At this session, we will discuss what your family can expect during your first year at MICA, and we'll address questions regarding student life and curricular issues. Download the Schedule-at-a-Glance.
You will be asked to say goodbye to your student during Dinner by 5:30 pm, but you are invited to join us immediately following the Parent & Family Orientation session for a Parent & Family Welcome Reception, sponsored by the Parents Council, at 6:30 pm in the BBOX in Gateway Residence Hall. Check out the resources in this section to learn more!
Parent & Family Handbook
This booklet is an at-a-glance guide to important information you'll need throughout your student's experience at MICA. This is a great resource for you to refer to when questions arise or to familiarize yourself with MICA before your student arrives.
You will receive further information via email in August concerning this handbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some Frequently Asked Questions from Parents and Family Members of new MICA students. If you have any questions that are not answered in this section, feel free to get in touch with a Student Activities Staff member. We are happy to assist with any questions.
Should I plan on attending all of the Orientation with my student?
It is not necessary for you to plan on attending all of the Orientation with your student. MICA's Orientation program is designed for students only. As a parent or family member, you can assist your First Year student with move-in on Wednesday, August 21, 2019. During that same day, there is a unique and custom-designed schedule for parents. You will be asked to say goodbye to your student during dinner Wednesday, August 21, 2019; but, you are invited to join us immediately after the Parent & Family Orientation session for a Parent & Family Welcome Reception, sponsored by the Parents Council. More details are located in the Parent Schedule-at-a-Glance.
How do I get to MICA?
Please see the Visit MICA page for more comprehensive information. Pay close attention to directions for the day of First Year move-in, Wednesday, August 21. Please keep in mind that traffic around MICA will be heavy that day due to student move-in.
Where should I stay in Baltimore if I'm traveling from a long distance?
Please see the Visit MICA page for more comprehensive information.
Does my student need to register and/or pay a fee for Orientation like at other schools? Is it mandatory to attend Orientation?
No, at MICA there is no registration necessary for Orientation. If you are a member of the incoming class (first year, transfer, or international student), it is assumed you will attend Orientation. All new students pay a mandatory one-time Orientation fee, which has already been charged to your student account with your tuition. You will NOT need to pay any additional fees related to Orientation upon arrival.
Orientation is mandatory. There is a tremendous amount of information disseminated during this four-day period that you will not want your student to miss.
What is Orientation like and why is it important that I encourage my student to attend?
Orientation at MICA is a mandatory event for all new and transfer incoming students. It is a fun and intensive program. Students will participate in a wide variety of activities designed to help them get acclimated to MICA, Baltimore, and living on their own. From academic based sessions like "Great Crits/Great Classes" to social gatherings in the evening, Orientation has something for everyone!
Starting college is a time of challenge, excitement, and adjustment. Orientation is the best way for your student to learn their way around MICA and the surrounding community. Orientation also provides guidance and resources on academics, involvement and support services on campus.
What should my student bring to MICA and should they stock up on art supplies now?
MICA's Residence Life Office provides a list of recommended items for your student to bring to campus.
Your student should bring art supplies and tools if they already own them, as this will save some money. We encourage students not to buy new materials until they begin classes. While most work involves basic materials, your student's instructors may require specific supplies and will provide them with a list of materials for their particular course. Most of the supplies will be available in the MICA store, located at 1501 Mount Royal Avenue You can also visit the MICA store online at the MICA College Store website.
What if I have questions about my students' housing situation?
For all Housing-related questions, you can visit the Residence Life website. You will find detailed information about living on or off campus at MICA, including a packing list, important dates and deadlines, and helpful contact information for the Residence Life staff.
How will health insurance work for my student?
Please remember to complete your Health History Form (sent in a separate mailing), including documentation of a physical with your primary care provider. The initial date for returning your health history form is August 1, 2019. If you have not turned in your completed health form with vaccination information, including meningitis vaccination; the Office of Student Affairs are the folks to talk to. Please mail health forms to the Office of Student Affairs, 1300 West Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217. The day of Orientation, our on-campus health providers will be at a table we will direct you to if we have not received your health forms.
If you are living on campus, please ensure that we either have verification of your meningitis vaccination or meningitis waiver form. Confirmation of vaccination or completion of the waiver form is required by the State of Maryland. If our office does not have verification of these documents, you will not be allowed to move into your room. For answers to questions about the vaccination requirements, medical care on campus, or the health history form, please call the Office of Student Affairs at 410-225-2422.
MICA has adopted the following policy that applies to our students; all students are required to maintain health insurance coverage that is in place every day of their higher education career.
Our health insurance is offered through United Healthcare. The cost of the insurance plan includes all administration fees. Students are automatically enrolled in the MICA-sponsored health plan, but they can choose to waive out of or confirm enrollment. Any waivers requested after the deadline will be assessed a financial penalty. You will receive information in the mail about how to opt out of the insurance plan over the summer. If you are an international student, please review the materials sent to you in a separate mailing about health insurance as the policy has changed from last year. If you have questions about MICA's insurance coverage including steps about opting out, please call the Healthcare Advocate at 1-800-398-8441 ext. 2.
What resources are available for Parents and Family members if we are worried about our student or have questions after we leave campus?
In early August, you will receive a MICA Parent and Family Guide for the 2019-2020 school year. This is a great resource for you to refer to when questions arise or to familiarize yourself with MICA before your student even arrives at the college. Of course, all questions cannot be answered with a guide book, therefore, listed below you will find a list of important phone numbers at MICA.
Important MICA Phone Numbers:
• Academic Advising 410-225-2315
• Academic Affairs 410-225-2289
• Alumni & Parent Relations 410-225-2397
• Campus Safety 410-225-2355
• Career Development 410-225-2420
• Continuing Studies 410-225-2219
• Counseling 410-225-2367
• Financial Aid 410-225-2285
• Identity and Inclusion 443-552-1659
• International Affairs 410-225-2243
• MICA Student Health Services 410-225-7325
• Orientation 410-225-2284
• Parent & Family Weekend 410-225-2284
• Parkhurst Dining Services 410-225-7360
• Postal Services 410-225-2202
• President's Office 410-225-2237
• Residence Life & Off-Campus Housing 410-225-2398
• Shuttles (Day) 410-225-2340 (Evening) 410-225-2245
• Student Accounts 410-225-2356
• Student Affairs 410-225-2422
• Student Engagement 410-225-2284
• Student Records 410-225-2234
• Writing Studio 410-225-2418
How do I stay involved at MICA after I leave Orientation?
Stay up-to-date on current info at MICA by visiting the MICA website. For information specifically pertaining to parents and family members, visit the MICA Parents website. Additionally, mark your calendars for MICA Community Weekend 2019, which will take place in October from Friday, October 4 through Sunday, October 6.