Parent & Family Orientation

In addition to orientation for new first-year and transfer students, New Mountaineer and Family Engagement offers a corresponding one-day Family Orientation session.

Family members that participate in this program will attend sessions led by university administration, faculty members and current students. Sessions cover topics ranging from student success, to campus life, to current student experiences.

This program takes place at the same time as your student’s orientation. Family members are able to register after their student is registered for student orientation. Family Orientation is optional. If family members wish to participate, they MUST register to attend. There is a 2 guest maximum per student.

Family Orientation Registration Dates

Once your student is registered for student orientation, you will be able to register for Family Orientation on that same date. To register, select the date of your student’s orientation – you will be directed to our Mountaineer Family Experience Portal to complete your registration. You will need to have created an account in the Mountaineer Family Experience Portal prior to registering for Family Orientation. 

Need help with registration? Check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Registering for Family Orientation (Google Doc).

Family Spring Orientation

Orientation dates for students beginning in the Spring semester occur in the weeks preceeding the start of classes.

Boone Campus - First-year Orientation Dates

Boone Campus - Transfer Orientation Dates

Hickory Campus - First-year & Transfer Orientation Dates

Orientation Accommodations

If you need accommodations due to a disability during Family Orientation, please contact New Mountaineer and Family Engagement at least two weeks prior to your orientation date. This will give us time to ensure we can provide the resources to meet your specific needs.

Boone Campus Family Orientation Schedule - Spring 2024

Friday, January 12, 2024

  • 8:15 - 8:45 a.m. Parking & Check-In | River Street Parking Deck (Follow signs from parking to Check-In)
  • 9:00 - 9:20 a.m. Welcome & How to Maximize Your Day | Schaefer Center
  • 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. Academic Exploration Department Meetings | Various Locations
  • 10:45 - 11:15 a.m. Advising & Student Succuss | Grandfather Mountain Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union 137
  • 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Campus Services | Grandfather Mountain Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union 137
  • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch | Roess Dining Hall
  • 1:15 - 2:00 p.m. Care & Concern | Grandfather Mountain Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union 137
  • 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Resource Fair | 1st Floor, Plemmons Student Union
  • 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. Afternoon Sessions 1 | Plemmons Student Union
    • Family Forum | Grandfather Mountain Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union 137
    • Disability Resources | Roan Mountain Room, Plemmons Student Union 122
    • Academic Success w/ University Libraries | Price Lake Room, Plemmons Student Union 201
  • 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. Afternoon Sessions 2 | Plemmons Student Union
    • On-Campus Housing | Linville Falls Room, Plemmons Student Union 226
    • Student Health, Counseling, Recreation, and Wellness | Table Rock Room, Plemmons Student Union 201
    • Families of Student Athletes | Roan Mountain Room, Plemmons Student Union 155
  • 3:45 - 4:00 p.m. Explore the Student Union & Campus Store | Plemmons Student Union
  • 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Hot Chocolate Bar & Social | Main Lobby, Roess Dining Hall

Hickory Campus Family Orientation Schedule - Spring 2024

Thursday, January 11, 2024

  • 8:30 - 8:55 a.m. Check-In & Coffee | Hickory Campus Main Buiding Lobby
  • 9:00 - 9:25 a.m. Welcome & How to Maximize Your Day | Hickory Campus Atrium
  • 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Academic Exploration Panel & College Meetings | Various Locations
  • 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. Advising & Student Success | Classroom 1158
  • 10:45 - 11:15 a.m. Campus Services | Classroom 1158
  • 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Care & Concern | Classroom 1158
  • 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch | Faculty Commons
  • 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. Resource Fair & Special Topics
    • Resource Fair | 1st Floor
    • Office of Disability Resources | Classroom 1134
  • 1:45 - 2:00 p.m. Ice Cream SOULcial & Free App Giveaways | Atrium