8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Registration
Check in for Family and Friends Weekend in the Higgins University Center to receive your exclusive gift item and meal pass.
Location: Grace Conference Room, Higgins University Center
9–10:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
Start your day with complimentary coffee, tea, pastries, and fresh fruit, and mingle with other Clark families.
Location: Red Square Lawn Tent, Campus Green
10 a.m.–2 p.m. CLARKxCOLLAB Pop-Up
This fall, Clark has partnered with artist C. Kariuki, founder and owner of the Denied Approval clothing brand, to launch a locally designed, limited-series apparel line. This is a project intended to build new community relationships, support local artists with business opportunities and learning resources, and offer designs that resonate with our student culture. Kariuki recently opened a store in the Midtown Mall and will be selling his custom Clark apparel during Family and Friends Weekend.
Location: Campus Green (rain location in the University Center)
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Welcome by President David B. Fithian ’87, followed by Q & A with Provost Sebastián Royo and Associate Provost and Dean of Students Kamala Kiem
President Fithian welcomes parents, families, and friends to Worcester and learns about the vision and priorities for Clark
Location: Red Square Lawn Tent, Campus Green
11:15 a.m. Nature Walk in the Hadwen Arboretum
Clark has its very own Arboretum, a beautiful forest that’s only 1 mile (or a 20-minute walk) from campus. Join us for a short (30-35 minute) exploration of the arboretum, led by Professor John Rogan and the Arboretum Advocates of Clark. Bus transportation will be available both ways. Families have the option to walk back to campus. Walkers are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Location: Meet at Atwood Plaza
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Affinity Reception for Families of Students of Color and First-Generation Students
Mingle with other Clark families and learn about some of the resources offered on campus.
Location: Higgins Atrium, Dana Commons
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Fall Fest
Enjoy fall treats, family photos, caricatures, pumpkin painting, and more. There is something for everyone at our celebration of the season.
Location: Red Square Lawn, Campus Green
Rain Location: Tilton Hall, Higgins University Center
Noon–2 p.m. Barbecue Lunch
Clark Dining Services welcomes students and their families to a barbecue on the Green. Advanced registration is required through purchasing a weekend meal pass. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase on campus.
Location: Red Square Lawn Tent, Campus Green
1–4 p.m. Art in the Park, Worcester
Stroll through the park and view sculptures from this year’s juried exhibition of public art. Live music, performances and community tabling.
Location: University Park, Across the Street from the Main Campus Green
12 noon Men’s Tennis Game
Cheer for the Cougars as the men’s tennis team takes on Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Location: Corash Tennis Courts, 97 Beaver Street
Noon–5 p.m. Schiltkamp Gallery
Visit Clark’s art gallery where students work to develop, install, and maintain each of the exhibits that brings diverse and compelling interdisciplinary artwork to the Clark campus. 14 Artists 14 Curators, exhibit curated by Stephen DiRado’s Gallery Culture and Practice Class
Location: Schiltkamp Gallery, Traina Center for the Arts
1 p.m. Women’s Volleyball Game
Cheer for the Cougars as the women’s volleyball team takes on Wellesley College.
Location: Kneller Athletic Gym
1 p.m. Women’s Soccer Game
Cheer for the Cougars as the women’s soccer team takes on Wellesley College.
Location: Granger Athletic Fields, 97 Beaver Street
1–1:50 p.m. LGBTQIA+ and Allies Affinity Reception
Join us in an open and welcoming space for family members, students, friends, and allies. Meet staff from Clark’s Office of Identity, Student Engagement, and Access (ISEA), including the newly created position of associate director for gender and sexuality. Find out about new programs, support services, and social gatherings for Clark’s LGBTQIA+ community.
Location: Higgins Atrium, Dana Commons
2-3 p.m. Parent and Family Panel
Wondering what to expect as a parent or family member of a college student? Not sure how to help your student navigate independent living or balance academics with co-curricular experiences? Hear from students, advisers, and Clark parents about their experiences and insights.
Location: Jefferson 218
2:30–3:20 p.m. Career Journey of Your College Student
When should your student start thinking about careers and how can you support them? Learn about career resources available at Clark, our recommended four-year career development timeline, and tips to help your student at each new phase of their journey.
Location: S120, Arthur M. Sackler Sciences Center
3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Athletics Open Reception
Clark student-athletes and their families are invited to the Kneller Athletics Center to enjoy appetizers, mingle with coaches and teammates, and meet Trish Cronin, director of athletics and recreation.
Location: Kneller Athletic Center Patio
3–6 p.m. Music Program Ensemble Concert
Join all three Clark University instrumental performances ensembles — Concert Band, Jazz Workshop, and Sinfonia — for an afternoon concert.
Location: Daniels Theater, Atwood Hall
4–5 p.m. Clark University Student Academic ShowcaseTour the new Center for Media Arts, Computing, and Design. Hear from a variety of academic departments on what students are working on inside these classrooms.
Location: Lobby, Center for Media Arts, Computing, and Design
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Dinner in Higgins Café
Clark Dining Services welcomes students and their families to Higgins Café. Experience the all-you-can-eat buffet-style dining room. Student meal plans, cash, and credit cards are accepted.
- Adults: $11.80
- Kids 10 and under: $7.25
Location: Higgins Café, Higgins University Center
5:30 p.m. Dinner in the City, Experience Worcester
Experience the vibrant restaurant scene of Wootown.
8 p.m. Big Prize Bingo
Join other Clark families and try your luck at Clark’s version of bingo. Hosted by Student Leadership and Programming.
Location: Red Square Lawn Tent, Campus Green
