orientation leaders

Orientation

Our Orientation program is designed to be your official welcome to MCLA! During orientation you will learn about campus offices and services available to you, learn more in depth information about your academic program, and get the hang of navigating your new home!

New Student Orientation

MCLA is thrilled to welcome you to our community! We care about you and your future and want you to know that we understand the emotions you may be feeling. As one chapter closes MCLA is here to help start your new chapter off strong. We have a great deal of things in store to assist you with the transition to college and we’ve been working hard to organize it all.

MCLA's New Student Orientation is organized into two parts: Online Orientation Canvas Course and In-Person Orientation. Both components are vital to your success and transition into the MCLA community.

Pre-Orientation- Online Canvas Course

We have created an online orientation to help navigate your transition to MCLA. This online orientation is hosted in Canvas, a learning management system and digital learning tool used by the MCLA community in and out of the classroom. Not only will this site introduce you to MCLA throughout the summer, but it will also help you become familiar with the Canvas platform.

Items you'll find in Canvas:

  • Course Registration Survey and how to access your class schedule
  • Billing information
  • Housing information and what to bring to campus
  • Community connection opportunities
  • Navigating MCLA technology

*The Online Orientation is set up in a way for each student to work their way through on their own pace. Modules/information are released when students need to utilize certain pieces of information.

Once you've submitted your enrollment deposit you will be sent an email with information on how to access this Canvas site. If you need to pay your enrollment deposit click here.

Having trouble gaining access to the Online Orientation Canvas site? Click Here for instructions.

2023 Orientation Program

Our in-person orientation program is designed to be your official welcome to MCLA. During orientation you will connect with departments and services on campus, meet with faculty and staff, get the hang of navigating your new home, and meet with fellow classmates!

Student can and will participate in a layered approach to being connected to the MCLA community. Below are the different initiatives for our new Trailblazers. 

student at computer

Virtual Resource Sessions

Have questions answered throughout the months of April, May, and June. We encourage students and Trailblazer Team Members to attend! Register here!

  • Tuesday, April 11th at 7 p.m.
    • Topic: Student Housing, Student Financial Resources, Student Engagement
  • Wednesday, May 3rd at 7 p.m.
    • Topic: Academic Success Coaching, TRIO Program, and Disability Resources
  • Thursday, June 8th at 7 p.m.
    • Topic: Academic High Impact Experiences, FSEM Course, Internships
students at tables talking

Engagement Days

Want to visit campus and connect with an Orientation Leader and get questions answered in person. Join us for one of our Engagement Days!

  • Monday, July 10th
  • Tuesday, July 11th

REGISTER Here

Group of students

In-Person Orientation and L.E.A.D. Academy

*required for all incoming students

New Student move in begins on Saturday, August 26th. Once moved in each new student will participate in MCLA's traditional L.E.A.D Academy and Orientation Program to make sure each student is set up for a successful MCLA career.

  • Dates: Saturday, August 26th - Tuesday, September 5th

*There will be a Trailblazer Team Member program beginning on Saturday, August 26th and Sunday, August 27th

Welcome Trailblazer Team Members

A student's Trailblazer Team consists of the people who support our students’ success; this includes parents, guardians, family members, mentors, and advocates.

Welcome to the family and the Trailblazer Team! This site will give you some resources to help your student be successful at MCLA.

Questions? Just ask!

Jenn LabbanceCall 413.662.5129 or email Jenn Labbance at jenn.labbance@mcla.edu

Jenn Labbance
Director of Student Engagement and New Student Transition