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UMass Amherst Family Weekend is scheduled for Oct. 13-15, and the office of New Student Orientation & Transitions has shared information for families to help plan for a successful visit to campus.
 

Registration

Visitors can save time at check-in by completing registration for their family, including their UMass student, in advance. Registration can be completed online 24/7, but please note that registration fees are non-refundable.

Fee waivers that reduce the cost of attending Family Weekend are available for families whose students have demonstrated financial need. Before registering, family members interested in requesting a waiver are asked to email newstudent@umass.edu to determine if their family is eligible.

Hockey ticket packages require a separate purchase, with more information available on the UMass Athletics website.
 

Check-in Hours

Check-in will take place under the tent on the North Lawn from 3 - 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, and from 9 a.m. - noon on Saturday, Oct. 14.

When families arrive to campus, they should come to the check-in station under the tent on the North Lawn between the Campus Center and Student Union, opposite the Campus Center Garage. Those checking in on Saturday are recommended to do so by 10 a.m. in order to enjoy as much of the weekend’s festivities as possible.

Upon checking-in their group, families will pick up Family Weekend wristbands, which grant access to all Family Weekend experiences and information sessions, and receive giveaway items. They are also invited to stay to enjoy Family Fest featuring photo stations, snacks, games and a chance to meet Sam the Minuteman.
 

Planning Your Visit

Schedule of Events
A basic schedule of events can be found on the Family Weekend page, and Family Weekend will be a part of the My UMass App during the week leading up to the festivities. The app can be downloaded from the App Store or on Google Play. Some activities run concurrently, require advance registration – including admissions information sessions for siblings – or a separate purchase, such as hockey ticket packages.

Family Weekend Meals
Family Weekend attendees can enjoy meals at the four residential dining commons, compliments of Dining Services, when accompanied by a UMass Amherst student who is on a meal plan. For those without a student on a meal plan, cash and credit card are accepted:

• Brunch is $11.50 per person
• Lunch is $11.50 per person
• Dinner is $18.75 per person
• Children under 10 are $6.50

Lodging
Those planning to stay in the area should visit the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism and the Family Weekend websites to search for hotels in nearby communities, including Springfield and
West Springfield.

Parking
Family Weekend parking is available in the Campus Center Garage, 91 Campus Center Way, levels 2-6 at no additional charge for Family Weekend guests. If the garage fills, parking will be available in the overflow lot, Lot 25, near the Mullins Center.

What to Wear
While many activities take place in the Campus Center and Student Union, there are also outdoor activities to enjoy, so comfortable shoes, clothing and a jacket are recommended.  

Virtual Family Weekend
Those unable to join the festivities in Amherst Oct. 13-15 can still join in the fun via digital events, such as a Virtual Escape room on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7 a.m. and a virtual Need a Minute session with campus leaders on Sunday, Oct.15 at 7 a.m. Links to join these events will be posted on the Family Weekend website in advance.

Those with any questions or in need of assistance are asked to reach out to the Parent & Family Services team at umassparents@umass.edu or 413-577-4444.