Fri, Jan 16, 2026, 9:00 a.m. —4:00 p.m. MCAD Campus Undergraduate Admitted Student Event Image Friday, January 16, 2026 All sessions will be held in Auditorium 140 in the Main Building unless otherwise noted. The following schedule is subject to change. Before Orientation Day Explore the Online Canvas Pre-Orientation Course for more information about MCAD, Minneapolis, and Spring Orientation.9:00 a.m., Orientation Check-in MCAD Main Gallery Register for orientation and enjoy muffins, coffee, and juice, compliments of Student Affairs. 9:30 a.m., WelcomeWe kick-start with a warm welcome from President Gwendolyn Freed, as well as Director of Student Life Brett Smith, who will provide an overview of the schedule for the day. 9:45 a.m., Getting Started at MCADMeet some of the people who will be helping you succeed at MCAD!Jen Zuccola, Vice President of Student AffairsBrett Smith, Director of Student LifeDann Servaty, Assistant Director of Financial AidMark Sherman, Help Desk DirectorHana Bekele, Student Accounts Manager10:30 a.m., Thriving at MCADMeet the staff dedicated to helping you engage, adapt, and thrive at MCAD. Kate Gunther, Student Experience Coordinator, will discuss student clubs and social events on campus. In this session you will also become familiar with tutoring, accommodations, and counseling on campus. Kate Goodman, Director of Student Counseling and Wellness, and Timothy Gardner, Director of the Learning Center, will cover resources and scheduling appointments for assistance. Getting Grounded at MCADFrom on campus events, to the things you need to know about the city, there is a lot to learn and explore here. Get the low-down on how to thrive from current students. Questions are encouraged! A panel of students will offer a glimpse of life at college, with details from: Kate Gunther, Student Experience CoordinatorKate Goodman, Director of Student Counseling and WellnessTimothy Gardner, Director of the Learning Centernoon, Lunch MCAD College Center and CaféCompliments of Student Affairs. Plus, take a moment to make sure you have your Student ID created at Campus Safety. 1:00 p.m., Academics, Advising, and RegistrationMeet the staff who will help keep you on track at MCAD. You will have advising and registration each semester, this is where you find out more! Melissa Rands, Vice President Academic AffairsRiver Gordon, RegistrarTannah Frawley, Academic Advising Coordinator and Peer Mentor Program FacilitatorJay Gould; Director of Foundation Studies. 2:00 p.m., Responsibility, Personal Safety, and PoliciesBecome familiar with the school policies and plans that all students need to know. Representatives from Student Affairs and Public Safety, Jen Zuccola, Vice President of Student Affairs, Pam Hoffmann, Campus Safety Director, and Annie Shimkus, Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator, will discuss emergency plans, Title IX, and other important safety topics. 3:00 p.m., Peer Mentor Tour and Laptop Pick-upThe Peer Mentor Program provides first-semester MCAD students with a mentor and a small cohort of fellow first-semester students to aid in the transition to the college and give support in the areas of time management, study skills, technology, financial literacy, and more. They will also show you where to find your laptop! Learn MoreTransportation and Parking: Find out how to find us and where to park. Lot C will be open and available for all guests of the college to park during Friday's Orientation event.Visiting Minneapolis: The Twin Cities is a vibrant hub of creativity! We're right next door to the Minneapolis Institute of Art and are located in the Whittier Neighborhood of Minneapolis.