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 48 hours after your student registers for Orientation
Please choose 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

Getting to Campus

Important: Major road construction on I-94 and University Avenue will likely impact your commute. We have created maps and directions with the best routes to campus. Please check the Parking and Transportation alerts page for the latest updates, and plan to give yourself extra time to get to campus.
Directions and Parking
- Park in East River Road Garage (385 East River Parkway, Minneapolis)
- Use the emailed 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
Check-in
- Check-in is between 8 and 9:30 a.m.
- Do not go directly to Northrop
- 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 email our office at [email protected] at least one week prior to your scheduled Orientation date.
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 contact our office at 612-624-1979 to arrange accommodations.

Schedule

You should expect to be engaged in the Family Program from approximately 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 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

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.

Where: Coffman Memorial Union (CMU), Ground Floor
When: 4 to 5:45 PM during Orientation days, Monday through Thursdays. Unfortunately, these are not available by mail.
Bonus: You are welcome to stop by before your Orientation if you want the sign in time for a graduation party.

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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Orientation & Transition Experiences

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