Parents and Family
We know that the start of college is an exciting time not only for new students, but also for their parents and family. Whether it’s the first or fifth family member to take this step, each time is different, and families have many hopes, concerns, and questions about embarking on a career at UMass Amherst.
The New Students Orientation staff is eager to make this transition as easy for you as it is for our students. We offer Parent and Family Orientations simultaneously with the student orientation. This gives us an opportunity to welcome you and to make sure you learn as much as possible about academics and campus life, the Pioneer Valley, and how you can best support your student.
Our goal is to answer all of your questions and give you the resources you need to help make your student’s transition as smooth as possible.
Freshman Parents and Family Orientation
Parents and family of new students have a two-day long program that runs concurrent with the student orientation session.
During the opening night of your student’s session (which takes place on Sunday or Wednesday evening), there is an informal reception. The official two-day Parent Orientation begins on either Monday or Thursday morning and concludes on Tuesday or Friday afternoon. The program includes information sessions on a range of topics. You’ll be able meet faculty, staff, and administrators, and learn about campus and residential life, student support services, financial aid, and academic expectations and opportunities. Parents will also have the opportunity to view residence hall rooms in the Southwest, Central, Orchard Hill and Sylvan residential areas.
Below is a sample schedule - a detailed schedule will be give to you when you arrive.
Sessions Offered on Monday or Thursday
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For some families, attending one of our Parent/Family Programs may create a financial hardship. The UMass Amherst Financial Aid office has a limited amount of funds to assist families, if this fee does pose a difficulty.
If you wish to apply for a waiver, please email us at newstudent@acad.umass.edu. You should include your student’s name, ID#, and your name. Please note that you must have a FAFSA on file in order to be eligible for consideration.
Note: Fees paid to attend orientation are non-refundable.
2008 Orientation dates:
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Transfer and Stockbridge Parents and Family Orientation
Our Transfer and Stockbridge Parents and Family orientation sessions run on the final day of your student's orientation session. During the orientation, you’ll meet faculty, administrators, and staff, and get plenty of opportunities to ask questions. You’ll be able to tour the campus and learn about campus and residential life, student support services, financial aid, and academic expectations and opportunities.
The cost of this program is $40 per person and includes breakfast, lunch and program materials. Please note: Although a Kosher Meal Plan is offered to students during the academic year, kosher meals are not available at New Students Orientation or Parents and Family Orientation. Vegetarian options are available at every meal.
For some families, attending one of our Parent/Family Programs may create a financial hardship. The UMass Amherst Financial Aid office has a limited amount of funds to assist families, if this fee does pose a difficulty.
If you wish to apply for a waiver, please email us at newstudent@acad.umass.edu. You should include your student’s name, ID#, and your name. Please note that you must have a FAFSA on file in order to be eligible for consideration.
Note: Fees paid to attend orientation are non-refundable.
2008 Transfer Orientation dates:
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2008 Stockbridge Orientation date:
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