailto:harvardfyre@gmail.com?subject=null&body=null)

**First-Year Arts Program (FAP)**\
Director: Dana Knox\
[fapproctor@gmail.com](mailto:fapproctor@gmail.com?subject=null&body=null)

**First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP)**\
Director: Kent Ratliff\
[fop@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:fop@fas.harvard.edu?subject=null&body=null)

**First-Year Urban Program (FUP)**\
Director: Varsha Ghosh\
[fup@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:fup@fas.harvard.edu?subject=null&body=null)

**First-Year International Program (FIP)**\
Director: Jasmine Stecker\
[fip@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:fip@fas.harvard.edu?subject=null&body=null)

**Leadership Institute for the First-Year Experience (LIFE)**\
Director: Andy Donahue\
[fyharvardleadership@gmail.com](mailto:fyharvardleadership@gmail.com?subject=null&body=null)

## Meet the Leaders

Be welcomed and get a taste of each program by hearing directly from the student leaders!

First-Year International Program (FIP)
First-Year Retreat Experience (FYRE)
First-Year Arts Program (FAP)
First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP)

## First-Year International Program (FIP)

## First-Year Retreat Experience (FYRE)

## First-Year Arts Program (FAP)

## First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP)

## Other Summer Opportunities

[SPARK](https://publicservice.fas.harvard.edu/SPARK) is an immersive, six-week public service program for incoming first-year students that deepens community connections between home and Harvard!  Students develop a public service project at home during the summer before college and receive funding and ongoing support from Harvard staff, faculty, and student leaders. SPARK can be balanced with other summer commitments and is paid!