GETTING TO KNOW FRANKLIN: PARENT AND FAMILY ORIENTATION
Parent and Family Orientation at Franklin University Switzerland is your opportunity to explore campus life, meet key faculty and staff, and connect with other families. As your student begins their academic journey, this special afternoon is designed to welcome you into the Franklin community and provide insights into the university experience.
On Wednesday, August 20, the program begins with a welcome session and introductions followed by a candid student panel moderated by Dean Deborah Knaust. The afternoon concludes with a warm reception hosted by President Samuel Martín-Barbero and a festive buffet dinner featuring local cuisine—an ideal setting to meet other families and members of the university community.
For questions regarding your student’s arrival or orientation, please email info@fus.edu.
PARENT AND FAMILY ORIENTATION PROGRAM
Wednesday, August 20
All accompanying family members are warmly invited to take part in a program that includes a welcome session, a student panel, a reception and buffet dinner with the president along with faculty and staff. While students attend their own mandatory orientation activities, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the Franklin experience.
Schedule:
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Welcome and Introductions
Location: Nielsen Auditorium, Kaletsch Campus
Meet the Franklin staff who will work closely with your student throughout their time at Franklin. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak with them informally during the President’s Reception later in the afternoon.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Student Leader Panel
Location: Nielsen Auditorium, Kaletsch Campus
Current student leaders share their stories and reflect on their own transitions to Franklin. Moderated by Dean Deborah Knaust, this panel offers honest insights and helpful tips for families.
5:00 PM - 6:15 PM President's Reception
Location: President's Lawn / Holman Hall, Kaletsch Campus
Join President Samuel Martín-Barbero and members of the Franklin faculty and staff for an informal outdoor reception with light hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Buffet Dinner - "A Taste of Switzerland"
Location: The Grotto, Kaletsch Campus
Enjoy a buffet-style dinner featuring local Swiss dishes alongside students, families, faculty, and staff as we celebrate the start of the new academic year.
Trains Distruptions Alert
From July 28 to August 24, due to infrastructure upgrades on the cross-border railway network—specifically between Stabio-Malpensa and Chiasso-Milan—the S40 and S50 lines will be suspended. Replacement buses will be available, but with longer travel times.
All train traffic to Malpensa will stop at Stabio during this period because of work on the Italian rail network. Buses will run between Stabio, Varese, and Malpensa. The timing of the work was chosen to minimize disruption, as summer sees fewer commuters and no school traffic.
From July 27 to August 31, the TILO RE80 service between Lugano and Chiasso (starting or ending in Chiasso) will be suspended, as will the S90 between Lugano and Mendrisio. These routes will be covered by other lines. The S10 will continue to run every 30 minutes between Lugano and Chiasso, stopping at all stations. Eurocity trains will also transport commuters from Lugano to Chiasso without intermediate stops.
Our community is encouraged to refer to the TILO website for detailed information and plan for longer train journeys when travelling between Ticino and Italy.
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