
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.

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
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
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-in | Northrop - Lilly Plaza Entrance |
8:15 - 10 a.m. | Resource Fair | Northrop - First Floor |
8:45 & 9:15 a.m. | East Bank Tours | Northrop First Floor |
9:15 a.m. | Finding a Major that Fits You | Northrop, Lindahl Founders Room |
9:20 - 9:50 a.m. | University Honors Program | 240 Northrop |
10 - 10:45 a.m. | University Welcome | Northrop |
Break/Travel | ||
11 - 11:07 a.m. | Overview of Family Orientation | Great Hall |
11:07 - 11:27 a.m. | Supporting You to Support Your Student | Great Hall |
11:30 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. | Safety | Great Hall |
11:50 - 12:10 p.m. | Lunch Dismissal | Great Hall |
12:10 - 12:35 p.m. | Boynton Health | Great Hall |
12:35 - 12:55 p.m. | U Card: Your Student's Key to Campus | Great Hall |
12:55 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. | One Stop | Great Hall |
1:15 p.m. - 1:35 p.m. | College Meeting Dismissal | Great Hall |
Joint College Meeting | ||
1:20 - 3 p.m. | CLA | CMU Theatre |
1:50pm - 3pm | CLA PES | 326 Coffman Memorial Union |
1:50pm - 3pm | CLA MLK | 324 Coffman Memorial Union |
1:40 - 3 p.m. | CSOM | Hanson Hall |
1:40 - 3 p.m. | CBS | 312 Bruininks Hall |
1:40 - 3 p.m. | CDes | 56 Rapson Hall |
1:40 - 3 p.m. | CEHD | June: Tate B50; July: 216 Pills room 155 |
1:40 - 3 p.m. | CFANS | 432 Bruininks |
1:40 - 3 p.m. | CSE | 220 Bruininks |
1:40 - 3 p.m. | SON | 4-130 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 Session | Bruininks 432 | |
Academic Success Resources | Bruininks 312 | |
Managing your Wellbeing | Bruininks 330 | |
UMN Bookstore | Bruininks 220 | |
Travel | ||
4:20 - 4:55 p.m. | Living on Campus | Great Hall |
4:20 - 4:55 p.m. | Off Campus Living | CMU Mississippi Room |
5 - 5:25 p.m. | Family Orientation Closing - OTE | Great 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 Ins | Bruininks - 3rd Floor |
9:15 a.m. | Residence Hall Tour - Comstock | CMU Info Booth |
10 - 11 a.m. | West Bank Campus Tour | CMU Info Booth |
11:10 a.m. - Noon | East Bank Campus Tour | CMU 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.