Academic Support and Advising

Welcome Family and Guests!

We are very excited to meet your students at New Student Orientation this summer!

As a parent or other support person in your students life, you are invited to sign up for Parent Orientation here.

What to Expect at Parent Orientation

While the Fall orientation session is a 2-day program, it is really the first step in a year-long orientation process for your student.  Parents often tell us that the program was so full of information, they felt like their head was spinning by the end.  Because the entire campus is involved with New Student Orientation and many programs are needing to share critical information, it is inevitable that a feeling of being overwhelmed will occur at least once.

Parents can expect to receive information that will help them understand the university environment from health and safety issues, the academic expectations and requirements, and what to expect from the university.  While orientation is not a requirement for parents and family members, about 52% of students brought a parent or family member with them last summer. 

One of the biggest things to expect is that students and family members are going through two separate programs. There are certain sessions where New Student Orientation and Parent Orientation overlap.   These will include topics such as, paying for college, getting started (what paperwork needs to be submitted), portions of the academic advising process, and a few of the meals.

What to Expect for your student at New Student Orientation

Students can expect a high-energy program that introduces them to the academic and social life of the University, informs them about getting involved at UNC, educates them about our history and traditions, and initiates them into the Northern Colorado Experience.

STUDENTS MUST STAY FOR THE ENTIRE TWO-DAY PROGRAM IN ORDER TO REGISTER FOR COURSES.

What to Bring

  • Casual dress and comfortable walking shoes
  • Personal belongings (change of clothes, toiletries, shower shoes, bug spray) for two days
  • Students will need to bring their UNC Bear Number (typically 801XXXXXX) – this is the student identification number and will be used by many offices, so your students should have it memorized  ASAP
  • Questions and concerns that you have

What to Send Prior to Attending Orientation

  • Transcripts from any other institution from which your student  will receive college credit (including college courses taken in high school and programs such as CU Succeed)
    • Send transcripts to the Office of Admissions at least two weeks before your session; if that is not possible, bring transcripts with you to Orientation
  • Scores from Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams
    • Send scores to the Office of Admissions at least two weeks before your session; if you have not received your scores at the time of Orientation, notify your Orientation Leader at orientation
  • Immunization documentation
    • Send immunization documents to the Student Health Center at least two weeks before your session; if that is not possible, bring documentation to Orientation

Cost to Attend Parent Orientation

The cost for students to attend is included in their student fees.  The cost to attend orientation is $70 per guest with a additional $5 non-refundable reservation fee.  Payment can be made at the time of the reservation by credit card, by sending a check to the address provided on the reservation site to arrive at least 7 days prior to the session, or by calling 970-351-4626 to make a payment over the phone by credit card. This fee does cover the entire 2-day program, which includes 4 meals, parking, and materials.  Guests will receive a Parent Handbook/Calendar for important dates and other informational materials during their stay.

Refunds

If you must cancel your reservation, call us at (970) 351-4626 or email to confirm.orientation@unco.edu. CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE A FULL 7 DAYS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED ORIENTATION SESSION TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND. Refunds will be processed:

  • For June sessions the first week in July
  • For July sessions the first week in August
  • For August sessions the first week in September

Changes 

Any changes on your reservation after you receive your confirmation should be submitted by sending an email with your requested change(s) to confirm.orientation@unco.edu or call (970) 351-4626.  Please DO NOT make another reservation.  Changes must be made a full 7 days before the scheduled orientation session.

Where to Stay Overnight

SPECIAL NOTE FOR AUGUST 19-20 session - students are moving into their residence hall room for this session and we will not be able to provide overnight accommodations for our guests. You will need to reserve a hotel room for your overnight stay for August 19th.

There are 2 options for parents and family members. Please decide which one you would prefer.

  • Stay overnight in the Residence Halls (not available for August 19-20 session)
    • For an additional $23 per guest, your may stay overnight in the Residence Hall for parents and guests.  Please be aware, this is the “traditional” college experience, so roommate matching may become necessary.  Snyder Hall does not have private bathrooms. You may select this option when you sign up for Parent Orientation.
  • OR book a hotel room near campus
    • Sample Schedule for Parents

    What is Orientation?

    Notes from your Orientation Session

    Preparing my student

    What else?