Family & Student Supporter Orientation

You play a key role in your student’s college journey, which means Orientation is for you too.
As your student begins their transition to the University, you’ll learn what to expect, who to connect with, and how to support them with confidence. Families who attend often feel more informed, more connected, and better prepared.

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

Registration Details

Register for Family & Student Supporter Orientation

  • Opens 48 hours after your student registers for Orientation

  • 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


What to Expect

Throughout the program, you’ll:

  • 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


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.


Family Orientation Schedules

Day 1:

Approximate schedule: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. More details can be found below under the "Schedule" drop down menu.
Includes:

  • Parking and luggage drop-off

  • Orientation check-in and resource fair

  • Campus welcome session

  • Informational presentations (U Card, safety, Boynton Health, One Stop)

  • Lunch

  • College-specific sessions

  • Breakout sessions (topics like finding a major, wellbeing, academic success, Fraternity & Sorority Life)

  • Closing session

Students stay overnight in a residence hall (included, no extra cost)

Day 2: Optional

Come and go based on your interests
Activities include:

  • Residence hall tours

  • Guided and self-guided campus tours

  • Visit the Public Safety Center

  • One Stop open for drop-in help from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please note: Supporters do not attend advising or course registration sessions. These are student-only experiences to promote independence with academic planning.


What to Bring

  • Government-issued ID

  • Credit or debit card for parking

  • Notebook and pen

  • Comfortable clothing and shoes

  • Light sweater or jacket

  • Umbrella in case of rain


New this year: 

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.

Future Gopher yard sign

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

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Arriving to Orientation

Important: Major road construction near the U, particularly on I-94 and University Avenue, may impact your commute. Please check the Parking and Transportation alerts page for the latest updates—and plan to give yourself extra time to get to campus.

  • Directions: Whether you’re driving to campus or arriving via public transit, we have resources to help you find your way to the U of M campus.

  • Parking: Please park in the East River Road Garage. Reduced-rate parking is available in the East River Road Garage, located at 385 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55455

    • When you enter the garage, take a ticket

    • When you leave for the day, insert your parking ticket at the exit

    • Scan the QR code that was emailed to you

    • Pay the reduced rate by credit card or phone app

  • Check-in: After parking, students and families will be bused to check-in between 8 and 9 a.m. and then participate in the resource fair and welcome program. You should not go directly to Northrop. Please park in the East River Road Garage to drop-off student luggage and be bused to Northrop.

Cost

The Family & Student Supporter Orientation Program costs $50 per registrant. Lunch on the first day and program materials are provided.

The registration fee is non-refundable, but can be transferred to a different date or another registrant. If you need to make changes after registering, please contact [email protected].

Schedule

First Year Family & Student Supporter Orientation Schedule Example

Day 1- Please note this schedule is subject to change. You will receive a link to your schedule the day of Orientation with more details of times and locations.

8 - 9:30 a.m.Parking and Luggage Drop Off East River Road Garage
8- 9 :30 a.m.Check-inNorthrop - Lilly Plaza Entrance
8:15 - 10 a.m.Resource FairNorthrop - First Floor
8:45 & 9:15 a.m.East Bank ToursNorthrop First Floor
   
9:15 a.m.Finding a Major that Fits YouNorthrop, Lindahl Founders Room
9:20 - 9:50 a.m.University Honors Program240 Northrop
10 - 10:45 a.m.University WelcomeNorthrop
Break/Travel
11 - 11:07 a.m.Overview of Family Orientation Great Hall
11:07 - 11:27 a.m.Supporting You to Support Your StudentGreat Hall
11:30 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.SafetyGreat Hall
11:50 - 12:10 p.m.Lunch DismissalGreat Hall
12:10 - 12:35 p.m.Boynton HealthGreat Hall
12:35 - 12:55 p.m.U Card: Your Student's Key to CampusGreat Hall
12:55 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.One StopGreat Hall
1:15 p.m. - 1:35 p.m.College Meeting DismissalGreat Hall
Joint College Meeting
1:20 - 3 p.m.CLACMU Theatre
1:50pm - 3pmCLA PES326 Coffman Memorial Union
1:50pm - 3pmCLA MLK324 Coffman Memorial Union
1:40 - 3 p.m.CSOMHanson Hall 
1:40 - 3 p.m.CBS312 Bruininks Hall
1:40 - 3 p.m.CDes56 Rapson Hall
1:40 - 3 p.m.CEHD June: Tate B50; July: 216 Pills room 155
1:40 - 3 p.m.CFANS432 Bruininks
1:40 - 3 p.m.CSE220 Bruininks
1:40 - 3 p.m.SON4-130 Weaver-Densford
Break/Travel
3:15-3:40 p.m. & 3:45 -4:10 p.m.
Rotational Breakouts - Pick Two
Find a Major (only offered during first breakout)Bruininks 114
Fraternity & Sorority Life Info SessionBruininks 432
Academic Success ResourcesBruininks 312
Managing your Wellbeing Bruininks 330
UMN BookstoreBruininks 220
Travel
4:20 - 4:55 p.m.Living on CampusGreat Hall 
4:20 - 4:55 p.m.Off Campus LivingCMU Mississippi Room 
5 - 5:25 p.m.Family Orientation Closing - OTEGreat Hall

Day 2- Your students' end time will depend on their college advising and registration.

Please note: Families and student supporters are not able to participate in the advising or registration session with their student. It is important that students register for classes on their own with the guidance of their academic advisor and begin making their own decisions about their academic future.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.One Stop Drop InsBruininks - 3rd Floor
9:15 a.m.Residence Hall Tour - ComstockCMU Info Booth
10 - 11 a.m. West Bank Campus TourCMU Info Booth
11:10 a.m. - NoonEast Bank Campus TourCMU Info Booth
   
   
   
Below are some additional opportunities available to you as you wait for your student to complete registration. There is no need to check in to attend Day 2 sessions for parents. 
   
Additional Options  
 Location 
UMPD Dinkytown Off Campus Location Open House,stop by to connect with UMPD Public Safety officers and grab a cup coffee or tea
Explore Campus Self guide tours and exploration around campus on your own to explore Weisman Museum, Walter Library, U of M Bookstore

What to Bring

When you check in to Orientation you will receive some program materials. We also recommend you bring:

  • Your driver's license or government issued ID
  • Credit or debit card for parking
  • Notebook and pen or pencil
  • Comfortable clothing and shoes
  • Umbrella in case of rain
  • Light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned rooms

Overnight Accommodations

Lodging is not provided for Family & Student Supporters Orientation. Learn more about overnight accommodations available for Family and student supporters.

First Year students attending Orientation in June & July will stay on-campus overnight as a required part of their Orientation experience. Lodging is provided at the end of the first day and is automatically reserved for your student; you will not need to make these arrangements.

In August, on-campus lodging is NOT provided for students as part of the Orientation program. However, limited on-campus housing is available on campus at the cost of $40 (including tax) per night. Please register online

Transfer Student Orientation is a one-day program and housing is not provided.

Learn more about what Students Need to Know prior to attending their Orientation.

Our Orientation staff is readily available to assist you with your Orientation experience and/or questions about the University. Feel free to contact us using the chat feature below, via email at [email protected], or call 612-624-1979.