June 12, 2025

Orientation

Check-in starts at 9:00 a.m. with the Welcome Session starting promptly at 9:30 a.m.

We’re excited to welcome you to IMSA this weekend! Orientation will be full of helpful information, as well as opportunities to connect with fellow students and parents from the Class of 2028.

You can view the full schedule for the day below. Please note that while a few sessions will be shared, parents/guardians and students will follow mostly separate tracks throughout the day.

If you have any questions regarding orientation, please contact Emma Wilson Parker in the Student Affairs Office at ewilson1@imsa.edu.

If you are a parent or guardian attending Orientation, please take a moment to complete the short safety questionnaire before arriving on campus.

Submitting this information in advance will allow us to pre-clear your entry and help check-in run smoothly. Those who do not complete the form ahead of time will need to stand in line at check-in for on-site clearance, which may cause delays.

Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and welcoming environment for our entire IMSA community!

When you arrive on campus, here’s what to expect:

• Parking: Please park in the East Parking Lot, indicated by the red box on the map. Circle Drive will be closed to traffic, so plan accordingly.

• Check-In: Head to IMSA’s main entrance (stop #2 on the map) between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Our friendly Orientation staff and student leaders will be there to welcome you and assist you with check-in.

• Welcome Session: The day begins with a Welcome Session at 9:30 a.m. in the Auditorium (stop #3). Please arrive on time—you won’t want to miss this energizing start to your IMSA experience!

Students and parents are encouraged to utilize our online student portal to navigate the orientation and registration process. Password: NSO2028

Throughout the summer, IMSA will host a series of virtual events on numerous topics as another tool to help families prepare for the transition to campus. Each event will feature a staff member who is an expert on the topic, and allow time for questions. Mark your calendars for these upcoming resource sessions!

Orientation can be an overwhelming day filled with new information and exciting possibilities. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your orientation session:

• Arrive early and make sure parents/guardians complete the safety questionnaire to avoid delays.
• Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. The building can get a little chilly, so we recommend bringing a light sweater or sweatshirt.
• Take notes on key information, whether it’s on paper or your phone. There’s a lot to take in!
• Introduce yourself and connect with others. Orientation is a great time to start building relationships with peers, staff, and other families.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone is here to help, and there’s no such thing as a silly question.
• Be prepared for separate tracks. Parents/guardians and students will attend different sessions for most of the day.
• Get to know IMSA staff and student leaders. They’re your go-to resources during and after Orientation.
• And most importantly, enjoy the experience! Orientation is just the beginning of your transformative IMSA journey.

Who's That Titan?

Ms. Minerva Ratsamy

Senior Administrative Assistant in Student Affairs

Ms. Minerva is often one of the first friendly faces incoming families meet at IMSA. She oversees annual registration, coordinates move-in for all classes, and serves as a key point of contact for students and families throughout their IMSA experience. With her warm demeanor and expert knowledge of campus logistics, she’s a trusted and supportive resource for all things Student Affairs.

A proud West Aurora High School graduate, Minerva has spent most of her life in the Aurora area. Since joining IMSA in 2006, she’s formed lasting connections with students and staff—many of which continue well beyond graduation and retirement. She has also served as an advisor for Senior Class Club and Alma Latina, and names IMSA’s cultural shows among her favorite campus events.

Contact Ms. Minerva at mratsamy@imsa.edu if you have any questions!

Samantha Taylor '21 has been awarded the prestigious Knight-Hennessy Scholarship, which will fully fund her studies at Stanford Law School next fall.

Samantha is currently completing her senior year at the University of Chicago, where she is double majoring in Public Policy and Philosophy. She is passionate about advancing social equity through law and policy, with her senior thesis exploring the relationship between incarceration and poverty.

At the University of Chicago, she has been honored as both a Stamps Scholar and an Odyssey Scholar. She also served as Co-President of the Organization of Black Students and Vice President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has already gotten real-world experience in the legal world through positions at NYU Law’s Policing Project, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, and the D.C. Public Defender’s Office.

We are thrilled that Samantha has this remarkable opportunity to further her impact and continue advancing the human condition through the study of law.

The brain teaser for the month of June is:

When does 9+5=2?

Email the solution to admissions@imsa.edu to be entered in the raffle!

Where will your IMSA Odyssey take you?

Notice of Nondiscrimination: IMSA prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator