Summer 2024 Family & Student Supporter Orientation registration is now open
Arriving for Orientation:
Check-In
NEW in 2024:
Parking will be in the East River Road Garage. After parking, students and families will be bussed to Northrop for check-in, the resource fair, and the welcome program.
Check-In for Orientation will take place from 8:15 - 9:30 a.m. inside the Northrop ground level eastside entrance.
Directions
Whether you are driving to campus or arriving via public transit, we have resources to help you find your way to the U of M campus.
Parking
Reduced-rate parking is available in the East River Road Garage, located at 385 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55455. When you enter the parking garage you will take a ticekt. When you leave for the day, you will insert your parking ticket at the exit, scan the QR code that was emailed to you, then pay the reduced rate by credit card or phone app.
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.
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
- An umbrella or jacket in the event of inclement weather
Good to know:
- Younger Children
- The day program is not designed for younger children. If you do plan to bring younger children, please call our office at 612-624-1979 for registration information.
- Requesting Translation Services
- We want to provide access for everyone attending the Parent Orientation program. If you or another registered guest needs language translation, we are happy to provide this accommodation. Please email our office at [email protected] at least one week prior to your scheduled Parent Orientation date.
- Disabilities
- If you have a documented disability and would like to request accommodations (these include sign language interpreters and alternate formats), contact the Disability Resource Center at 612-626-1333 at least two weeks prior to Orientation.
- Mobility Issues
- If you have a short-term disability (i.e. broken leg) and would have difficulty walking long distances, during Orientation, please contact our office for accommodations at 612-624-1979.
Schedule
Family & Student Supporters of the Class of 2028 (Freshmen)
Please Note: Family & student supporters should sign up for an Orientation session that matches their student's date. Registration closes three business days prior to each Orientation session. On-site registration is not available.
Students are not the only ones who will be busy during their two-day Orientation. Parents & student supporters will also have experiences both with their students and on their own. Topics include housing and dining, academic success resources, financial aid, student services, campus tours, and everything else to help make both you and your student comfortable as they start this exciting new journey.
- Around 5:30 p.m. at the end of the first day, families and students will say goodbye for the evening as students have dinner together along with evening and overnight activities.
- Families will be back in the morning on day two for additional experiences such as meeting with advisors from various colleges for question and answer sessions, a computer resources session, a residence hall tour, and learning about fraternity and sorority life.
Please note: Family & 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.
Freshman Family & Student Supporters schedule can be found here. Please note that this schedule is subject to change.
Cost
The Family & Student Supporter Orientation Program costs $45 per registrant. Lunch on Day 1 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].
Arriving to Orientation
NEW in 2024:
Parking will be in the East River Road Garage where students will also drop-off their luggage at Level C. Students and families will then board a bus for a short ride to check-in for Orientation. Check-in will take place from 8 - 9:30 a.m. inside the Northrop ground level eastside entrance.
Directions
Whether you are driving to campus or arriving via public transit, you can find your way to Orientation using the information at z.umn.edu/orientationdirections.
Parking
Reduced-rate parking is available in the East River Road Garage, located at 385 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55455. You will receive a ticket when you enter the parking garage. When you leave for the day, you should scan this ticket, then the voucher QR code in the Get Ready for Orientation email that was sent to you in order to receive the reduced rate. After the rate is adjusted, you should make payment via credit card or your phone wallet app.
Student Luggage
Students will drop off their overnight bag on Level C of the East River Road Garage. Please do not pack your ID as you will need it during check-in. Student luggage will be transported by Orientation staff to Comstock Hall, where it will be stored until they are scheduled to pick it up in the early evening. Once your student's overnight bag is checked, you and your student will board a bus to Northrop for Orientation check-in.
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.
Freshman 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 Day 1 and is automatically reserved for your student; you will not need to make these arrangements.
On-campus lodging is NOT provided for students as part of the Orientation programs in August. However, limited on-campus housing is available on campus at the cost of $39 (including tax) per night. Please register online. This option is not available after August 21, 2024.
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.