January Family Orientation | Orientation & Transition Experiences

Welcome!

We are excited to partner with you as we help to transition your student to the University of Minnesota. We can’t wait to have you and your student join the Gopher community!

On this page:

Why Should I Attend Family Orientation?
Family Orientation Basics and Registration
Arriving for Orientation
Good to Know
Celebrate Your New Gopher!

Family Orientation Registration

Attending Family Orientation is one of the most impactful ways to support your student’s successful transition to the University of Minnesota.

By participating, you will:

Learn how the University supports students throughout their first year and beyond, helping you contribute to your student's personal and academic success.
Connect with University staff and student leaders to gain insight into academic programs, campus life, and key support resources.
Understand important University policies, procedures, and expectations that will help you guide your student as they navigate their academic journey with confidence.
Discover what it means to be part of the Gopher community and the important role families play.

Families consistently share that attending Family Orientation helps them feel informed, connected, and confident about their student’s transition to the University of Minnesota.

In a post-orientation survey, families shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experience and the impact of Family Orientation:

92% agreed that the University of Minnesota is a welcoming campus.
87% said attending Orientation helped their student feel more prepared to begin at the University.

“The orientation was clearly well planned and organized in an effort to maximize the sharing of information relevant to our child. Ty Ty!!”
“Family and student left feeling prepared and excited. Grateful we all attended and feel very welcome by U of M!”
“I would encourage other new families to attend. Truly, a wonderful experience.”

Even if you’ve supported another student through college or live locally, Family Orientation at the University of Minnesota offers unique insights and updates on campus programs, resources, and expectations.

Family Orientation Basics and Registration

The Family & Student Supporters Orientation schedule is a one-day program that lasts from approximately 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The cost is $50 per registrant. The registration fee is non-refundable, but can be transferred to a different date or registrant. If you need to make changes after registering, please contact us at [email protected].
- Orientation fee includes lunch, program materials, staffing, etc...
24 hours after your student has registered for Orientation, you will be able to begin your registration. You will need your student's 7-digit ID number and date of birth. If you are unable to register after 24 hours have passed, please contact us at [email protected].

Family Orientation Registration

Please note: If your student has a remote Orientation date, we do not offer a remote Family Orientation. However, you are welcome to register for an on-campus Family Orientation session to learn more about your student's transition to the U. To register, call 612-624-1979 or email [email protected].

Arriving for Orientation

Check-In

Check-in for Orientation will take place from 8 - 9 a.m. on the ground floor of CMU. Parking will be in the East River Road Garage.

Schedule

You will receive your detailed schedule when you arrive to Orientation, but here is what you can expect:

Resource Fair and Tours
Sessions focused on Academic Success, Financial Aid, Campus Safety, Health Service
Student Panel
Lunch is also provided.

Directions

Whether you are driving to campus or arriving via public transit, we have resources to help you find your way to the University of Minnesota.

Parking

Reduced rate parking is available in the East River Road Garage, located at 385 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Registered guests will be emailed a voucher to be used when you exit the parking garage to receive the reduced rate.

Good to Know

During registration, you will have the opportunity to request accommodations for any of the following with at least 72 hours (three business days) notice:

Requesting Translation Services
Language translation can be requested for any registered guest.

Disability Accommodations
Documented disabilities and short-term disabilities (for example, a broken leg) that may affect walking long distances can be accommodated with advanced notice.

Please note: the Orientation program is not designed for younger children. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to our office.

Celebrate Your New Gopher

Show off your Gopher pride! Limited-edition Gopher yard signs will be available for $25 on your Orientation day. Purchases must be made in person with a credit or debit card. 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

January

Family Orientation

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Orientation & Transition Experiences

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January

Family Orientation

Get In Touch

Orientation & Transition Experiences

Quick Links

Special Thanks

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