Parent and Family Orientation
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Parents and family members travelling with their student to Franklin are cordially invited to join the Office of Student Life for any or all of our optional Parent and Family Orientation. Attend the full day or drop in for the parts that interest you. The day is a chance to get to know campus, meet other families and members of the Franklin community, and see the experience your student is beginning.
10:00 a.m. Coffee in the Grotto
Grotto, Kaletsch Campus
Meet other Franklin families over coffee in the Grotto, one of Franklin's two eateries. Coffee is complimentary.
11:00 a.m. Sorengo Neighbourhood Walk
Departs from the Grotto
Several of our Community Assistants will lead interested families on a walk through Sorengo, the neighbourhood surrounding campus. Stops include a pharmacy, the local medical center, a small convenience shop, and Lidl, a supermarket nearby. The route is flat and takes roughly 30 minutes.
11:35 a.m. Bus to Lugano
Gather at the Grotto Terrace to walk to the San Grato Bus Stop
Families who would like to travel downtown with a Community Assistant should gather at 11:35 a.m. to take the bus into Lugano. This is a good chance to learn the bus stops and the local transport system your student will use daily.
Before you ride, we recommend downloading the SBB Mobile app to buy your ticket. Bus drivers also accept Swiss francs in coins and small notes, but the app is usually simpler.
Lunch on Your Own
We will take a break so families can eat on their own in Lugano before we start our afternoon tour. Community Assistants will point out a few options.
2:00 p.m. Lugano Walking Tour
Meet at Manor, a department store in central Lugano
Community Assistants will show you the shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, and services students rely on in Lugano.
2:50 p.m. Return to Campus by PostBus
Departs from Lugano Autosilo Balestra (main PostBus station)
If you would like to join the Community Assistants and other families for the ride back up to campus, please meet at the Migros on Via Pretorio to walk to the Autosilo together.
Before you ride, we recommend downloading the SBB Mobile app to buy your ticket. Bus drivers also accept Swiss francs in coins and small notes, but the app is usually simpler.
3:30 p.m. Welcome and Introductions
Nielsen Auditorium, Kaletsch Campus
Meet several staff members and learn about the people and services that will support your student throughout their time at Franklin.
4:30 p.m. Campus Tour
Departs from Nielsen Auditorium
Community Assistants will guide families through the classroom and administrative buildings your student will use.
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. President's Reception
President's Lawn, Kaletsch Campus
All accompanying family members are invited to a reception hosted by President David Mills.
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Taste of Ticino
Grotto, Kaletsch Campus
We will end the day with an important tradition, our annual buffet-style dinner featuring dishes from Ticino and Northern Italy.