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 Parents 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.
Winter Parents and Family Orientation
Parents and family of new students have a day long program that runs concurrent with the student orientation session.
The One-Day Orientation includes information sessions on a range of topics. You’ll be able to tour the campus, meet staff, and administrators, and learn about campus and residential life, student support services, money matters, and academic expectations and opportunities. The cost of the One-Day Orientation is $40 per person.
For some families, attending one of our Parents and 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.
See How to register for more information
Winter Orientation Dates:
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Schedule of Events for Winter Parents & Family Orientation
The following is a summary of events planned for the December events, a detailed schedule will be provided during check-in
8:30 A.M. Check-in--Sign in for orientation and receive your materials.
9:00 A.M. Welcome and an Academic Perspective--Join us for a brief welcome, an explanation of the day's events, and a discussion covering what students must do to succeed academically.
10:20 A.M. Money Matters--An overview of the billing and financial aid processes hosted by Financial Aid Services and the Office of the Bursar.
11:25 A.M. College Drinking: What Every Parent Needs to Know--The realities of college drinking will be revealed in this interactive session where you'll learn about the university's comprehensive prevention program, resources for parents and students, and current information on student behavior.
12:30 P.M. Lunch
1:30 P.M. Residence Life--Learn about your student's living experience in a residence hall community.
