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.

Please note: The information on this page is for June & July Family Orientation. August dates will have updated information.

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: Disability accommodations: If you have a documented disability or temporary condition (e.g., a broken leg) and would like to request accommodations, such as mobility support, sign language interpreters, or alternate formats, please contact the OTE office at least two weeks prior to Orientation. You may also indicate your needs during online registration.

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 celebrating a new graduate or getting ready for your student's first semester, our limited-edition Gopher yard signs are the perfect way to show your spirit!

Price & Ordering

Cost: $25 per sign (includes tax)

How to Purchase

Pre-order your sign during your Family Orientation registration.
Walk-ins: Signs are also available for purchase in person at our office (subject to availability).

How to Get Your Sign

Pick Up at Orientation: Collect your pre-ordered sign when you arrive for your scheduled Family Orientation session.
Early Office Pickup: If you need your sign early (perfect for graduation parties!), you can stop by our office before your orientation date.

Pickup Location: Coffman Memorial Union, Room 315. Please note that signs cannot be mailed.

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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Family & Student Supporter Orientation

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Orientation & Transition Experiences

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