We are excited to partner with you as we help to transition your student to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. We can’t wait to have them join the Gopher community!
Parent & Family Orientation focuses on ways to support your student in their transition to the University of Minnesota.
After your student has registered for their student Orientation, you will be able to begin your registration. You will need your student's 7-digit ID number and date of birth. Please note: You may experience a delay in your ability to register. If you are unable to register within 24 hours of your student's registration, please contact us at [email protected]
Register for Parent & Family Orientation
You are encouraged to sign up for an Orientation session that matches your student's date. Registration closes 72 hours prior to each Orientation session. We cannot guarantee availability for walk-in and on-site registrations, so be sure to register as soon as possible.
Schedule
Parents & Families of the Class of 2026 (Freshmen)
The Parent & Family Orientation program for families of Freshmen students is a two-day program. The first day includes a more formal program, while the second day includes a series of optional opportunities. Freshman Student Orientation is also a two-day event and includes an on-campus overnight; you can find more information in the "Overnight Accommodations" section.
On Day 2, students will finish with registration and advising at different times, depending on their academic program and college of enrollment. Please note that parents and family members are not able to attend advising and registration with their student.
Freshman Parent & Family Schedule-at-a-Glance
Parents & Families of Transfer Students
The Transfer Parent & Family Orientation schedule is a one-day program that focuses on the sessions that are most pertinent to transfer students.
Cost
The Parent & Family Orientation Program costs $30 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
Check-In for Orientation will take place from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. on the ground floor of CMU; parking will be in the East River Road Garage.
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. When you enter the parking garage, take your ticket and keep it with you. Then, bring your ticket with you to the Orientation Information Booth to receive your reduced rate.
Student Luggage
Students will drop off their overnight bag on the south side of Coffman Union. Student luggage will be transported by Orientation staff to Centennial 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, head to Coffman Union’s ground floor for Orientation Check-In.
What to Bring
When you check in to Orientation you will receive some program materials. We also recommend you bring:
- 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 Parent & Family Orientation. Learn more about overnight accommodations available for Parents & Families.
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 $37 (including tax) per night. You can register online at z.umn.edu/OrientationHousing
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.