Family & Student Supporters Orientation | Orientation & Transition Experiences

Orientation is for you too

You play a key role in your student’s college journey, and Family Orientation is designed with that in mind. As your student begins their transition to the U, you’ll learn what to expect, who to connect with, and how to support them with confidence. Families who attend often leave feeling more informed, more connected, and better prepared.

You’ll hear from campus experts, explore essential resources, and pick up tips you won’t want to miss. Family Orientation is a welcoming, informative experience created specifically for student supporters.

Family Orientation Registration

Opens 24 hours after your student registers for Orientation
You will attend the same Orientation date as your student
$50 per registrant (includes lunch and materials)
Registration closes 3 business days before the session
On-site registration is limited. Please register online to ensure availability
Registration is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another date or person

What to Expect

Throughout the program, you will:

Attend informative sessions about housing, dining, safety, health, and more
Connect with campus staff and fellow supporters
Explore campus through tours and breakout sessions
Learn how to support your student’s academic and personal success
Family Orientation is a two-day program, however overnight housing is not provided. We do have a list of accommodation suggestions, if needed.
Your student will attend a two-day Orientation with required overnight. Student stay in a residence hall at no cost

Getting to Orientation

Directions and Parking

Please note: Road construction projects could impact your commute. Please check MnDOT and U's Parking and Transportation alerts page for updates.
You should park in East River Road Garage (385 East River Parkway, Minneapolis)
Registered guests will receive an email with a QR code to receive a reduced parking rate (instructions are emailed two days prior to your Orientation date)
Shuttle buses transport all participants to check-in from East River Road Garage to Northrop. Do not go directly to Northrop as student luggage check-in takes place at the Garage

Check-in

Check-in is between 8 and 9:30 a.m.
Students and families begin the day at the resource fair and welcome program

Accessibility & Accommodations

Younger children: Orientation is not designed for younger children. If you plan to bring younger children, please call our office at 612-624-1979 for registration information.
Translation services: If you or another registered guest needs language translation, we’re happy to provide this accommodation. Please indicate during online registration.
Disability accommodations: If you have a documented disability and would like to request accommodations — such as sign language interpreters or alternate formats — contact the Disability Resource Center at 612-626-1333 at least two weeks prior to Orientation.
Mobility support: If you have a short-term disability (e.g., a broken leg) and would have difficulty walking long distances during Orientation, please indicate during online registration.

If you have questions, please email our office at [email protected]

Schedule

You should expect to be engaged in the Family Program from approximately 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Day 1. Lunch and materials are provided. You will be with your student for the Resource Fair, Welcome Program, and some college programming, but will spend the majority of the day with other families and supporters.

Day 1

8 - 11 a.m. Check-in, Resource Fair, Welcome Program, Honors Meeting, and Campus Tours
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Campus Resource Presentations from Boynton Health, UM Police Department, and Lunch
1 - 5:30 p.m. College Meetings, Academic Support, and Housing

Day 2

This optional day includes guided tours of the East and West Bank campuses and residence halls, as well as self-guided tours of Walter Library, the U of M Bookstore, and the Weisman Art Museum, along with drop-in appointments at One Stop for financial aid and tuition questions
Students will finish with their advisors between noon and 3 p.m.

You will receive your complete schedule with additional details when you arrive for Family Orientation.

Celebrate Your New Gopher

Whether you're throwing a graduation party or just want to show off your Gopher pride, now’s your chance. We’re selling limited-edition Gopher yard signs for $25, available in person only during Orientation or at the OTE office during business hours. Unfortunately signs are not available by mail.

Questions? Contact Orientation & Transition Experiences (OTE) at [email protected] or 612-624-1979

Orientation & Transition Experiences

In an effort to support each student during their transition to the U of M and on their path to graduation, Orientation & Transition Experiences offers high-quality, dynamic experiences that cultivate community and empower students to champion their own development and leverage campus resources.

[email protected]

612-624-1979

315 Coffman Memorial Union
300 Washington Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

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First Year Students

Family Orientation

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Orientation & Transition Experiences

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Special Thanks

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