Family Orientation

Summer 2026 New Family/Supporter Orientation

This program is for first-year families and supporters with students entering in Fall 2026. Each student may register up to two family members or supporters to attend New Student Orientation with them. There is no cost for family members or supporters to attend, including food and materials for all sessions. Family and supporters are responsible for their own overnight accommodations and travel accommodations for the program.

If you are the family of a transfer student, please note that transfer student orientation is on Wednesday, August 19 and details will be sent to your student this summer.

Please note: If your student is unable to attend in July, all orientation requirements are fulfilled during Welcome Week (required for all new students).

Benefits of Attending:

  • Become familiar with campus resources and support systems and confident in sharing information with their student.
  • Families/supporters that attended the program previously indicated that it increased their preparedness to support their student’s transition to the University.
  • Learn about your student’s academic area including academic advising.

Orientation Schedule Highlights

Session Information and Preliminary Schedules

Orientation Registration for families/supporters is now closed. If you have questions or need to cancel your registration, please contact us at family@syr.edu.

Session 2 Schedule

First-year students and families/supporters in the following schools and colleges are eligible to attend Session 2.

  • College of Arts and Sciences | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
  • College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS)
  • School of Architecture
  • School of Education
  • S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Session 3 Schedule

First-year students and families/supporters in the following schools and colleges are eligible to attend Session 3.

  • College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)
  • David B. Falk College of Sport
  • Martin J. Whitman School of Management
  • School of Information Studies (iSchool)

Session 4 Schedule

First-year students and families/supporters in the following schools and colleges are eligible to attend Session 4.

  • David B. Falk College of Sport
  • Martin J. Whitman School of Management
  • School of Architecture
  • School of Education
  • S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Session 5 Schedule

First-year students and families/supporters in the all schools and colleges are eligible to attend Session 5.

Growing Oranges

Join staff from New Student Programs as they walk you through ‘My Move-In Hub’ from Applying for Housing to Getting Settled, selecting a move-in time slot, what to expect regarding campus traffic and more!

The session will be recorded and available here by the end of June.

Click Here for Recording

Meet other new families. Learn more about Parent and Family Services and how we can help you to support your student throughout their time at Syracuse University. Brief presentation followed by Q&A.

Please note: Sessions will not be recorded.

Register Here for June 23 at 4 p.m. EDT

Register Here for July 1 at 7 p.m. EDT

This informative workshop is designed to help parents, families and supporters better understand the realities college students face around substance use and sexual health. Together, we’ll explore the current landscape for college students in terms of substance use and sexual health, review Syracuse University’s policies and expectations, and discuss harm reduction approaches that students can use to make safer choices. We’ll also highlight the support services and resources available at Syracuse University to promote student well-being and success.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
  • Understand the current landscape of substance use and sexual health among college students
  • Become familiar with Syracuse University’s policies and expectations for students
  • Gain insight into harm reduction strategies that promote student safety
  • Learn about the campus resources available to support students
This session offers practical knowledge and reassurance for families looking to stay informed and supportive throughout their students’ college journey.

Please Note:  This session is limited to the first 300 registrants. The session will be recorded and available here by the end of July.

Register Here

Welcome Week 2026 Information

Coming soon!

Orange Family Resources

As a member of the Orange community, we invite you to further explore the following resource highlights.

  • New Family Communications E-mail Archive Summer 2026 (coming soon!)
  • Family Weekend