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Academic calendar, courses and exams

Q: Where can families find the academic calendar?

A: The Registrar’s Office maintains the official academic calendar, including the first day of classes, breaks, registration dates and other important academic deadlines.

Next step: Visit the Academic Calendar.

Q: Where can families find the final exam schedule?

A: The Registrar’s Office posts the final exam schedule, along with other academic calendar information.

Next step: Visit the Final Exams page.

Q: What is the typical first-year academic schedule?

A: Harvey Mudd’s first-year curriculum is built around the Core, which gives students a shared foundation across the sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science and the humanities, social sciences and the arts. Specific schedules vary, but families can learn more about the Core and typical academic pathways in the College Catalog.

Next step: Visit the for current curriculum information.

Q: When are first-year exams?

A: The official exam schedule is posted by the Registrar. For first-year students, Harvey Mudd faculty coordinate carefully across departments so that students are not overburdened by too many exams too close together.

Next step: Visit the Final Exams page for current exam schedule information.

Q: Where can students get help understanding degree requirements?

A: Students should begin with their academic advisor, department resources and the College Catalog. The Registrar’s Office and Office of Academic Affairs can also help students understand policies, deadlines and degree requirements.

Next step: Visit the or the Registrar.

Academic advising and support

Q: How does academic advising work at Harvey Mudd?

A: Students are supported by academic advisors who help them think through course planning, academic progress and questions about the curriculum. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisors regularly and to ask questions early, especially if they are feeling uncertain or overloaded.

Next step: Students should begin by contacting their academic advisor.

Q: What does the Office of Academic Affairs do?

A: The Office of Academic Affairs works with faculty, departments and students on academic policies, academic progress and support. The office helps monitor student academic performance and can connect students with appropriate resources when concerns arise.

Next step: Visit the Office of Academic Affairs.

Q: What should students do if they are struggling academically?

A: Students should reach out early. A good first step is to contact their professor or academic advisor. Students may also connect with the Office of Academic Affairs, learning support resources, department-based support or other campus offices depending on the situation.

Families can help by encouraging students to ask for help before a problem feels overwhelming. At Harvey Mudd, using support resources is normal and expected.

Next step: Students should contact their professor, advisor, the Office of Academic Affairs or the academic support team.

Q: Can parents or family members contact a student’s advisor?

A: Parents and family members may contact an advisor or College office with a concern, but advisors and staff may be limited in what they can share because of student privacy laws and College policies. In many cases, the best step is to encourage the student to contact the advisor directly.

If a student wants the College to share certain information with a parent or family member, the student may need to complete the appropriate permission or release process.

Next step: Encourage your student to contact their advisor directly. For general questions, families may use the Contacts & Quick Help page to identify the appropriate office.

Q: How will Harvey Mudd know if my student is having academic difficulty?

A: Harvey Mudd has systems in place to monitor academic progress and identify students who may need additional support. Faculty, advisors, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs may all play a role in helping students connect with resources.

Families should also encourage students to speak up early if they are feeling behind, confused or overwhelmed.

Accessibility and accommodations

Q: Who can my student contact for accessibility support or academic accommodations?

A: Students who need accessibility support or academic accommodations should contact Harvey Mudd’s accessibility resources directly. Students are encouraged to reach out as early as possible so the College can review documentation, discuss needs and coordinate appropriate accommodations.

Contact: access@g.hmc.edu

Next step: Students should email access@g.hmc.edu to begin the process.

Q: Should students wait until classes begin to request accommodations?

A: No. Students are encouraged to reach out as early as possible, especially before the semester begins or as soon as they become aware that support may be needed. Early communication helps the College work with students and faculty to coordinate appropriate accommodations.

Contact: access@g.hmc.edu

Q: Can families submit accommodation information on behalf of a student?

A: Families may help students gather documentation and think through questions, but the student should be directly involved in the accommodation process. College accommodations are coordinated with the student, and students are expected to communicate with the appropriate office about their needs.

Next step: Encourage your student to contact access@g.hmc.edu.

Technology support

Q: Where can students get help with technology?

A: Computing and Information Services supports student technology needs, including account access, connectivity and other common technology questions.

Next step: Visit CIS Student Resources.

Career and experiential learning support

Q: Where can students get help with career planning?

A: Career Services supports students with career exploration, resumes, interviewing, internships, job searches, graduate school planning and recruiting opportunities. Students do not need to have a complete career plan before reaching out; Career Services can help students start wherever they are.

Next step: Visit Career Services.

Q: When should students start using Career Services?

A: Students can begin using Career Services early in their time at Harvey Mudd. First-year students may start with career exploration, resume development and learning about available opportunities, while older students may use Career Services for internships, interviews, recruiting and post-graduation planning.

Next step: Encourage your student to connect with Career Services early and often.

Q: Are there resources for internships and student employment?

A: Yes. Students may use Career Services and platforms such as Handshake to explore internships, employment opportunities and recruiting events. Work-study and campus employment questions may also involve Financial Aid or Student Accounts, depending on the question.

Next step: Visit Career Services. For work-study or employment questions, see the Billing, Financial Aid & Student Employment section.

International students

Q: Whom should international students contact with visa or SEVIS questions?

A: International students should contact the Designated School Official before making decisions that could affect visa status, enrollment status or SEVIS records.

Next step: Students should email dso@g.hmc.edu before taking a leave of absence, reducing enrollment or making other changes that may affect their immigration status.

Q: What happens to an international student’s visa if they take a semester or year off?

A: International students should consult the Designated School Official before taking time away from Harvey Mudd. If a student’s visa expires before they return to campus, they may need to apply for a new visa. If a student is in the United States and takes a semester off, they may need to leave the country because they will not be in active student status.

Contact: dso@g.hmc.edu

Q: What happens to an international student’s SEVIS record if they take time away?

A: If an international student takes time away from Harvey Mudd, the student’s SEVIS record may be terminated for Early Authorized Withdrawal. This can affect eligibility for CPT, OPT and Academic Training.

For F-1 students, if the student plans to return within five months of termination, it may be possible to reinstate the SEVIS record. If the student does not return within that five-month window, they may need a new SEVIS record, and their employment eligibility clock may restart. For J-1 students, a new SEVIS record is generally required; reinstatement of the previous record may not be available.

Because these rules can have significant consequences, students should speak with the Designated School Official before making plans.

Contact: dso@g.hmc.edu

Q: Can parents or family members contact the DSO?

A: Families may help students think through questions, but immigration and student status matters should be handled directly with the student. The student should contact the Designated School Official so they can receive guidance specific to their situation.

Wellbeing and student support connections

Q: What if academic stress is affecting my student’s wellbeing?

A: Academic stress and wellbeing are often connected. If a student is feeling overwhelmed, they may benefit from both academic support and wellbeing resources. Students can reach out to a professor, academic advisor, the Office of Academic Affairs, the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Wellbeing or , depending on what they need.

Next step: Encourage your student to reach out early. For specific counseling, health and wellbeing resources, see the Health, Safety & Insurance section of this page.

Q: What if I’m worried about my student but I’m not sure it is an academic issue?

A: If you are concerned about your student and are not sure where to start, use the Quick Help Links in the sidebar of this page to identify the appropriate office. Families can also encourage students to contact their proctor, advisor or the Division of Student Affairs.

If there is an urgent safety concern, contact at 909.607.2000.

Student billing and payments

Q: Where can families make a payment on a student’s account?

A: Families can find payment information through Student Accounts. Student Accounts provides information about billing, payments and student account balances.

Next step: Visit Student Accounts for current payment instructions.

Q: How can families view or monitor tuition and account charges?

A: Student account information is managed through Student Accounts. Because billing records are student-specific, students may need to grant a parent or family member access before staff can discuss account details or before families can view certain information.

Next step: Visit Student Accounts and ask your student to confirm whether parent/family access has been set up.

Q: Who should families contact with billing questions?

A: For questions about charges, payments, refunds, payment plans or account balances, contact Student Accounts.

Next step: Visit Student Accounts for current contact information and instructions.

Q: What if my student’s account shows a charge I do not recognize?

A: Start with Student Accounts. Some charges may relate to tuition, housing, meal plans, fees, insurance, books, fines or other student-specific items. Student Accounts can help explain billing categories and direct families to the appropriate office if another department manages the charge.

Next step: Contact Student Accounts.

Financial aid

Q: Where can families find financial aid information?

A: Financial Aid provides information about need-based aid, aid packages, required documents, deadlines and related policies.

Next step: Visit Financial Aid.

Q: Who should families contact with questions about a financial aid package?

A: Families should contact Financial Aid with questions about aid eligibility, award letters, required forms, deadlines or changes in financial circumstances.

Next step: Visit Financial Aid for current contact information.

Q: Does Harvey Mudd provide travel support for students receiving need-based aid?

A: For many students who receive a need-based aid package, the cost of two round-trip tickets between home and campus may be included in the aid package—one ticket to get to campus and one ticket to return home for winter break. The amount is based on where the student lives and the distance from home to campus.

Families should review the student’s aid package for details and contact Financial Aid with questions.

Next step: Visit Financial Aid.

Q: What should families do if their financial circumstances change?

A: Families should contact Financial Aid if there has been a significant change in financial circumstances. Financial Aid can explain whether additional documentation or a review process may be available.

Next step: Contact Financial Aid.

Meal plans and related charges

Q: How does the meal plan system work?

A: Meal plan information and related charges are connected to a student’s account. Families with questions about billing for meal plans should start with Student Accounts. For questions about dining options, food access or day-to-day dining operations, students should consult dining resources.

Next step:
For billing questions, visit Student Accounts.
For dining information, visit .

Q: Who should families contact about meal plan charges?

A: Student Accounts can help with questions about meal plan charges on a student’s account.

Next step: Visit Student Accounts.

Work-study and student employment

Q: What should students do if they were offered work-study?

A: Students who were offered work-study can look for eligible campus employment opportunities through the appropriate student employment channels, including Handshake when applicable. Students should review available positions, apply directly and follow hiring instructions from the employing office.

Next step: Students can start with Career Services and Handshake resources. Visit Career Services for support with job searching, applications and resumes.

Q: Does being offered work-study guarantee a campus job?

A: No. Work-study provides eligibility to earn funds through approved employment, but students generally need to apply for and be hired into a position. Availability varies by office, schedule, student interest and hiring needs.

Next step: Students should search for open positions early and follow application instructions carefully.

Q: Where can students find campus jobs?

A: Students may find campus employment opportunities through Handshake, Career Services, individual offices and other student employment postings. Some positions may be connected to work-study eligibility, while others may be open more broadly.

Next step: Visit Career Services for job search support and current resources.

Q: Can first-year students work on campus?

A: Many students work on campus during their time at Harvey Mudd, including some first-year students. Students should think carefully about their academic workload, transition to college and time commitments before taking on employment.

Families can help by encouraging students to balance employment with academics, wellbeing and campus engagement.

Q: Who can help students with resumes, interviews or finding opportunities?

A: Career Services can help students with resumes, cover letters, interviewing, job and internship searches and career exploration. Students do not need to know exactly what they want to do before meeting with Career Services.

Next step: Visit Career Services.

Account access and student privacy

Q: Can parents or family members discuss a student’s billing or financial aid information with the College?

A: Because student records are protected by privacy laws and College policies, staff may be limited in what they can discuss with parents or family members unless the student has granted appropriate permission or access.

Families should ask their student to confirm whether parent/family access has been set up for billing or financial information.

Q: Why does my student need to be involved in billing or financial aid conversations?

A: Harvey Mudd students are adults, and many account and financial aid matters are part of their student record. Involving students directly helps them understand their responsibilities, deadlines and available resources.

Families can still play an important supportive role by helping students track deadlines, gather information and ask questions early.

Residence halls and campus living

Q: Do first-year students all live in one residence hall?

A: No. First-year students live in residence halls across the residential area of campus and may also live in spaces used by Harvey Mudd for student housing, such as Arrow Vista apartments, if applicable for that year.

Residence life assignments can vary from year to year, so students should refer to their housing assignment information for the most current details.

Next step: For housing questions, students should contact Residence Life at reslife@hmc.edu.

Q: Will my student have the same roommate all four years?

A: No. Students have the opportunity to make roommate choices each year through the housing selection process. Roommates may change from year to year.

Q: What support is available for students who are gender nonbinary or gender nonconforming?

A: Students who have questions or needs related to room assignments are encouraged to contact Residence Life. Residence Life will work with students on their room assignment.

Contact: reslife@hmc.edu

Q: What services are available in the residence halls?

A: Residence hall services vary by building, but students generally have access to shared living spaces and campus resources such as Wi-Fi, laundry and shared kitchen or kitchenette areas. Families should encourage students to review information provided by Residence Life and to communicate with their suitemates or roommates about shared needs.

Next step: Visit the Residence Hall web page to find additional details specific to each residence hall.

Q: Is it safe to leave kitchen appliances in shared kitchens?

A: Harvey Mudd students are expected to live by the College’s Honor Code and community standards. Even so, students should use common sense with personal belongings and avoid leaving expensive equipment or valuable items unattended in shared spaces.

Q: Should students bring their own cooking utensils?

A: Students may want to coordinate with suitemates or roommates before bringing kitchen items so they do not bring more than they need. It can also be helpful for students to arrive, see what is already available and then decide what additional items would be useful.

Dining and food options

Q: What dining options are available to students?

A: Students have access to the Hoch-Shanahan Dining Commons and other dining options across The Claremont Colleges, depending on the academic year, meal plan and current dining arrangements.

Next step: Visit for current hours and information.

Q: Are there food options outside the dining hall?

A: Yes. Students may have access to other dining options, including resources across The Claremont Colleges and food available for purchase nearby. Current options, hours and policies may change, so students should check dining resources for the most up-to-date information.

Next step: Visit .

Q: Are students allowed to take food to go?

A: Dining policies may allow students to take food to go using approved containers or current dining procedures. These policies can change, so students should check with dining staff or current dining information for details.

Next step: Visit .

Q: Whom should students contact about food allergies or dietary accommodations?

A: Students with food allergies or dietary needs should connect with dining staff so they can discuss available options and accommodations. If a student has a medical or disability-related dietary need, they may also need to work with accessibility resources.

Next step: Contact Dining Services at 909.607.2675 or  dining_services@hmc.edu.

Also: For disability-related accommodations, see Academics & Student Support.

Mail, packages and shipping

Q: Will my student’s mailbox number stay the same each year?

A: Students generally keep the same campus mailing address during their four years at Harvey Mudd. Families should confirm current mailing instructions with the Mailroom before sending time-sensitive or high-value packages.

Next step: Visit the Mailroom for current mail and package information.

Q: What address should families use to mail something to a student?

A: Use the student’s name and mailbox number when sending mail or packages:

Student Name
Mailbox #
340 E. Foothill Boulevard
Claremont, CA 91711-3116

Before sending packages, especially during move-in or breaks, families should confirm current instructions with the Mailroom.

Next step: Visit the Mailroom.

Q: Can families ship items before move-in?

A: Shipping guidance for move-in is time-sensitive and may change from year to year. Families of incoming students should consult the Incoming First-Year Families page or the Orientation FAQ for current move-in shipping timelines and address instructions.

Next step: See Incoming First-Year Families.

Transportation, cars and bikes

Q: Are first-year students allowed to have cars on campus?

A: No. First-year students are not allowed to have cars on campus. Students can use other transportation options in the Claremont area, including walking, biking, public transportation, rideshare and other services.

Q: What transportation options are available if my student does not have a car?

A: Students can get around using several options, including walking, biking, sharing rides and local public transportation. All students at The Claremont Colleges are eligible for . Some College vans may also be available for approved student activities or groups.

Q: Are electric bicycles allowed on campus?

A: Yes. Students are allowed to have electric bicycles on campus. Students should follow campus policies, traffic rules and safe storage practices.

Q: Has Harvey Mudd had problems with bicycles being stolen?

A: Bike theft can occur if bicycles are not secured properly. Students should lock their bikes whenever they leave them on campus and should use a strong lock and designated bike areas when available.

Breaks, storage and what’s open

Q: Are residence halls open during Thanksgiving break?

A: Residence halls are generally available during Thanksgiving break, but dining options may be limited. Students should check dining hours and campus communications before the break.

Next step: Visit the for campus dining locations and hours.

Q: When do classes end before Thanksgiving?

A: Harvey Mudd does not hold classes on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Once students receive their fall course schedule, they can determine when their last Tuesday class ends and plan travel accordingly.

Next step: Check the Academic Calendar for official dates.

Q: How long is winter break?

A: Winter break is roughly one month long, typically from mid-December to mid-January. Exact dates vary each year.

Next step: Check the Academic Calendar for current dates.

Q: Can students leave belongings in residence halls over breaks?

A: Policies about leaving belongings in residence halls may depend on the break, residence hall access and current housing guidance. Students should check with Residence Life before leaving items behind, especially for longer breaks or summer.

Next step: Students should consult Residence Life for current break and storage guidance.

Campus access, maps and shared resources

Q: What should my student do if their key card is not working?

A: Students should seek help promptly if they cannot access their residence hall or other authorized campus spaces. During business hours, students may be directed to the appropriate office for card access support. After hours or in urgent situations, Campus Safety can help students determine next steps.

Contact: , 909.607.2000, for urgent after-hours access concerns.

Q: Where can families find a campus map?

A: Families can use the Harvey Mudd campus map to find residence halls, academic buildings, parking areas and other campus locations.

Next step: Visit the HMC Campus Map.

Q: How do students find resources at the other Claremont Colleges?

A: Harvey Mudd is part of The Claremont Colleges, and students may use some shared resources across the consortium. Students can use maps and individual college websites to locate services, dining locations, academic buildings and other destinations.

Next step: Visit .

Q: What is available at the Huntley Bookstore?

A: The Huntley Bookstore serves The Claremont Colleges and offers course materials, supplies and college merchandise. Current discounts, coupons and purchasing options may change over time.

Next step: Visit the or check current College communications for student discounts and purchasing information.

Visiting campus and family events

Q: When should families plan to visit campus?

A: Families visit campus for many reasons, including Family Weekend, Commencement and other events. Students may also appreciate visits at times that fit their academic schedule and workload. Families should check with their student before making plans, especially during busy academic periods.

Next step: Visit the Family Weekend page for information about this special weekend just for our HMC families.

Q: Where can families find Family Weekend information?

A: Family Weekend information, including schedules and registration when available, is posted on the Parent and Family website.

Next step: Visit Family Weekend.

Q: Can families see a list of student events?

A: Families can learn about campus events through parent and family communications, Division of Student Affairs updates and other College communications. Many student events are designed primarily for students, but families are welcome to encourage their students to participate and get involved.

If you are not receiving parent and family email updates, contact parents@hmc.edu.

Next step: Visit the News and Communications page for helpful links and contacts.

Q: Can students participate in athletics if they were not recruited?

A: Yes. Students can participate in intramural opportunities, and Harvey Mudd students may also explore CMS NCAA Division III athletics. Students interested in NCAA athletics should contact the coach for the sport they are interested in.

Next step: Students should consult information or contact the appropriate coach.