The Orientation for new students and annual Welcome Reception in the School of Public Policy's MPA and MPP programs provides an interactive opportunity for incoming graduate students to learn about program expectations and enrichment options, degree requirements, meet SPP faculty and staff, returning students, and alumni, and most importantly, be welcomed into the School of Public Policy (SPP) community!





Details and T-Shirt Request
Attendance at Orientation from 12:00-5:00pm is required. Orientation will be immediately followed by our annual SPP Welcome Reception at 5:00pm. At 5:30, you will hear from our student and alumni leaders, and we will be recognizing our outgoing and incoming School Directors. We strongly encourage you to attend the Welcome Reception to socialize with one another, meet returning students, and get to know the SPP faculty, staff and alumni. You do not need to stay for the entire time. Light refreshments will be served.

Students will receive their free SPP t-shirt and swag bag at Orientation. Please complete our t-shirt order form by August 14 to request your size.

Location and Parking
Check-in will be in the Atrium of the Hartford Times Building (HTB). The entrance to the HTB is on Front Street across from the UConn Bookstore and Starbucks (maps and directions).

If parking on campus for 2024-2025, students parking at the Hartford campus need to purchase their permits before August 22*. Please view the information here for details on student access to the garages. UConn Hartford offers dedicated student parking in the Connecticut Convention Center and Connecticut Science Center garages. On-street metered parking is also available. Students are need to purchase their parking permit and have their transponder installed prior to Orientation.

*There is free parking on most streets near the Hartford campus Monday through Friday after 6:00pm and on weekends. See kiosks at parking spaces for free parking availability.

Additional Information
Orientation programming will be held both inside and outside rain or shine. Attendees will be walking between buildings on the Hartford campus and in the downtown Hartford area. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. 

Questions? Contact Catherine Guarino, Director of Student and Academic Affairs, at catherine.guarino@uconn.edu. 
 

We look forward to meeting you!