1. Office of Orientation
  2. Parents & Family
  3. Parent & Family Orientation

Parent & Family Orientation

Parent & Family Orientation is strongly encouraged for all freshman parents and guardians. 

The program is designed to assist parents' understanding of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, our academic programs, and student services. Additionally, the program is structured to help you understand your student's transition to college life and how you can best support them. Although not mandatory, we highly encourage all parents or guardians supporting First-Time Freshmen to participate in Parent & Family Orientation. 

Registration

Parent & Family Orientation is a separate program from New Student Orientation, but is held on the same dates. When your student registers for New Student Orientation online, they'll have the option to register up to two guests to attend Parent & Family Orientation. 

  • Summer & Fall Orientation registration opens in March
  • Spring Orientation registration opens in October

Please note: Due to limited space capacities, our two-guests per student limit must be strictly enforced. Additionally, the program is not recommended for younger siblings or other small children. Parent & Family Orientation is intended for parents and guardians only. Thank you for understanding!

Summer and Fall Parent & Family Orientation

Early Orientation & Summer School Session*May 22-23, 2025
Fall Session 1June 4-5, 2025
Fall Session 2June 16-17, 2025
Fall Session 3June 23-24, 2025
Fall Session 4June 25-26, 2025
Fall Session 5July 14-15, 2025
Fall Session 6July 16-17, 2025
Fall Session 7July 28-29, 2025

*Early Orientation & Summer School Session is only available to the families of students who are beginning their studies in the Summer semester OR who qualify for Early Orientation. Review eligibility requirements and more information about Early Orientation here.

Parent & Family Orientation is a completely optional program. The bulk of our informational presentations will take place on Day 1. Parents and guardians who are only able to attend one day of Orientation are encouraged to attend Day 1 so they don't miss out on this important information. Students, however, are required to attend both full days of their Orientation.

Day 1 | 12:30 PM - 7:30 PM

  • Check-In
  • University Welcome
  • Ragin' Cajun Classroom
  • Life Outside the Classroom
  • Money Matters
  • Supporting Your Student
  • President's Welcome Reception - Our guests' favorite Orientation event!
  • Bus Tour

Day 2 | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Hidden Gems Walking Tour
  • Dean's Discussion - Meet your student's Academic Dean for a Q&A session!
  • Residential & Commuter Interest Sessions
  • Campus Partners Q&A
  • Financial Aid Appointments
  • Residence Hall Tours

*Subject to change

The schedule of events for Early Orientation & Summer School Session on May 22-23, 2025 will be available in the Spring. 

  • Email Confirmation: Registered guests will receive a confirmation email with more information one week before their scheduled Parent & Family Orientation session.
  • Fee: There is currently no fee to attend Parent & Family Orientation, but guests should be prepared to purchase their own meals.
  • Overnight Accommodations: We are unable to offer on-campus accommodations for parents and guests. Please view our list of local hotels and rates.
  • Schedule of Events: Will be emailed one week before your Orientation date and a printed copy will be provided at check-in. See the Schedule at a Glance above and contact us with any questions.
  • President's Welcome Reception: We encourage you to join us for a casual welcome reception with our University President, Dr. E. Joseph Savoie. Light refreshments will be provided as you mix and mingle with fellow parents, University administrators, deans, and staff. The President's Welcome Reception is our top-rated event that you don't want to miss!
  • Parking: Specific parking instructions will be emailed to registered Orientation attendees one week before their scheduled Orientation.
  • Student Orientation Information: All new students are required to attend an in-person Orientation program. Learn more about Freshman Orientation. 

Spring Parent & Family Orientation

Spring Session 1November 26, 2024
Spring Session 2January 9, 2025

Parent & Family Orientation is a completely optional program. Students, however, are required to attend their Orientation.

7:45 AM - 5:00 PM 

  • Parent & Family Check-In (7:45 AM - 8:30 AM)
  • University Welcome
  • Ragin' Cajun Classroom
  • First Year Experience
  • Supporting Your Student
  • Life Outside the Classroom
  • Money Matters (Financial Aid & Bursar)
  • Residential & Commuter Interest Sessions
  • Campus Partners Q&A
  • Walking Tour

*Subject to change

  • Email Confirmation: Registered guests will receive a confirmation email with more information one week before their scheduled Parent & Family Orientation session.
  • Fee: There is currently no fee to attend Parent & Family Orientation, but guests should be prepared to purchase their own lunch.
  • Overnight Accommodations: We are unable to offer on-campus accommodations for Spring Orientation. Please view our list of local hotels and rates.
  • Schedule of Events: Will be emailed one week before your Orientation date and a printed copy will be provided at check-in. See the Schedule at a Glance above and contact us with any questions.
  • Parking: Specific parking instructions will be emailed to registered Orientation attendees one week before their scheduled Orientation.
  • Student Orientation Information: All new students are required to attend an in-person Orientation program. Learn more about Spring Orientation for Freshmen.

Online Parent & Family Orientation

If you are unable to attend an in-person orientation session, we invite you to participate in our Online Parent & Family Orientation experience, which can be completed at your own pace. The Online Parent & Family Orientation for Summer and Fall 2024 is available now.

Access Online Parent & Family Orientation

Questions?

We're here to help!